I sent an edited volume proposal to a series editor, and she replied, starting her email with: "Dear [my first name] (if I may?)". She also signed with her first name.
I'm fine with first-name basis, so I would certainly say that she may. Now my question is, should I address her by first name too?
My dilemma:
- If I do, I'm afraid that I might sound disrespectful, since:
- She's a very senior professor (there is a "power imbalance" between us)
- She doesn't invite me to do so (but maybe this is tacit, since she signed by first name?)
- If I don't and keep addressing her Prof. [Last name], I'm afraid that I might sound aloof.
What is the etiquette in academia? I've worked with volume editors before, but they're about my age and position, so we reverted to first-name easily.
My instinct is to stick with "Prof [Last name]" until I get an obvious invitation (e.g. "please feel free to call me [first name]").
Thanks for your insight.
P.S. She's based in the UK, if that means anything.