Have you thought about publishing your dissertation as a book?
It is definitely a good idea to think of publishing your dissertation as a book. However, you should know that this needs extensive revision for it to compete in the literary marketplace and also appeal to a larger audience. In this regard, here are some guidelines and some tips to help you during the process.
The Timeline
When it comes to publishing a dissertation, you should give it plenty of time. Do not rush it! The review process can even take up to a year as it involves a peer review of your work, potential revisions, more peer review and finally the approval. Ideally the editing can as well take the same amount of time as it entails design, copy editing, typesetting, proofreading, printing and binding.
Variations
Dissertations may differ from books in various ways:
1. They are highly specialized, while books are geared to educate the typical reader.
2. In a dissertation, the writer’s authority must be proven while in the books it is assumed.
3. Dissertations have vast documentation while the books just document to help the reader and to credit sources.
4. Dissertations can be long while books are usually way shorter.
Features of A Good Book
1. The title must be intriguing, memorable, concise and contains relevant keywords.
2. The book must have clear and effective organization.
3. It should have a short and sweet introduction.
4. Should have illustrations that really support the text.
5. The book should have navigational aids, which are essentially chapter titles, subhead notes, running heads, index and a bibliography.
6. The book should have a voice that acts as an invisible tour guide. The story should not sound like it’s being told like a lecture.
The Revision Process: The Basics
When revising, forget about your dissertation and be bold. Focus on how to present it in a dynamic way and clarify your modified topic as well as the audience.
Details
Get rid of the unnecessary references and remove discernible summaries and chapter intros. Also, make the style parallel in the captions, chapter titles, subheads, chapter openings as well as closings. Do not forget to go through the introduction and conclusion and get rid of unnecessary notes. Also, remove unnecessary data and examples and make the chapter openings strong, inviting and precise.
You should also add the definitions of foreign terms, jargon and historical dates. Also, begin and end sentences with the words you really want to emphasize on. Ideally, tighten prose, use active verbs and brainstorm various possible titles and subtitles.
