Demystifying Dissertation Writing

"A wonderful tool for assisting students through the rocky road of dissertation writing. Single has written an amazing book for both advisors and students alike. I would recommend this book to anyone who works with any graduate students who are considering continuing their studies and those who are already in a doctoral program."―NACADA Journal

“I was so impressed with this book that I offered to write the foreword for it.”―Rick Reis, editor of the Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletter

"Whether you’re inching towards a dissertation topic, choosing an adviser or already coping with the last stage of doctoral work, this book will be a life-saver."―JoAnn Moody, Faculty Development and Diversity Specialist

"Our students and their advisers rave about Peg’s seminar and her book."―Susan Hasazi, Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, University of Vermont

Research shows that five strategies correlate with the successful completion of a dissertation:

•Establishing a consistent writing routine
•Working with a support group
•Consulting your advisor
•Understanding your committee’s expectations
•Setting a realistic and timely schedule

Building on these insights, this book is for anyone who needs help in preparing for, organizing, planning, scheduling, and writing the longest sustained writing project they have encountered, particularly if he or she is not receiving sufficient guidance about the process; but also for anyone looking to boost his or her writing productivity.

Few scholars, let alone graduate students, have been taught habits of writing fluency and productivity. The writing skills imparted by this book will not only help the reader through the dissertation writing process, but will serve her or him in whatever career she or he embarks on, given the paramount importance of written communication, especially in the academy.

Peg Boyle Single is an academic writing coach who works with doctoral students and faculty members, and a consultant who offers workshops on writing and mentoring programs. She and has been conducting writing seminars and providing writing coaching for over 15 years. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, she was Director of the Faculty Mentoring Program and a Research Associate Professor at the University of Vermont.

Richard M. Reis is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) at Stanford and Co-Exeuctive Director of the Stanford Research Communication Program. A Lecturer in the Stanford Mechanical Engineering department, he teaches an introductory seminar for all incoming Electrical Engineering graduate students. He is also editor of the Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletter.