Transitioning Your Dissertation into a Book: A Starting Guide

If you're a post-doctoral psychologist or a researcher studying transpersonal, spiritual, or religious topics, the process of transforming your dissertation into a publishable book is a possible step to take with your research. As someone who has assisted numerous authors in successfully securing publishing contracts with prestigious publishers like Routledge and Inner Traditions, I understand what's needed to successfully navigate this transition. This guide is crafted to support you through this process, emphasizing how to restructure your dissertation for a larger audience, while staying true to your original research.

Understanding the Need for a Restructure

A dissertation is typically structured for a narrow audience—mainly your supervisors and a small committee of academic peers. However, a book appeals to a much wider audience, and this audience is not always academic, especially if you plan to publish a self-help book. This broader group of readers expects a more accessible and engaging narrative, and readability is a high priority for them. These readers may not have the specialized background your committee did, which means simplifying complex concepts without diluting the core message is key.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Content's Broad Appeal

First, evaluate whether your dissertation's topic has the potential to interest a broader audience. Does your research on spiritual experiences offer new insights into human psychology? Could your findings on religious practices influence current social or cultural discourses? If your work can provoke thought or bring new information to light, it has the potential to make a successful book. Most publishers today are also interested in any workshops that may be generated from the book, as these help drive sales. It's a good idea to start thinking if your material has workshop potential.

Step 2: Revising with a Broader Perspective

Once you've determined the potential broad appeal of your work, the real challenge begins: revision. You'll need to shift from the dense academic writing style typical of dissertations to a more narrative-driven format. Don't overwhelm your reader with research method jargon or statistical procedures. Start by breaking down your chapters into more manageable, topic-focused sections that progressively build upon each other. Be ready to create real-world examples that illustrate your findings. If possible, tell the story of your research. This restructuring allows you to create a narrative flow that guides the reader through your arguments and discoveries without overwhelming them.

Step 3: Expanding Your Framework

Think about additional chapters or sections you could add to provide background information, update research, or discuss developments related to your topic since your dissertation was completed. This not only refreshes your content but also makes it more relevant to current readers. For example, if your dissertation discussed meditation practices in a particular religious context, you could expand on how these practices are being integrated into modern therapeutic techniques, or develop that workshop that publishers are looking for.

Step 4: Seeking Professional Help

Given the complexities involved in editing and publishing, consider hiring a professional editor who specializes in academic and non-fiction manuscripts. An editor can help refine your book’s language and presentation to ensure it meets publishing standards while maintaining your unique voice. In addition, they can assist in navigating the publishing landscape, which can be particularly helpful if you are new to the commercial publishing world. I have 15 years of experience helping authors edit their work, with a variety of publishers. See my portfolio for more details, and don't forget to check out my reviews page!

Step 5: Selecting the Right Publisher

Research potential publishers who specialize in academic and non-fiction books within your field. Publishers like Routledge and Inner Traditions are known for their focus on scholarly and spiritual topics, making them suitable for manuscripts that focus on these areas. When you approach these publishers, make sure your book proposal clearly outlines how your book stands out from existing works and what new perspectives it offers to potential readers.

Step 6: Marketing Your Book

Developing a marketing strategy for your book is required by most publishers, and this comes as a surprise to many of the writers I have worked with. Most publishers require you to write a book proposal, which we will cover in the next post, and a big part of the proposal is the market analysis and plan. Consider who your audience is and where you can reach them. Academic conferences, seminars on spiritual studies, and workshops  are excellent venues to promote your upcoming book. If you teach at a higher education institution, you might offer the book as part of the coursework. Building a website and social media presence can also help create awareness about your book . Engage with relevant online communities, contribute articles, and participate in discussions to build your profile as an author.

Transforming your dissertation into a book is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of your audience, a clear vision of your book's purpose, and a strategic approach to revision and marketing. With the right guidance and resources, your research can reach and inspire a global audience, extending the impact of your work far beyond academia.

Every dissertation can become a meaningful book if given the right direction and support. If you're ready to take this step and need guidance or editing services tailored to your unique needs, feel free to reach out. Together, we can plan your transition from dissertation to publication as smoothly and successfuly as possible.