How to Turn Your Dissertation Into a Journal Manuscript

You researched, wrote, and defended your dissertation. You earned your doctorate. Now, you’re ready to publish.

While your university will likely publish your dissertation in its library, your research can be more accessible if you showcase your findings in a journal manuscript. But, where do you start? Turning a 300-page dissertation into a 10-page manuscript can seem like a daunting task.

Let these tips guide you as you begin the writing process, which can begin months or even years after you complete your dissertation.

1. Choose Your Journal

Before you dive into writing, find a journal that suits your dissertation findings. Explore past issues of potential journals to make sure you’re presenting new and relevant research findings to the journal. You’re more likely to gain acceptance if your research is representative of what the journal typically publishes and if it offers something new.

2. Focus on Key Findings

A five-chapter dissertation will have to be considerably condensed to become a succinct journal manuscript. So, focus on your findings and how these findings contribute to the overall body of research in your field. The background of the topic, a brief literature review, and an overview of your methodology are essential, too, but keep those sections brief so that you have ample opportunity to highlight your findings.

3. Revise Your References

Chances are you’ll be using fewer sources for this adaptation of your dissertation. So, pare down your references to reflect only those sources you included in your manuscript.

4. Pay Attention to Journal Guidelines

Carefully review the journal’s style guide to ensure your manuscript conforms to the journal’s writing and formatting preferences. The journal may have some tweaks to traditional APA or AMA Style, such as different numbering schemes for headings. Some journals have their own style guides entirely. Take time to read and review all information for authors on the journal’s website before you submit.

With these tips––and the help of an editor––you can write a manuscript that showcases your research findings and is ready to publish in a peer-reviewed journal.

About the Author

Barbie Carpenter is the owner of Carpenter Document Consulting, which offers full-service academic editing and content writing services to its many clients. She has more than 15 years of experience editing academic manuscripts and peer-reviewed journal articles for clients from colleges and universities across the U.S.