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•       Resources       Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

Publish or Perish: Graduate Students' Guide to Publishing

In addition to endless piles of reading, demanding expectations in the classroom, student teaching responsibilities, and the always-looming awareness that they need to research, write, and edit a high-quality dissertation before graduating, today’s Ph.D. students also commonly feel stress about another topic: publishing. As more prospective employers expect degree seekers to get their names in academic journals and conferences while still in school, many learners feel overwhelmed by the prospects of making the grade. The following guide answers some of their most pressing questions, provides guidance on the ins and outs of publishing while still in school, and offers expert advice from a professor who knows better than most what it takes to publish rather than perish.

Understanding Publishing in Graduate School

Getting published as a grad student can feel overwhelming at first, because there’s so much to learn about the process and expectations surrounding it. With a bit of research, however, students can familiarize themselves with the specific language surrounding publishing and make in-roads towards getting their first paper published.

What Does it Mean to Get Published?

Within the context of graduate school, publishing refers to getting essays, papers, and research findings published in one of the academic journals or related forms seen as a leader in the field. As jobs in academia continue to become more competitive, it isn’t enough for learners to simply do well in their coursework. The degree seeker who hopes to land an important post-doctoral fellowship or find a teaching position at a college or university must make themselves stand out in other ways.

When Should a Ph.D. Candidate Get Published?

Getting a paper published takes a lot of time and effort, and those students who wait until the final year or two of a doctoral program may fail to actually have any published materials by the time they graduate. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Graduate Connections program , getting a paper published – especially if it’s your first – can take up to three years. In addition to the fact that most journals publish quarterly, the panel review process typically takes a significant amount of time and those submitting for the first or second time usually need to make a large number of edits and complete rewrites in order to reach a publishable standard.

How to Get Published

In order to get published, students submit their work to the journal or conference of their choosing. They frequently also provide a cover letter outlining their research interests. Most journals put out generic calls for submissions once or twice a year, while some may ask for papers addressing specific topics that have a much shorter turnaround time. Grad students may find it intimidating to go up against more seasoned academics, but another option revolves around partnering with their dissertation supervisor or another professor with whom they work closely with to co-author a paper. This not only helps ensure the validity of their findings, but alerts the academic world know that this other, more recognized faculty member believes in the research the student is doing.

Who Should Get Published?

Learners most anxious to get published are those who see their future careers in teaching and research. Because the world of academia is relatively small when divided into individual subjects, it’s important for students who want to break into these ambitious arenas to make a name for themselves early on and create a curriculum vitae that captures the attention of hiring committees.

Where Should Students Get Published?

When deciding which publications to pursue, students should consider the research aims of each and their likelihood of getting published. Newer journals tend to take more submissions as they are still working on building up their roster of contributors. While less venerated than other publications, getting printed in these can help build up name recognition and make it easier to break into the top-tier publications over time.

In terms of where work is published, the majority of students look to academic journals when sending out cover letters and examples of their work. But other options exist as well. Presenting papers at conferences is a popular avenue, as are chapters in books. The following sections takes a more in-depth look at how and where to publish.

Realities & Challenges of Getting Published

Getting published, especially while still in grad school, takes tenacity, focus, and a thick skin. Those who continue working on their craft, presenting at conferences, collaborating with others, and not taking no for an answer, however, frequently find success. Some of the challenges students may encounter include:

Lack of time

It’s no secret that doctoral students have busy schedules that seldom allow for outside – or sometimes, even related – interests to take up much of their days. Because publishing is not a degree requirement, carving out the time needed to research, write, and edit the type of paper required for publishing can feel impossible. With this in mind, student should look for ways to multitask. If presenting at a conference, think about how that paper could be transformed into a journal article.

Lack of confidence

Studies have shown that mental stress and illness frequently increase in grad school as students feel intense pressure to stand out from their peers. These feelings are often intensified when considering publishing, as learners are going up against academics and researchers who have been working in the field far longer than them. It’s important to remember that each of those renowned individuals had to start somewhere.

Lack of funding

Completing the research needed for a competitive paper doesn’t only take time – it requires money. Whether traveling to archives or printing all the necessary documentation, funding for outside research can be scarce while in school. Some programs provide competitive grants for research travel to help offset these costs.

Intense competition

As discussed earlier, competition for publishing is fierce. Academic journals and conferences only have space for so many authors and trying to get noticed can feel like a losing battle. In addition to seeking out newer publications and co-authoring with more notable figures, consider taking part in symposiums at the school you attend to get your foot in the door. While research on the average number of rejections is lacking, don’t feel discouraged if it takes a long time to be chosen for publication.

Finding the right publisher

While getting your name in print within an academic journal you greatly admire is the ultimate goal, it may take some years for it to come to fruition. One of the biggest mistakes students make is applying to ill-suited publications. Look for journals with editorial board members whose names you recognize. If a professor knows one of them, don’t be afraid to ask if they can help get your paper in front of them.

Adequately addressing feedback

Getting a paper published often requires intense editing and even completely restructuring and rewriting what you conceived in the initial abstract. If an academic journal shows interest in your essay but suggests rewrites, pay close attention to their requests and try to work with an advisor to ensure you meet all the stated requirements.

What do Graduate Students Publish?

Academic journals may receive the lion’s share of discussion in the publishing world, but graduate students can actually choose from numerous outlets and paths for getting their work to a larger audience. Students should review the options listed below and think about which format might showcase their work best.

Tips for Publishing

Despite the great amount of work required to publish, students who meet the challenges and persevere stand to position themselves favorably for future job opportunities. The following section addresses some of the most common questions about the process and alleviates general fears about how publishing (or not) reflects upon them.

How many papers should a Ph.D. student try to publish before graduating?

According to scholar-practitioner Dr. Deniece Dortch, no single answer exists. “There is no hard and fast rule as to the number of publications students should have prior to graduation,” she notes. “The reality is students in STEM disciplines and those who use quantitative methods are more likely to have publications prior to graduation because they often work in research teams and labs. This is not to say that qualitative scholars or those in other disciplines aren’t, but it’s a much more standardized practice in STEM for students to graduate with two or three publications. Personally, I had one sole-authored publication accepted prior to graduation, one first-authored piece, and one second-authored piece.”

How many journal articles is it possible to publish during a PhD?

“The answer varies and is determined by factors such as length of program, research team access, and faculty relationships,” says Dr. Dortch. “I’ve seen folks finish with as many as 10 publications, although this is extreme and doesn’t happen often.” She continues, “Imagine you are in a four-year program and you get your idea to write an article in year two. You submit that article in year three after getting approval, collecting data, analyzing it, and then writing your paper. Year three you submit that paper; it may be accepted in year four after months of revisions at the request of the editor. You finally have one published paper as you graduate.”

Are there PhD students who have no journal publications? Should they be worried about that?

“It depends on the type of employment the student is seeking upon graduation,” says Dr. Dortch, “Students applying to or wanting to work in institutions and organizations with the highest levels of research productivity who have no publications may want to consider post-doctoral positions so they have the time and space to work on increasing their publication record after graduation.” She continues, “Postdocs are a very common practice in many disciplines and are used as a way to gain additional training and expertise in research and teaching.”

Is it absolutely essential to have publications to apply for a PhD program?

In a word, no. Individuals working toward doctoral degrees have many reasons for doing so, not all of which require them to publish. Admissions panels also recognize that students focus their efforts on many different goals (e.g. jobs, internships, presenting at symposiums) throughout bachelor’s and master’s programs. As long as learners can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to scholarship, publishing is not an absolute requirement.

Does publish or perish begin before starting a PhD program?

It’s true that many students begin worrying about publishing before starting a Ph.D. program, but the reality is that they have ample time during and after completing a doctorate to make their mark on the world of scholarship. According to a recent article by Inside Higher Ed , some individuals in the academy now wonder if too much emphasis is being placed on grad students publishing. Learners unsure about this should speak to a trusted advisor or mentor to figure out when to focus on getting published.

What is the difference between a published article and a Ph.D. thesis?

While a Ph.D. thesis is required for satisfactory completion of a degree, a published article is not. A Ph.D. also takes a much longer form than a published article, averaging approximately 90,000 words. Academic journal entries, conversely, are usually between 4,000 and 7,000 words.

Should I first write my Ph.D. thesis or publish journal articles?

Though publishing at the doctoral level is increasingly seen as a requirement in the job market, it is not part of degree requirements. With this in mind, students should prioritize the research and writing of their thesis above all else. If they have the time and mental clarity needed to publish journal articles, this can be a secondary focus.

From the Expert

Dr. Deniece Dortch is a scholar-practitioner known for her commitment to diversity, social justice and activism. Dr. Dortch holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Ed.M. in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Columbia University, an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Diversity Leadership & Management from the School for International Training and a B.A. in Spanish from Eastern Michigan University. Hailed a graduate school expert by NPR, she has published numerous articles on the experiences of historically underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students. She is the creator of the African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative at the University of Utah and currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Higher Education at The George Washington University .

Publishing as a student can feel intimidating. Why is this process important for learners to go through?

Long gone are the days of getting a good job by just having a solid dissertation or an award-winning thesis. Publishing your work while in school demonstrates a commitment to answering and understanding our world’s most complex problems. Further, institutions want to know that you have the capacity to publish. Now, publishing doesn’t mean you have to be first author or that you must publish sole-authored pieces only. Collaboration is also sufficient and often encouraged. The publishing process is intimidating for folks because it involves critique and, most often, rejection.

Receiving and giving critical feedback is part of the learning process and students should not shy away from it because it will only serve them well in the end as they learn to cope with disappointment and reward. But more importantly, there is no point spending months and years conducting research if you are just going to keep your findings to yourself. What you learn is meant to be shared.

What are some common mistakes these learners make when preparing their first papers?

Common mistakes that individuals make include not adhering to the guidelines outlined in the submission process. Examples of this can include ignoring formatting requirements (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.), going over the stated word count, inadequately proofreading, and not submitting a cover letter. This is probably the most important one.

What specific advice do you have for them in terms of finding the right outlet, preparing their work, and submitting to journals?

Students should have multiple individuals read over their work before submission. Writing is a process and even after it is submitted, it will need to be revised many more times before you will read it in print. It is part of the process. To find a good outlet for your work, pay attention to where other scholars are submitting their work. If you’re subject is aligned with theirs, you have a shot. Make a list of at least three outlets that fit your article. Also look out for special calls. A special call for submissions usually goes a lot faster than the regular submission process, so if you’re a student who is about to go on the job market, submit to those first. Also, the more competitive the academic, the longer the process, so keep that in mind. If you are rejected, just re-submit to the the next journal on your list.

In addition to publishing in journals, how else might a student go about getting recognition in their field while still in school?

Apply for all fellowships, grants, and awards that are specific to you and what you do. People in the academy love an award winner and they especially love people whose work has been recognized and/or funded by outside groups. A great way to increase a student’s visibility is to publish outside academic journals and publish in other media outlets. Also attend conferences in your field. Try to get on the program as a presenter or facilitator so that people in your field will start to know who you are and your research interests.

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Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Publishing

Part of journalism & media, what is publishing.

By studying a Publishing degree you will learn the process of production and dissemination of literature, music, or other media. It's all about making content available to the public, whether it's a book, an article, a music piece, or a digital product.

Publishing Specialisations

There are several specialisations available if you choose to pursue a Publishing degree. The most common often includes:

Book Publishing,

Digital Publishing,

Editorial Work.

These specialisations are typically pursued in both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, allowing you to focus on aspects of the publishing industry that are suited to your knowledge and academic level (Bachelor's or Master's).

What will you learn during a Publishing programme?

Publishing is a good degree choice for those interested in the behind-the-scenes process of bringing content to the public. You'll learn about the stages of publishing, from acquisition and editing to design and marketing. The skills you can get from Publishing courses are diverse, including:

• understanding of the publishing process,
• editing and proofreading skills,
• marketing and promotion skills,
• project management abilities,
• communication skills.

These skills are not only applicable to publishing but also to a wide range of careers, making Publishing a versatile and valuable degree.

Skills required for a degree in Publishing

To excel in Publishing, you'll need a strong interest in literature and a keen eye for detail. Good communication skills and creativity are also crucial. Publishing degree requirements often include a background in English or a related field, along with a willingness to understand and navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape.

What can you do with a Publishing degree?

The jobs you can get with a Publishing degree are varied and rewarding. With a Bachelor's degree, you could work as an editorial assistant, literary agent, or marketing coordinator. A Master's degree opens up opportunities for roles like:

• Book Editor,
• Rights Manager,
• Literary Agent,
• Marketing Coordinator,

A career after the most common specialisation in Publishing, such as Book Publishing or Digital Publishing, can be incredibly rewarding. You'll have the chance to shape the literary landscape, bring new voices to the forefront, and contribute to the world of literature, making a Publishing degree worth it for many.

View all PhDs in Publishing . Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Publishing .

Interesting programmes for you

Specialisations within the field of journalism & media.

• Media Management
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Turning your PhD into a successful book

Requests regularly arrive in the Author Services inbox asking for advice about turning PhD research into journal articles or books. In this guide, first posted on the  LSE Impact Blog , Terry Clague, a Senior Publisher at Routledge gives his advice and insight into what publishers are looking for when they receive new book proposals.  

Research conducted as part of a PhD is valuable. It is valuable for the researcher, who has spent countless hours carrying out the work and it is valuable to those deciding whether the research should result in the award of a PhD qualification. But can the research be valuable to broader audiences? The simple answer is yes – at the heart of many successful academic books lies research conducted as part of a PhD. 

What options to consider when turning your PhD into a book

In the majority of cases, PhD research is published in the form of journal articles. In some cases, the research is published in a book. Between either end of that publishing spectrum there is an array of options to consider when it comes to disseminating PhD research: 

Converting the entire PhD thesis into a book  requires that your thesis covers a topic of interest to a large enough audience of scholars. Whereas a thesis starts with a question, a book begins with an answer and communicates its importance in the wider research landscape, tracing its evolution and impact. 

Using parts of a PhD thesis in a book  requires that ongoing and/or collaborative research is being conducted. A book (perhaps co-authored) should be greater than the sum of its constituent parts. 

Using an aspect of a PhD thesis in an edited book  on a broader topic ensures that the research fits with related research on a similar theme. A good edited book addresses the need to broaden the scope of PhD-based research via collaborating with a team of contributors. 

Splitting a PhD thesis into several articles  for journals hedges a PhD’s bets by staking smaller amounts of the work in different locations. What is gained by this hedging may be lost in the overall narrative of the PhD research as it is unbundled. 

What publishers look for when deciding whether to take you on

The role of the book publisher is to connect authors with readers. When it comes to disseminating research originating from a PhD, this relationship is essential. It is therefore useful to consider the perspective of the publisher when considering what publication route to take. In assessing a proposal for a research-level book, a good publisher will initially ask themselves three questions: 

Is the  scope  of the research broad enough to be of interest to our readers (scholars globally)? Example

Is the  quality  sufficiently high? 

Can the work be  developed  via feedback from experts as part of the book review process to address any weaknesses? 

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Related posts, insights topics.

Beyond those core questions, potential authors should also consider significant and ongoing changes to the market for academic books, notably in reader behavior. Evolution in digital technology combined with a significant increase in the amounts of available research has led to changes in the way that books are produced, published and propagated. In this environment, the key word is “discoverability”. Connecting authors to readers requires that publishers facilitate discoverability of research via various routes to ensure that potential readers are able to find books with ease. Authors can aid this process by following a few basic rules of thumb: 

The main title of the book should position it clearly without reference to other bibliographic information, and should be as short as feasible 

Chapter titles should likewise, where possible, position themselves clearly 

Chapter synopses or abstracts can be used to enhance the metadata around books

Submitting a book proposal

It is useful to start a conversation with an acquisitions/commissioning editor at an early stage toward the end or shortly after the completion of a PhD. Discussions with supervisors and other colleagues are also very useful at this stage. The next natural step is to submit a book proposal which will be considered by the publisher, often involving a peer review process. Research-level books are often published as part of an established series – an awareness of existing books in such series can be useful when it comes to framing and developing a book proposal. 

Preparing your final manuscript for book publication 

Following a review process, the publisher’s editorial board would give final approval to proceed, following which a book contract would be issued. Armed with publisher and review feedback, the author can then proceed to produce a full manuscript based on their PhD research. Each book is different, but there are numerous key aspects to consider when preparing a final manuscript for book publication. Above all, never lose sight of the audience:

A thesis is written for examiners, a book for scholars in general . Anything that is useful only for examiners (e.g. literature review, methodology discussion) should be cut or heavily amended/digested. 

Examiners will work through text regardless of the writing style, book readers will not . Therefore, it is likely that extensive re-writing will be required to retain and engage readers. 

Take a step back . Think about the overall narrative of the book and be prepared to rethink the structure – this can be liberating! 

Value the reader’s time . Streamline where possible – theses by their nature contain much repetition. Keep in mind the agreed length of the book. 

Contextualize . If research is of a narrow scope, add international or inter-disciplinary context, particularly within the introductory and concluding chapters.

Sharing your research  

Finally, talking about your research and the process of working it into a book can be an essential ingredient to its success. This can be done with your immediate colleagues, at conferences and with a publisher. It can also be done online – with  social media a useful tool  to tap into wider networks as well as to test ideas out. 

Further Reading

European University Institute (Undated) –  From PhD to Book   Germano, W. (2005) –  From Dissertation to Book   Thomson, P. (2011) –  Can I Get a Book From My Thesis   Thomson, P. (2013) –  Turning Your PhD Into a Book   Veletsianos, G. (2016) –  Social Media in Academia , Routledge 

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How to Get Research Published as a PhD Student

The old adage in academia is “publish or perish,” and this saying has some truth. Publishing research during your academic career is an important part of advancing your field. If you’re considering or in the process of getting a doctorate , getting your research published can be overwhelming, but it is crucial for gaining recognition in your field. 

This article will provide valuable insights and tips on successfully getting your research paper published, from selecting the right academic journal to crafting a compelling manuscript.

Understanding graduate student publications

Publishing during your PhD is integral to your academic experience. Depending on your chosen discipline, the expectation may vary — some disciplines expect multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals before graduation. In contrast, your dissertation might be your first published work in others. 

An essential step is understanding your field’s publishing culture. For fast-paced fields like biomedical sciences, it’s common to publish multiple papers throughout the program. But for other disciplines like humanities , the focus might be more on producing a comprehensive dissertation, which often forms the basis for a book or other publication. 

Evaluating these expectations early on helps you formulate a realistic and effective publishing strategy.

It has to be original.

Originality is crucial in publishing an academic paper, as it determines the impact of your research on the field and builds credibility. An original contribution provides fresh perspectives that invigorate intellectual discussions, promote further research and initiate groundbreaking discoveries. 

In the competitive landscape of academia, original work offers a considerable advantage by distinguishing your manuscript from countless others, increasing the likelihood of acceptance and recognition. Moreover, pursuing innovative and ground-breaking work attracts funding and career growth opportunities, as institutions prioritize research demonstrating the potential for significant contributions and future development in your field. 

When discussing originality in research, it’s important to note that original work doesn’t have to revolutionize your field or create something new. Originality in academia could, and most often does, mean contributing new perspectives, interpretations or insights into existing knowledge. 

It should speak to your target audience.

Understanding how to choose a journal is crucial, as it helps you connect with your ideal audience. When deciding where to submit your work, consider the journal’s scope and its readership demographics. By familiarizing yourself with the journals that resonate most with your research, you’ll learn the type and quality of the work they champion. 

You don't have to do it alone. 

Remember that PhD publications don’t happen in a vacuum. Your advisor, colleagues, and other faculty in the department can be invaluable resources as you work to find an interesting topic or viewpoint, submit drafts for review, and move towards the final finished product. Asking for advice and guidance, particularly from those who have been publishing recently, is a great way to ensure that you will reach your audience with what you are trying to do.

Get started on your research contribution! 

Publishing research is part of the challenging and exciting adventure of graduate school. Whether you're interested in history or statistics, psychology or physics, at some point, the rest of the academic community will want to hear about what you are working on. When you publish research, you are contributing to the great dialogue between scholars and thinkers stretching back for centuries.

If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to earn your PhD, we invite you to explore the many resources we have available at SMU: browse our resource library , Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies , or subscribe to our blog . We are excited to help you as you consider your next step in your graduate school journey! 

For a comprehensive overview of the PhD process — from consideration to application to graduation — explore our guide, Choosing, Applying for, and Thriving in a PhD Program.

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A simple guide to begin Publishing during Your PhD

By charlesworth author services.

• Charlesworth Author Services
• 03 January, 2020

A simple guide to begin Publishing during your PhD 

One of the best ways of sharing your research is by publishing your findings, innovative methodologies or original knowledge that you have created through your PhD.  

While many researchers choose to publish only after they complete and obtain their doctorate, some begin the process while they are still doing their PhD (the difference in approach is often down to disciplinary norms).

Academic publishing can often prove challenging – it is not uncommon for the process to take six months to a year from submission to publication. Selecting the right journal is itself an exercise that needs to be well planned – read on for an introduction on getting started and some tips for bettering your chances of getting published.

Deciding where to publish

Spend a substantial amount of time finding the most suitable journal for your work. This can be a fairly lengthy process but can save you a lot of time in the long term.  

Start by considering journals that have published the scholars whose writing you work with most, and/or which specialise in your field of research. You should be able to find out more about the journal or access their archive of issues through a quick online search, or through your university’s access to online resources. Examine the kind of contributions they accept, which current debates or studies they have published that your research can add to, or what methodologies they favour.

You may also want to talk to your supervisor(s), PhD colleagues or fellow researchers about the journals they are most familiar with. They may be able to recommend suitable journals for your research area or have experience of submitting to and working with particular journals. They may even be willing to read through drafts of your work and offer you advice for preparing your submission.  

Thinking outside of the box: Publishing through other avenues

Moving beyond traditional academic journals, new online and media technologies now offer many other alternative avenues for publishing. Before approaching the more well-known, high-impact academic journals – which are often more difficult to penetrate when your research is still in its early stages – you might consider other platforms for disseminating your work, such as websites, blogs or podcasts.

Seek out websites or online magazines relevant to your field of study that encourage academics or writers to submit article ideas. For example, The Conversation is an excellent place to start – the website accepts writing predominantly from academics but is free and open to anyone to read, so you can reach many readers very quickly. There are also an increasing number of academic journals that publish online and are more accessible and easy to work with.

Writing for such publications is an excellent form of knowledge dissemination and public engagement. It is an effective way of sharing your research with non-specialist audiences to create broader interest in your work. It is always worth pitching an article idea or writing to them to enquire about the kinds of articles they are looking for or accept.

Understand the different writing styles and be willing to adapt your own writing

Each journal and publication – whether print or online, academic or commercial – has its own style guidelines and specifications. Any academic or writer wishing to submit an article for consideration will need to adhere to their specifications. Get ahead of the game by seeking out the publication’s ‘instructions/guidelines for authors’ before you start work, and ensure that you adhere to these guidelines throughout. You stand a better chance of being accepted if you fulfill their requirements.  

It is also always a good idea to read a number of articles from your targeted publication, to understand their main focus and themes, the style and ‘voice’ employed in the writing, and the kind of formatting they request (for example, for tables and figures, and referencing).  

Network and make academic friends

Publishing opportunities can also arise from making connections with other academics in your field. Attend and present at conferences whenever the opportunity arises, and make a point to speak to other conference speakers or participants. You never know who may be in the process of compiling a book of articles/essays and may be interested in including your work.

Alternatively, if you establish good connections with fellow academics in your discipline, you could collaborate and compile/edit a book on a novel or niche area of research. This may also be an option if you organised an academic symposium or conference – it is not uncommon for conference papers to be collated and published either in a special issue of a journal or as a book.  

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How to Publish Your PhD

Out now in paperback and ebook editions.

You’ve passed your viva, you’ve changed your title to Dr on your bank cards. Now you want to turn your thesis into a monograph. You’re keen to get started, but how exactly do you go about it? Do you just need to make a few tweaks here and there? Or are you going to have to rewrite every single word? What on earth is a monograph, anyway?

There’s a lot to understand before you embark upon your writing adventure. This practical book guides you through everything you need to know about academic publishing in the 21st century. You’ll establish your purpose and scope, plan your schedule, approach a publisher, and actually write your book. Catherine Pope draws on her own experience of writing and publishing to support you through each stage of the process.

How to Buy 

How to Publish Your PhD  is available in  paperback and ebook  editions. You can order through your favourite online retailer or independent bookstore. The ebook edition is available through Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and all the other major channels. If you’d like to buy in bulk for your institution (20+ copies),  please contact me  for discounts or any other queries.

ISBN: 978-1-8382429-3-0

Introduction (read for free)

• Starting with Why
• Developing Your Strategy
• When’s the Right Time?
• Can You Afford to Write a Book?
• Deciding on the Appropriate Publication Type
• Understanding What’s Required
• Auditing Your Thesis
• Defining Your Scope
• Mapping Your Book
• The Anatomy of a Monograph
• Setting Some Limits
• Managing Your Time
• Academic Publishing in the 21st Century
• Understanding Rights and Contracts
• Royalties and Getting Paid
• Dealing with Copyright
• Calculating Author Costs
• Choosing Between Publishing and Self-Publishing
• Applying for an Embargo
• Identifying a Suitable Publisher
• Assessing Publishers
• Approaching a Publisher
• Writing a Book Proposal
• What Happens Next?
• Thinking Like a Writer
• Boosting Your Productivity
• Building Your Writing Fortress
• Planning a Piece of Writing
• Creating a Storyboard
• Building a Wireframe
• Avoiding Perfectionism
• Dealing with Competition
• Overcoming Procrastination
• Reviewing Progress
• Getting Feedback on Your Writing
• Strengthening Your Structure
• Improving Flow
• Adding Signposts
• Ensuring Clarity
• Proofreading
• Applying Formatting
• How Much Time Do You Need for Editing?
• Dealing with Readers’ Reports
• Including Your Acknowledgements
• Getting Ready for Final Submission
• Checking the Proofs
• Indexing Your Book
• Promoting Your Book

Conclusion Bibliography & Further Resources

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How to Publish Your PhD

• Sarah Caro - Oxford University Press
• Description

How to Publish Your PhD is the first book to provide students with a comprehensive and authoritative guide to publishing their research.

Drawing on nearly twenty years in the book business Sarah Caro explains in a clear and accessible way the key issues facing the would-be author. Within the context of today's fast changing world where new technologies and increasing globalization continue to impact on academia and the world of academic publishing, key issues are discussed ranging from whether publishing your PhD is always the best way to enhance your career prospects to whether you should focus on journals or books.

A wealth of practical information and advice is included on:

• Choosing a publisher
• Revising your thesis
• Putting together a proposal
• Surviving the review process
• Negotiating a contract
• Working with your publishers marketing department

The book is designed to be an easy to use, one stop guide with examples, chapter summaries, and further reading. It will be an invaluable resource for students across the broadest range of the humanities and social sciences and for all those teaching and advising them, in Europe and the US.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

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Supplements

Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Every PhD student should buy a copy of How to Publish your Research before and not after they enroll for a doctoral degree. Informative, practical and insightful, Sarah Caro will become the mentor of every successful PhD student. A mine of information and practical advice, this text is the definitive nuts-and-bolts manual on how to do it.  A safe and sure guide. ? ? ? ? ? ?

The book benefits from some mini-case studies of experienced academics’ experiences. These provide a useful alternative perspective. That said, the most valuable parts of the book are those where Caro writes most clearly as a publishing industry insider.

Good supplemental reading early in post-PhD publishing

This book has been recommended to my colleagues who are developing a Teesside University doctorate programme.

Good book with practical advice written in an easy to read style. Good for anyone embarking on a PhD or appropaching completion.

This book contain good practical information on how to get the PhD published.

It is clear and concise with excellents tips.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Chapter One PDF

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How to... Convert your thesis into a book

This how to guide takes you through everything you need to know to convert your thesis into a book.

You can read all the information you need below, or watch this video from Books Commissioning Editor, Katy Mathers.

On this page

Consider the level of conversion.

• What are book publishers looking for

Consider the audience

• Tips for converting your thesis

What happens next?

Your first consideration when thinking about book publishing options for your thesis should be the level of conversion. You could consider the following options.

A full conversion – from thesis to book

This is a good option should your thesis be on a topic that would have wide appeal to an academic audience. A key consideration here is that the structure of a thesis is massively different to a book. Rather than starting with a hypothesis, a book should showcase a considered argument and its narrative should communicate that argument to peers in the field – demonstrating how the research has evolved into this viewpoint, and what impact it can have.

Partial conversion – using parts of your thesis in a book

Using parts of your thesis in a book usually means that you are conducting further research that might be ongoing, and might involve colleagues that might be a co-author on the project.

Partial conversion – a chapter in an edited collection

Perhaps your thesis doesn’t quite have the broad appeal for a full book conversion. In this case you might consider a chapter in an edited collection under a broader theme – this means you’re broadening the scope of your PhD research to a wider audience by collaborating with a team of contributors on an edited book. Look out for calls for chapters on relevant themes.

What are publishers looking for?

Broad (global) scholarly appeal.

• Remember your thesis is written for a handful of examiners and experts in your field and is partly there to demonstrate the expertise you have gained from your research. A book should have a much wider audience than that, and should be engaging and interesting enough to appeal to a broad section of researchers across your field (and potentially other disciplines as appropriate), and should particularly be accessible enough to engage any researcher interested in your topic of study.
• Single-country case studies won’t always translate well into a book given their focused scope, however, they would work as part of an edited collection with a broader global scope.
• A good book manuscript should focus on a coherent argument/narrative, rather than a step-by-step checklist of things you need to demonstrate in a thesis.
• You don’t need to include big sections or whole chapters on literature review or methodology, these can be weaved into the book as and when appropriate.

Development potential

• An original thesis should be regarded as the basis for an entirely new work, written with a new audience in mind.

Talking about your research and the process of working it into a book is one of the best ways to ensuring success.

Try reaching out to your immediate colleagues, and co-authors on published papers, your PhD supervisor, peers you might meet at conferences, with a publishing contact, or even online. Try asking for advice on twitter, or any professional network sites.

It is advisable to start a conversation with supervisors and other colleagues shortly after the completion of a PhD.

Once you’ve started to get a good idea of what you want to do, it’s also a great time to reach out to a commissioning editor at a publisher. They can advise on further considerations for turning your thesis into a book with a broad scholarly appeal, as well as how to fill in a book proposal form.

Following this, the next natural step is to submit a book proposal which will be considered by the publisher, often involving a peer review process.

The single most important thing to remember when converting your thesis is the audience. Your thesis is written for a select amount of examiners with specific expertise in your field and showcases your nuanced and rich expertise, which you have gleaned from your research in your particular area.

In contrast, a book should have a much wider audience and should be engaging and interesting enough to appeal to a broad section of researchers across your field, and potentially even other disciplines as appropriate.

As a book, your research should be accessible enough to engage any researcher interested in your topic of study.

• Realise which parts of your thesis are useful only to examiners. Any sections such as literature review, or extended methodology discussion should be cut or heavily amended/digested. These sections can weave in and out of your overall narrative rather than be structured separately.
• Writing style is less important for examiners, but essential for book readers. PhD examiners will read your thesis regardless of the writing style, but the writing style for book readers is essential for ensuring your research is accessible and engaging. You must be prepared to extensively re-write your thesis to retain and engage readers. This should be seen as essential rather than optional.
• Keep the big picture in mind. It’s important to take a step back while putting together a proposal, or during the manuscript writing process. Set reminders at intervals to focus on the overall narrative of the book. Is there a logical development of an argument? Does it make sense to a reader’s point of view? If not , be prepared to rethink the structure – it can be freeing to step away from a traditional thesis structure.
• Write concisely. It’s important to bear in mind the importance of the reader’s time. At all stages of the writing process you should focus on streamlining where possible and keep in mind the agreed length of the book. Books are often much shorter than theses, which by their nature contain much repetition. If you’re finding it hard to meet the agreed word limit, your writing style is likely not quite right yet for a book audience.
• Emphasise context. If your research is specialist and nuanced, with a narrow scope, try boosting its contextual implications by adding an international or inter-disciplinary context. It’s particularly useful to do this within the introductory and concluding chapters. Rounding off your book with opening and closing contextual chapters can really emphasise the place of the research within the field and showcase how it’s adding to the literature or breaking fresh ground.
• Get a third party proof-reader. Consider getting someone within your field, perhaps without the specialist knowledge relating to your PhD knowledge, and see what they think of your writing style. If they can follow your argument and find value in the work you’re presenting for the wider field, then the book has good potential. If they’re struggling, you might need to re-think the project.

Top tips for converting your thesis

• The main title of the book should position it clearly without reference to other bibliographic information, and should be as short as possible.
• Chapter titles are something people often forget, and chapter titles can sometimes be a real giveaway in a proposal that a book is based on a thesis and maybe hasn’t been revised appropriately. It’s often a comment reviewers make, and a clear sign to them that the proposal is a thesis conversion. Chapter titles can be way more dynamic in a book than in a thesis, and there’s no need to have chapters called 'methodology' or 'results'. Freeing yourself from these structured ways of thinking can be liberating, and is a good way of diverting yourself from writing in a thesis style.
• Remember that readers of the book are most interested in what your findings/argument are. Think about leading your book with the 'end' of your thesis, i.e. the results/answer to the question you were researching, rather than starting by explaining how you got there.
• You don’t need to include big sections or whole chapters on literature review or methodology, these can be weaved in to the book as and when appropriate (particularly if your research employed an innovative methodology, for example).
• A book manuscript should typically be shorter than your thesis. If you’re struggling to bring the word count down, you might need to get help with your writing style, or evaluate if you’ve cut enough “thesis-heavy” content from your work.
• Use introductory and concluding chapters to contextualise your research. This is super helpful for placing your work within the field.

To summarise

Be prepared to re-write: Having sketched out a new structure and focus, you now have to start writing all over again to create a completely new work. You should accept this as a must for success, and enjoy the creative process that comes with it.

Remove academic structuring: Ordinary readers want you to get straight to the point, Anything that sounds like "In this chapter I will argue . . ." or "In this chapter I have shown . . ." should be deleted immediately.

Audience is the most important consideration. Re-organise your writing around your new audience – remember that concise, narrative-led writing is essential.

Re-focus on the storytelling. Any background material (such as surveys of previous literature, historical background, discussions of earlier and current theories, arguments, methodology, etc.) if retained at all, should be moved from the beginning to the end of the book, or incorporated in a condensed form into the relevant sections of the main text. From start to finish, you should begin with an answer rather than a question, and your argument should be maintained throughout.

Once you’ve formed an idea for your book project, it’s a good time to talk to a commissioning editor at a publisher about submitting a proposal.

Get ready to publish a book

See a list of our book commissioning editors, along with their subject areas and contact information.

Submit your book proposal

Find out how submit a book or series proposal and what the next steps in the publishing process are.

The book peer review process

A helpful guide to our book peer review process.

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How to Publish Your PhD

• Sarah Caro - Oxford University Press
• Description

Drawing on nearly twenty years in the book business Sarah Caro explains in a clear and accessible way the key issues facing the would-be author. Within the context of today's fast changing world where new technologies and increasing globalization continue to impact on academia and the world of academic publishing, key issues are discussed ranging from whether publishing your PhD is always the best way to enhance your career prospects to whether you should focus on journals or books.

A wealth of practical information and advice is included on:

• choosing a publisher
• revising your thesis
• putting together a proposal
• surviving the review process
• negotiating a contract
• working with your publishers marketing department.

The book is designed to be an easy to use, one stop guide with examples, chapter summaries and further reading. It will be an invaluable resource for emerging researchers across the broadest range of the humanities and social sciences and for all those teaching and advising them, in Europe and the US.

SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Supplements

Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Every PhD student should buy a copy of How to Publish your Research before and not after they enroll for a doctoral degree. Informative, practical and insightful, Sarah Caro will become the mentor of every successful PhD student. A mine of information and practical advice, this text is the definitive nuts-and-bolts manual on how to do it.  A safe and sure guide. ? ? ? ? ? ?

The book benefits from some mini-case studies of experienced academics’ experiences. These provide a useful alternative perspective. That said, the most valuable parts of the book are those where Caro writes most clearly as a publishing industry insider.

Good supplemental reading early in post-PhD publishing

This book has been recommended to my colleagues who are developing a Teesside University doctorate programme.

Good book with practical advice written in an easy to read style. Good for anyone embarking on a PhD or appropaching completion.

This book contain good practical information on how to get the PhD published.

It is clear and concise with excellents tips.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Chapter One PDF

For instructors

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How to Publish Your PhD

• Sarah Caro - Oxford University Press
• Description
• Author(s) / Editor(s)

How to Publish Your PhD is the first book to provide students with a comprehensive and authoritative guide to publishing their research.

Drawing on nearly twenty years in the book business Sarah Caro explains in a clear and accessible way the key issues facing the would-be author. Within the context of today's fast changing world where new technologies and increasing globalization continue to impact on academia and the world of academic publishing, key issues are discussed ranging from whether publishing your PhD is always the best way to enhance your career prospects to whether you should focus on journals or books.

A wealth of practical information and advice is included on:

• Choosing a publisher
• Revising your thesis
• Putting together a proposal
• Surviving the review process
• Negotiating a contract
• Working with your publishers marketing department

The book is designed to be an easy to use, one stop guide with examples, chapter summaries, and further reading. It will be an invaluable resource for students across the broadest range of the humanities and social sciences and for all those teaching and advising them, in Europe and the US.

Supplements

Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Every PhD student should buy a copy of How to Publish your Research before and not after they enroll for a doctoral degree. Informative, practical and insightful, Sarah Caro will become the mentor of every successful PhD student. A mine of information and practical advice, this text is the definitive nuts-and-bolts manual on how to do it.  A safe and sure guide. ? ? ? ? ? ?

The book benefits from some mini-case studies of experienced academics’ experiences. These provide a useful alternative perspective. That said, the most valuable parts of the book are those where Caro writes most clearly as a publishing industry insider.

Good supplemental reading early in post-PhD publishing

This book has been recommended to my colleagues who are developing a Teesside University doctorate programme.

Good book with practical advice written in an easy to read style. Good for anyone embarking on a PhD or appropaching completion.

This book contain good practical information on how to get the PhD published.

It is clear and concise with excellents tips.

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters.

Chapter One PDF

For instructors

Purchasing options.

Please select a format:

Order from:

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How to turn your PhD thesis into a book

Oxford Academic

Learn more about the world of academic publishing—from open access to peer review, accessibility to getting published—with our Publishing 101 series on the OUPblog.

• By Sam Bailey
• June 6 th 2024

As an OUP editor who has also completed a PhD, one of the most common questions I am asked is how to turn a thesis into a book. My only-slightly-flippant answer is don’t .

Rather than a revision of their PhD, I would encourage first-book authors to treat their fledgling monograph as a brand-new project.

In a 2015 interview for Vogue , Ursula K. Le Guin spoke about revising Steering the Craft , her classic handbook for aspiring fiction writers, for the twenty-first century. ‘It’s substantially the same book,’ she says, ‘but almost every sentence is rewritten.’ This oxymoron draws attention to the slippery distinction between the work of revising and the work of rewriting. Far from being a distinct undertaking with a separate purpose, revising often shades off into rewriting by an almost imperceptible degree.

For former doctoral students, this is no bad thing. A PhD thesis and an academic monograph have entirely different purposes—trying to turn the former into the latter via a process of revision can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

At the most basic level, a thesis is a document written to pass an exam and to prove the writer’s skill as a researcher. In keeping with this purpose, it is written for a readership of two or—if we’re being generous—three people: your pair of examiners and your primary supervisor. More people will likely read parts of your thesis, although they are not the target readership. A monograph, on the other hand, is written to communicate important and useful research to the widest possible specialist readership. Each of the two documents’ purposes is entirely different, and everything about their construction must feed into that purpose, or they are not doing their job very well.

Before you begin

It’s worth pausing to think whether your thesis needs to become a monograph to advance your career. In certain disciplines, a couple of peer-reviewed research articles in reputable journals is just as, if not more, advantageous than a monograph with an equally reputable publisher.

There’s also the effort-to-reward ratio to consider; turning two thesis chapters into research articles may be less time consuming than turning your entire thesis into a monograph. Besides, having some disciplinary journal publications to your name is going to make a publisher far more interested in your first book, which can now be based on new research unrelated to your thesis. I am reminded of Pat Thomson’s sage advice that ‘ all PhDs can generate some refereed journal articles. But not all PhDs have enough in them to become a book.’

Turning your PhD thesis into a monograph should not be seen as the default course of action, so carefully consider the alternatives before embarking upon this route. But if you still want to, here are a few things you should consider:

Authorial voice

With your PhD in the bag, you have proven your skill as an academic researcher. Congratulations!

Your authorial voice should now feature more prominently in your writing and your own original interpretation should be prioritised over the views of your predecessors. This approach is very different to writing a thesis, where your interpretation must be couched in quotations from secondary sources. You no longer need to provide an audit trail to such a great extent, and monographs feature far fewer secondary quotations—especially long block quotations—than are commonly found in theses. Similarly, the number of secondary citations should be significantly reduced to only cover essential reference points. The spotlight should be firmly on your original ideas and your discussion of primary sources, with far fewer words devoted to quoting and evaluating the contributions of others.

Literature review

To put it simply, a monograph shouldn’t have one. Building on the previous point about authorial voice, the literature review is the prime example of providing an audit trail that simply isn’t expected in a monograph. Remove it! Then, in its place, summarise in one or two pages the most important through-lines found in that literature that are of direct relevance to your arguments. Your readers will assume you’ve done your homework (that was the PhD thesis) and you only need to introduce them to the secondary sources that are essential to following the argument of your monograph. For example, if your work is interdisciplinary and you’re pitching the book to a publisher’s disciplinary list, you might need to summarise the key findings of a particular school of thought from outside the list’s ‘home’ discipline.

Unlike a PhD thesis, a monograph needs to sell copies. Even not-for-profit university presses are required to break even, and a publisher won’t take a chance on a monograph unless they consider it a safe investment. It is down to you to convince them that there is a market for your work and that you write in a way that effectively captures that readership. You must be certain of your book’s selling points and ensure they are effectively communicated in your book proposal and woven into every section of your draft manuscript or writing sample.

One example: publishers are increasingly asked to think about how ‘adoptable’ someone’s book project is, meaning: can we picture it being assigned as required reading in undergraduate or postgraduate courses? For this to be the case, individual chapters should be concise and able to be assigned as standalone reading. Jargon should be kept to a minimum. Anything even slightly tangential should be cut.

Pat Thomson says that converting your PhD thesis into a monograph is ‘a time to hone your writing craft’. What she means by this, I think, is that you have the opportunity and responsibility to learn how to become a better communicator. Your PhD examiners are obliged to read your thesis no matter how engaging they find it, whereas if the readers of your monograph find it unengaging, they will simply stop reading. Academic writing can be so much more than dry, expository prose, and this is a time to stretch your creative writing muscles in a way you weren’t able to do while writing your thesis. Le Guin’s Steering the Craft provides some narrative techniques and writing exercises to help you do this.

Where to begin?

My advice would be to begin at the end. The conclusion of your PhD thesis probably contains your most valuable insights, most useful innovations, and most compelling answers to the all-important questions of ‘so what?’ and ‘why should anyone care?’. These diamonds in the rough can form the building blocks of a monograph that should be thought of not as a revision of your thesis, but as a brand-new project that builds upon your previous research. This new project can draw from some of the most exciting parts of your thesis, though it should be more than just repackaged doctoral research. And it will be far more attractive to a publisher, not to mention enjoyable to write.

Featured image by Element5 Digital via Unsplash .

Sam Bailey (he/him), Senior Associate Editor, Humanities, Oxford University Press

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Publishing Research: Book Chapters and Books

Cite this chapter.

• Lindy Woodrow 2  

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Sometimes researchers decide to publish their work in a book chapter in an edited volume, or they may decide to write a monograph or another type of book. There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing to publish in book form. This section discusses the merits of publishing book chapters and books with a section on writing monographs based on PhD theses.

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The ‘scientist’, the ‘analyst’ and the ‘novelist’: science or metrics?

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Woodrow, L. (2014). Publishing Research: Book Chapters and Books. In: Writing about Quantitative Research in Applied Linguistics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230369955_14

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• PhD by Publication

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD by publication is a degree awarded in recognition of an extensive amount of research published in numerous formats or journals. Unlike a conventional doctorate, you are not expected to undertake a new research project. This page will give a simple overview of what a PhD by publication is, and how to get one.

What is a PhD by publication?

Also known as a PhD by portfolio or by published works , a PhD by publication should not be confused with publishing parts of your doctoral thesis . Instead, the degree is awarded to someone who has several existing publications on related topics which can constitute a portfolio of original work at PhD level. This allows people who have not followed the traditional route towards a PhD to obtain recognition for the research they have done and the subject knowledge they have developed throughout their career.

How does a PhD by publication work?

As applicants for a PhD by portfolio will have already completed and published much of their research, this type of doctorate works very different than a standard PhD. We've answered some common questions below.

What subjects can you do a PhD by publication in?

In principle, this type of doctorate can be obtained in any subject (technically, if you’ve already done PhD-level work, there shouldn’t be any reason you can’t get a PhD by portfolio). But, doing the work you’ll need for a PhD by publication is more practical in some subjects than in others. For example, to do research in STEM subjects you might need specialist skills and access certain facilities.

These are usually available during a traditional PhD, making a PhD by publication less common in these subjects. It’s important to note that not all universities offer this route to a PhD and some may restrict access to academic staff.

How long does a PhD by publication take?

This route towards a PhD is much shorter and typically takes upto one year and can be done part-time.

Do you have a supervisor for a PhD by publication?

Similarly to a PhD by thesis, a supervisor is usually involved. They’ll guide you through the process of forming a thesis from your work, helping you decide what publications should be in the portfolio and establish the connections between them.

What types of publications can be used for the PhD portfolio?

The eligibility of the publications can vary depending on the university or the institution. Rules apply to the type, the number, how recently the work has been published and how / whether they are linked.

These publications generally should not have been used in another research degree and can include the following:

• Academic papers
• Book chapters
• Scholarly editions of text
• Technical reports
• Creative work in relevant areas
• Media presentations
• Surveys (and accompanying analysis)

This list offers you a general guideline and there may be some universities that do not accept certain types of publications and / or offer additional platforms to present your research.

How long should a submitted paper be?

Each university will have their own submission length guidelines. However, your portfolio should be comparable in length to a doctoral thesis, totalling between 80,000 and 100,000 words. This usually means you'll need three to eight publications to make up your publication. This number can vary if your publications are shorter in length.

Aside from your publications, your portfolio will likely need to include an introduction, critical analysis and conclusion. Your supervisor will be able to guide you on how long these should be.

How is a PhD by publication assessed?

A portfolio of various publications is bookended with an introduction and a conclusion, consisting of around 10,000 words (this can vary with discipline). This is then assessed much like a traditional PhD: the portfolio thesis is read and critiqued by two examiners in the relevant field of research. If the candidate is a staff member, then the examiners must both be external (from a different university to the one awarding the degree).

This assessment takes the form of an oral examination, or viva voce , carried out between the PhD candidate and their examiners. Once this has taken place, the examiners will determine whether the portfolio and the verbal discussion meet the requirements to award a PhD by publication.

Publishing during a PhD

A PhD by publication should not be confused with publishing during your PhD , which is a common part of a standard doctorate. This is an optional (but valuable) way to boost your academic CV and gain recognition within your field.

Applying for a PhD by publication

Some of the entry requirements for a PhD by publication are similar to those for a normal PhD by thesis (after all, you’re still seeking to prove that you’re up to the standard required for a doctorate). However, the application process can be quite different.

What are the entry requirements for a PhD by publication?

To apply for a PhD by publication, you must have a Bachelors degree and may be expected to have held this qualification for several years (as the PhD by publication is for established researchers / practitioners, not fresh graduates). You may also need to have relevant professional / academic experience on your CV, in addition to your publications.

Other admission requirements vary. Some universities state that the applicant must be a current staff member, whereas others allow external candidates to apply (so it is always best to check with the individual institution). In the UK, PhD by publication is more common among staff members, but this PhD model is becoming a popular option for early career researchers in other parts of the world.

What is the application process for a PhD by publication?

The PhD by publication route isn’t normally advertised and students don’t usually begin by searching for a supervisor and presenting a research proposal. Instead, universities encourage applicants to contact the head of department in the relevant subject area before applying. They will discuss your previous research and advise you on the application process.

The application generally involves a postgraduate application form consisting of a CV and a supporting statement , outlining how the publications fit together, methodologies (and why they were used), a brief discussion of findings and most of all, how this research has given a unique and original contribution to the field. You won’t normally need to provide a research proposal as you aren’t planning an extensive new project.

Fees and funding for PhDs by publication

The costs of a PhD by portfolio are minimal compared to that of a PhD by thesis. However, funding for this route is much less common.

How much does it cost to do a PhD by publication?

The cost usually equates to the typical PhD fee for one year of study. The fees can vary depending on whether you are an external candidate or a staff member. In the UK, the cost of a PhD is usually £4-5,000 for a year for home students.

Can you get funding for a PhD by publication?

Unfortunately, there generally isn’t any funding for a PhD by publication, as this type of degree is aimed at established academics and practitioners who will not be eligible for Research Council studentships and PhD loans. Staff members may get a lower PhD fee and/or some help with the costs, but this will vary depending on the university.

PhD by publication vs PhD by thesis

There are several things to bear in mind when thinking about whether to complete a conventional doctorate or seek a PhD based on your existing work.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing a PhD by publication:

• Work has already been peer-reviewed and critiqued, which gives you an advantage when it comes to your oral examination, as you may already have some ideas of the types of questions and queries that can come up
• Offers a faster (and therefore cheaper) way of earning your doctorate
• You can often continue working whilst creating your PhD portfolio
• A PhD by publication is a useful way of formalising professional experience, meaning you may be able to qualify for more senior roles and progress in your career
• May only be available in specific circumstances (see below)
• It is not suitable for all projects / subjects (some topics need to be set up as complete projects from the start)
• You have less freedom to investigate a new area and design your own research methods
• You won’t normally benefit from other parts of the PhD experience: structured training, academic work experience (teaching, presenting, etc)
• There is limited funding available

Looking for a PhD?

Check out our database of PhDs to find the latest programme opportunities from around the world.

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The PhD is the most common variety of doctorate, but others are awarded in specific disciplines or sometimes particular countries.

Joint PhD programmes involve collaboration between two (or more) different universities. So how does that work? Who can apply? And what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of researching in this way?

Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available.

Thinking of applying for the Doctor of Engineering (EngD)? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the qualification, including costs, applications, programme content, and how it differs from a PhD.

A PhD isn't the only option for postgraduate researchers. Our guides explain professional doctorates, joint degrees and compare other qualification types.

How does the value of an MPhil compare with a PhD, and why might you choose the Masters over the doctorate?

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Book series

Springer Theses

Recognizing Outstanding Ph.D. Research

About this book series

Aims and Scope  

The series “Springer Theses” brings together a selection of the very best Ph.D. theses from around the world and across the physical sciences. Nominated and endorsed by two recognized specialists, each published volume has been selected for its scientific excellence and the high impact of its contents for the pertinent field of research. For greater accessibility to non-specialists, the published versions include an extended introduction, as well as a foreword by the student’s supervisor explaining the special relevance of the work for the field. As a whole, the series will provide a valuable resource both for newcomers to the research fields described, and for other scientists seeking detailed background information on special questions. Finally, it provides an accredited documentation of the valuable contributions made by today’s younger generation of scientists.

Theses may be nominated for publication in this series by heads of department at internationally leading universities or institutes and should fulfill all of the following criteria  

• They must be written in good English.
• The topic should fall within the confines of Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Engineering and related interdisciplinary fields such as Materials, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Complex Systems and Biophysics. 
• The work reported in the thesis must represent a significant scientific advance. 
• If the thesis includes previously published material, permission to reproduce this must be gained from the respective copyright holder (a maximum 30% of the thesis should be a verbatim reproduction from the author's previous publications).
• They must have been examined and passed during the 12 months prior to nomination. 
• Each thesis should include a foreword by the supervisor outlining the significance of its content.
• The theses should have a clearly defined structure including an introduction accessible to new PhD students and scientists not expert in the relevant field.

Book titles in this series

Enhanced microbial and chemical catalysis in bio-electrochemical systems.

• Xian-Wei Liu
• Copyright: 2025

Available Renditions

Low Energy Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions at the Spallation Neutron Source

• Samuel Hedges
• Copyright: 2024

Stochastic Thermodynamic Treatment of Thermal Anisotropy

• Olga Movilla Miangolarra

Noise, Dynamics and Squeezed Light in Quantum Dot and Interband Cascade Lasers

• Shiyuan Zhao

Probing New Physics Beyond the Standard Model

Axions, Flavor, and Neutrinos

• Gioacchino Piazza

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When to publish a book?

I am presently doing MSc (Information Technology) in India. I really like teaching and have a passion for it. Based on my Masters degree I will get a designation of Assistant professor (hope so I get it!), but to be a Professor we need a PhD degree, so I was thinking of doing a Phd (Computer Science) not right after the Masters but after some years of teaching experience. At present I don't have much knowledge about PhD (nearly zero).

I know we need to publish the thesis in PhD,but my question is do we have to publish books (about courses like Java, Operating System etc, since I am talking about IT/CS i gave these subjects) in PhD? This is because right now in my Masters I was thinking of publishing a book for a local course of Bachelors (BSc IT) in my region.

So if we need to publish certain number books in PhD, then I should wait for writing and publishing that local book till I join a PhD or should I start writing and publish it right in my Masters and this published book will be considered in my PhD?

• Since your field is Computer Science, I would say publishing one article in top journal or a conference will be better than writing regular java book. –  seteropere Commented Nov 25, 2012 at 5:42
• At least in the UK a Professor is someone that LEADS a large research team. Has India downgrades professors to the same meaningless level they have in the USA? –  Ian Commented Aug 7, 2014 at 14:47

4 Answers 4

A PhD should be based on an original contribution to knowledge. This is generally published at research conferences and in journals.

Material, such as a book, treating topics that already are well-known generally do not contribute to the PhD dissertation. The only exception is if you were to write an excellent synthesis of a field, then that could be included as a part of your PhD dissertation, as such a thing would be an original contribution to knowledge.

Writing a book may actually hinder your progress to obtaining a PhD, because it too will take a lot of time. That said, I do not wish to encourage you on this issue. But there are already plenty of books about Java and Operating Systems, and I questions the value of writing more.

• @Dave-- Yes you are correct that there are many books on subjects like Java but what i am trying to publish is not a reference book, which is to be used by everyone. I was just thinking of publishing a book which is as per the syllabus of my University i.e. neither a country-level nor a state-level book, a book which is as per my University in my city--A local region book. –  Rameshwar.S.Soni Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 16:46
• @Dave-- What i am trying to ask is that a PhD student is not required to publish any books but only required to work in his/her research area and publish the dissertation, is that true ? –  Rameshwar.S.Soni Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 16:49
• It is correct that you are not required to publish any books. You need to work in some research area, publish original research, and write a dissertation about the work. –  Dave Clarke Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 17:50
• A regional book about Java is probably useful, especially considering the price of textbooks. –  Dave Clarke Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 17:52

No. Absolutely not.

Do not even start writing a book until you have tenure , unless publishing a book is a requirement for tenure (which would be very strange for computer science). Writing books well is extremely hard; it requires significant time away from your research (which you need to finish your PhD, get a job, and get tenure), teaching, paper-writing, professional networking, job-hunting, proposal writing, and advising. And writing books badly can only hurt you.

• 2 +1 I would devote the time you would spend on the book on writing some journal articles. Those will help you get tenure, a book not. –  Paul Hiemstra Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 22:55
• 2 I have a friend who co-authored a book with his PhD adviser while he was still a PhD student. He found it to be quite an enriching and worthwhile experience. However, in his case, the book was based on their research (published papers), he was in the humanities, and his adviser was also in it. –  Legendre Commented Dec 1, 2012 at 21:11

Regardless of when the book is published, if the book is relevant to your doctoral studies and displays a high level of scientific skill, then it is certain it will influence positively the opinion of your eventual PhD defence committee.

But a course book is not a thesis. You will still need to write a separate thesis

Also, the chances that your doctoral research topic will be related to the topic of your book are small.

• Yes most probably the 2 topics(thesis and book) will be different. So that means in PhD, no one is going to ask "How many books you have published or will be publishing during one's PhD course or period ?" In PhD we are concerned about working and publishing our thesis i.e. our research topic only, am i correct ? –  Rameshwar.S.Soni Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 15:26
• Yes, this is indeed the case. On the other hand, you should also consider that writing a book will be a good exercise that will make writing your thesis and academic articles easier in the long term. It is thus an investment that may increase the throughput and quality of your PhD research. So even if it does not "count" directly in the eyes of a committee you may largely benefit indirectly from it. –  kena Commented Nov 24, 2012 at 22:24
• @Kena----Though your opinions are different then JeffE and Dave but they are always good for a noob like me........Thanks. –  Rameshwar.S.Soni Commented Nov 25, 2012 at 3:55

The magazine "The Scientist" has recently published an article about writing scientific books: - http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/32654/title/So-You-Want-to-Write-a-Book-/

I recommend you to read it. It says that writing books requires a lot of time and involvement, and that it is better to wait until you have tenure. I think that the suggestion makes sense.

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Award-winning author, Chicago-native Tomi Adeyemi dishes on newest book, movie deal

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A New York Times Best-Selling author is making Chicago Proud.

Nigerian American writer Tomi Adeyemi is known for her groundbreaking novels, Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance. The Hugo and Nebula award-winning novelist grew up in Chicago and graduated from Harvard University with an honors degree in English Literature. After graduation, she studied West African mythology in Salvador, Brazil, which inspired her debut series.

On June 25, Adeyemi released the third and final book in her Orisha trilogy, Children of Anguish and Anarchy. On her book tour, she returned home to the Chicago area , and sat down with ABC7 to talk about the epic finale, and the movie deal to bring her books from paper to screen.

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Hillary Clinton to publish new memoir this fall

“Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty” will be out Sept. 17.

Hillary Clinton will publish a new book — her 11th — on Sept. 17, publisher Simon & Schuster announced Tuesday.

The memoir, “Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty,” will arrive just seven weeks before Election Day. It will be both personal and political, reflecting on her marriage, friendships and the process of aging, as well as offering her views on topics including Russia and the upcoming U.S. election. Clinton will also narrate the audiobook version. Her tour for the book will include stops in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington.

“The book reads like you’re sitting down with your smartest, funniest, most passionate friend over a long meal,” Simon & Schuster editor in chief Priscilla Painton said in a news release. “This is the Hillary Americans have come to know and love: candid, engaged, humorous, self-deprecating — and always learning.”

According to the publisher, “Something Lost, Something Gained” will also share Clinton’s experiences canoeing with an ex-Nazi who wants to deprogram white supremacists and evacuating women from Afghanistan at the end of the war.

Her most recent memoir — “What Happened,” her account of the 2016 election — sold 300,000 copies in its first week , The Washington Post’s Ron Charles reported in 2017. In his review for The Post, David Weigel described the book as “raw,” “bracing,” and by turns “bitter” and “corny”: “a meditation on powerful women, a test run for the speeches Clinton will give for the rest of her life.”

Clinton has also co-written a mystery novel with Louise Penny and released children’s books , including “Grandma’s Gardens,” co-authored with her daughter, Chelsea.

Former president Bill Clinton will also release a memoir this year: “Citizen,” which delves into his post-presidential life, will be published Nov. 19 by Knopf.

A previous version of this article gave the incorrect date that “Citizen” will be released. It is Nov. 19, not Nov. 17. The article has been corrected.

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READ: Prof Cheryl Knott and PhD alum Andrea DiGiorgio’s chapter in new book “How Primates Eat”

• By: Mackenzie Arnolds
• June 21, 2024

Professor Cheryl Knott and PhD alum Andrea DiGiorgio co-authored chapter 7 in a new book from the University of Chicago Press: How Primates Eat: A Synthesis of Nutritional Ecology across a Mammal Order.

From DiGirogio about the book:

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Rachel Laryea (PhD ’21) of Kelewele announces her book deal

"Black Capitalists," set to be published by Penguin Random House next June, interweaves personal memoir, theories of capitalism, and a decade's worth of ethnographic research. This book tells the story of how race influences our participation in capitalism and what we can learn from these differences to create a more equitable version of capitalism.

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Recently Published Book Spotlight: Inner Space Philosophy

James Tartaglia is Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at Keele University, UK. He is the author of Philosophy in a Meaningless Life (2016), Philosophy in a Technological World (2020), and his newest book Inner Space Philosophy , which was released today. In this Recently Published Book Spotlight, Tartaglia discusses how his frustration with the standardized style of philosophy today inspired him to write this book and the creative approach he took in it.

Why did you feel the need to write this work?

I wrote it because I’ve come to think that today’s philosophy neglects the stylistic and imaginative presentations of original philosophical ideas found in some of the most influential philosophy of all time, such as Plato’s dialogues and allegories, Descartes’ meditations, Nietzsche’s aphorisms, and Sartre’s novels and plays. Philosophy has become stylistically standardized, with the standard in question being a professional academic one modelled on science. Any deviation from the standard raises the suspicion that what is on offer is merely popularizing work, not original philosophy. I think this indifference to style and art has stifled creativity in philosophy, lessened its appeal, and made it more insular, which has led outsiders to question philosophy’s value with increasing aggressiveness. I think exploring new styles will help the discipline expand into the public consciousness, where philosophical reflection might start to play a much more important social role in our technologically driven world; and with the way technology is going, we’re going to be needing philosophy more than ever before, as I argued in Philosophy in a Technological World (2020).

In the introduction, I justify my unconventional approach in conventional academic prose—after that things really kick off. First, you get the aphoristic writing of Chapter 1, designed to get you thinking about whether philosophy is as real to people as it used to be, and whether it could ever again be a burning passion for enlightenment and illumination, a lifelong quest. Chapter 2 is a series of ethereal encounters with philosophy-spirits, who explain their philosophies to you in a friendly manner; well, usually friendly, some of them are a bit prickly—this chapter is much bigger than the rest, it’s a book-within-a-book, I’ll tell you more about it later.

Chapter 3 is a parable about two spirits called Lady Luck and Fate, and the day when they met the terrifying apparition called Philosophy and awakened our sleeping Destiny. The style of this chapter is inspired by the Roman satirist Lucian, I’m a big fan, and the theme is the connection between metaphysical materialism, social materialism, and neglect of philosophy. Chapter 4 returns to the aphoristic style, as we imagine the first prehistoric man or woman to speculate about the meaning of life. I then try to forge a new concept of ‘meaningfulness’ which might prove useful if technology drives us further into inner space, as I expect will happen, and as tech-leaders are trying to make happen.

Chapter 5 looks destined to be the most popular, from the reactions I’ve seen so far—and it’s my favourite too. It’s a spoof biography of Gambo Lai Lai the Cynic philosopher, who lived in Trinidad in the golden era of Calypso music, the 1920s and ‘30s; the fusty style of his anonymous biographer is loosely inspired by Diogenes Laertius. Gambo Lai Lai was a real historical figure, a larger-than-life character who used to stand on street corners making speeches in an antiquated and florid English; I slip in an actual quote, his words are unforgettable. All this public exhorting in ‘old angle’, as he called it, led to Gambo being repeatedly arrested and jailed for disturbing the peace, but the people loved him, he was a local celebrity and calypsonians recorded songs about him. As to whether he really was a Cynic philosopher I reserve comment, but if the chapter does its work, it should awaken in the reader a real sense of the spirit of ancient Cynic philosophy, and of how it might have something important to say to us in our tech-driven world.

Finally, in Chapter 6, we get to listen in on an overheated discussion between a hero called Barney and a villain called Cuillin, as they discuss Inner Space Philosophy , the book that saved the world, analysing the contents chapter by chapter. Cuillin raises the most savage criticisms I could think of, a hostile reviewer would do well to improve on Cuillin’s performance, he absolutely trashes it, or tries. And then the book ends on the ‘wolves’ theme I develop in ‘chasers’ at the end of each chapter—the overall conclusion of the book emerges as your favourite characters return for one last scene.

Do you see any connections between your professional work and personal life?

Well, there you go, a perfect illustration of what I’m talking about in Chapter 1 when I say philosophy doesn’t seem as real as it used to, that it’s all become a bit watered down. Just imagine asking Plato if he saw any connections between his professional work and personal life? He’d think you were barmy—he was a philosopher, so he lived the philosophical life. It reminds me of when Alan Watts said the new model of the philosopher is of the “nine-to-five businessman, going to the office with his briefcase to ‘do philosophy’ in the same spirit as an accountant or research chemist.” He had a point, right? Given what philosophy has traditionally been, you really shouldn’t have to ask me a question like that. As things stand, however, it’s a very good question and I shall answer it. In my case, philosophy is no longer a day job, if it ever was (can’t remember), philosophical thoughts come to me whenever and wherever they want, you can never entirely turn it off and I very rarely want to, I’d prefer to progress in the opposite direction, to try to become more like the philosophers in this book.

How do you relate your work to other well-known philosophies?

Ah, so you finally asked … this gives me the opportunity I needed, since I promised to tell you about the book-in-a-book which is Chapter 2. It’s where the reader gets to “encounter” a historical parade of my favourite philosophers. And what I mean by “encounter” is that I pretend to be them, talking to you very directly in an imaginary, magical place. I start with Plato (427-347 BC), who tells you a bit about his philosophy and life, before revisiting the Atlantis myth he invented, this time to expand on it with a new tale, one with a clear moral for us concerning mobile phone addiction.

Then we move onto Plotinus (204-270 AD), the Roman philosopher who advocated strict introspective metaphysical mediation for the purposes of “merging with the One,” an intense spiritual ecstasy in which we experientially grasp the truth of being at one with the universe—that’s what Plotinus was always trying to do in his everyday life, while remembering to be kind and considerate to lesser souls, of course.

The third encounter is with Chinese philosopher Xuanzang (602-664 AD), a leading figure in the “consciousness-only” school of Buddhism—after he’s told you about his amazing 16-year adventure in India, he gives you a straightforward account of the outlines of his philosophy, one which you’ll notice has a lot in common with the kind of things Plato and Plotinus were saying. The fourth encounter is with Nana Abena Boaa, who was an African queen from the 17th century about whom nothing else is known—so unless I got very lucky, she wasn’t really a philosopher. Still, anything can happen in my encounters, and I needed somebody to represent the traditional Akan philosophy of West Africa, which was passed down by anonymous oral tradition. Again, you’ll notice the same ideas reoccurring—people were realising the truth all over the world. The fifth encounter is with F.H. Bradley (1846-1924), the leading figure in the British Idealism movement, and you’d better brace yourself for this one, because he’s a very stern and intimidating chap; if you’re a cat lover you might not like Bradley. And the sixth and final encounter is with Zemina (3304-3531), who is from the distant future—she has hair that glows like a green star and she’s lived her entire life in virtual reality, as everyone has in her time.

How is your work relevant to everyday life?

I’m promoting the benefits of introducing philosophy into your everyday inner life. I think everyone should get into philosophy. If I had my way it’d be compulsory from primary school onwards, you need to divert people from tunnel-vision.

How is your work relevant to the contemporary world?

I think that if the human race can develop philosophically, then we might achieve rational and democratic grip over our technological development. And if we can do that, by developing a collective form of philosophical rationality, then I think we’ll become a cosmic force to be reckoned with. Philosophers need to think big, that’s my motto. Progress = expansion. Don’t you realise you’ll never solve that problem once and for all? Keep trying, of course, but work on making progress too.

What effect do you hope your work will have?

I hope it will get some people deeply thinking and enjoying doing so; I hope it will have that effect on as many people as possible.

Where would you like to go to do research in the future, if you could go anywhere?

I’d like to go into the future to do my research, please, if you’ll allow me to choose an “anywhere” in a distant future of virtual reality. The destination I have in mind is the time when Zemina is the galaxy’s undisputed leading philosophical authority, and she makes regular statements to Universae Philosophia , the human intergalactic philosophical news agency. For these people of the future, there’s vital need for efficient and definitive philosophical reporting, which Universae Philosophia unfailingly delivers, because absolutely everyone, without exception, strives to keep abreast of the latest philosophical developments, whatever their walk of life, and to the best of their abilities. There’s nothing dutiful about this because Zemina lives in a time long after humans have culturally evolved into a philosophical people. So that’s the future I’d like my research leave to take place in, please—I’ll need a swanky pad by the sea, one with decent transport connections to the virtual city Zemina lives in, I’ve something I want to ask her. Anyway, once I’ve got used to their world, I think I’ll settle down to write a book about Neoplatonism, I’ve been really getting into that stuff lately. To be honest, I expect I’ll end up writing it on planet Earth in the 21 st century, but that’ll be great too, just not quite so spectacularly great.

• James Tartaglia

James Tartaglia is Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at Keele University, UK. He defends nihilism and idealism and is a jazz saxophonist who makes “ Jazz-Philosophy Fusion ”. He is the author of Philosophy in a Meaningless Life (2016), Philosophy in a Technological World (2020), and his new book is Inner Space Philosophy.

Maryellen Stohlman-Vanderveen

Maryellen Stohlman-Vanderveen is the APA Blog's Diversity and Inclusion Editor and Research Editor. She graduated from the London School of Economics with an MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy in 2023 and currently works in strategic communications. Her philosophical interests include conceptual engineering, normative ethics, philosophy of technology, and how to live a good life.

• contemporary philosophy
• creative philosophy
• Editor: Maryellen Stohlman-Vanderveen
• F.H. Bradley
• Inner Space Philosophy
• Nana Abena Boaa

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