Dissertation writers need strong, practical advice, as well as someone to assure them that their struggles aren’t unique. Cole and Bigelow offer invaluable suggestions for the graduate-student writer. Using positive reinforcement, they begins by reminding thesis writers that being able to devote themselves to a pleasurable adventure. They encourage them to pay close attention to their writing method in order to discover their individual work strategies that promote productivity; to stop feeling fearful that they may disappoint their advisors or family members and to tailor their theses to their own writing style and personality needs. Using field-tested strategies they assist the student through the entire thesis-writing process, offering advice on choosing a topic and an advisor, on disciplining one’s self to work at least fifteen minutes each day; setting short-term deadlines, on revising and defing the thesis, and on life and publication after the dissertation. Cole and Bigelow make writing the dissertation an enjoyable challenge.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapters 1. PROBLEMS PRIOR TO COMPOSITION : A. Choice of Subject B. Preliminary Plans for Procedure C. Preparation of a Working Bibliography D. Collection of Data E. Preparation for Composition 2. COMPOSITION : A. General Considerations B. Matters of Form 3. FINAL TASKS : A. Revising and Editing B. Typing and Binding C. Editing Symbols or Proofreader’s Marks List of Figures