How valuable your dissertation can be more than you may realize.

The dissertation is considered by most scholars as the last step in the academic process. The submission process can sometimes feel like the end of a long and tiring process after years of stress, revisions, deadlines and research. After approval the dissertation is released in a University data base, archived and seldom mentioned after.

However, most scholars are not aware that their dissertation can turn out to be the start of something greater.

All around most dissertations resides intellectual property – original thinking, industry knowledge, innovative problem-solving techniques, research results, and niche specific skills that are looked for by people outside the university. With the information era that we live in, a credible knowledge is one of the most effective professional asset that anyone can have.

Unfortunately, academic writing is not intended to be read by the general public, making it difficult to get academic knowledge into the mass media.

The technical accuracy, scholarly depth, citations and formal research structure are prioritized at universities. Readers are looking for clarity, usefulness, engagement, simplicity and practicality, however. This disconnect between academia and readers is the number one barrier to the impact of much good research.

It's not about the research itself, it's about how it's communicated.

Long explanations of methodology or very technical literature review is not of interest to readers. They seek clarity, explanations that are easy to understand, actionable ideas, and relevant ideas that relate to their lives and/or work.

That's why researchers have to change their strategy when presenting information on books to get them published.

A dissertation is no ordinary document that can be edited and published for sale. In most instances it needs to be rewritten. Academic chapters require re-structuring. The technical jargon should be made more "folksy". Long paragraphs that have only strictly academic proof may require editing to be condensed and/or eliminated. Meanwhile the authors should use examples, stories, practical applications, case studies and interesting discussions to make the content more relatable.

The aim is NOT to diminish intellectual quality. This is to increase accessibility.

Researchers have authority as one of the greatest assets they already have. Whereas many content creators are not scholars, they have real expertise and, because they've studied and analyzed the subject for years, they have the evidence to back it up. The trustworthiness of this credibility is immense as audiences are looking for trustworthy information in today's market.

The well written book can enable the researchers to convert academic credibility into public influence.

It starts with determining the most business oriented part of the dissertation. While not all research subjects lend themselves to a writing that will make a good book, almost every dissertation has bits of material that can be used for particular audiences.

For instance, research on leadership behaviour might interest business leaders and business owners. Research on mental health can link to health care practitioners and the public. When presented and done properly, research into any area of sustainability, artificial intelligence, education, communication, economics, or innovation can be very relevant.

Knowing the reader to whom a book is aimed is crucial as it is necessary to solve a particular problem for a particular person.

The language of a book for entrepreneurs is going to be very different from what is likely to be found in a book for the policymaker or educator. The overall tone, structure, language, examples and marketing aspects of the project are affected by audience clarity.

So another great benefit to publishing is visibility. It's an opportunity in today's digital world: To be seen. Academic researchers who produce books are likely to receive some attention outside of the academic world. They can present at conferences and events, get interviewed, go to media events, facilitate discussion and workshops, work with organizations and become industry experts.

Books are products – they are professional branding tools.

With the advent of modern printing, the printing of books has also become much easier. Together with a wide array of self-publishing platforms, online communities, LinkedIn content, podcasts, webinars and digital media, researchers can now create global audiences without the exclusive dependence on traditional publishing houses.

But, quality is not the only thing that matters with regard to visibility. There are many good books that just don't get read. Effective writers know how to cultivate an audience, impart their knowledge on a regular basis and position themselves online.

The books with the most impact are those that are intelligent and readable, created from a dissertation. Takes out complications without taking out the complexity. They inform and are interesting. Most important, they enable readers to use the complex ideas in practical ways.

The research should not be stuck in academic system for eternity. It is worthy to be spread to industries, businesses, communities and individuals who can benefit from it.

A dissertation is NOT just a school assignment! With proper transformation, it can be a book that will gain influence, open opportunities and make an impact beyond the university space.

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