Your DBA thesis is a major achievement, but its reach is often limited to academia. Transforming it into a book opens doors to a broader audience and greater influence.
Completing your DBA thesis marks years of dedication, research, and expertise. However, a dissertation is typically confined to academic circles, read mainly by supervisors and researchers in your field.
Turning your thesis into a book allows you to engage with industry professionals, policymakers, and the general public. But this transition isn’t just about reformatting—it requires a new perspective, significant revisions, and a well-thought-out publishing strategy.
To help you navigate this journey, we’ve gathered insights from DBA graduates who have successfully turned their research into published books. Their experiences highlight the key challenges, necessary adaptations, and best practices to ensure your book reaches and resonates with a wider audience.
1. Decide Which Parts of Your Thesis Are Book-Worthy
A thesis is written to showcase your research skills and contribute to academic scholarship, but a book must tell a compelling story and engage readers in a way that academic writing often does not.
As Prof. Dima Louis, DBA, explains:
"Not every chapter of your thesis is relevant for a book. What is the story you want to tell? What are the findings you want to share?"
This means carefully selecting the key insights or themes that will form the foundation of your book. You may choose to focus on a single finding, expand a specific chapter, or reposition your research within a broader industry discussion. Some authors take a more creative approach, incorporating real-world case studies to illustrate their findings.
Rather than simply reformatting your thesis, think about how you can present your ideas in an engaging and accessible way. A book requires a clear focus that resonates with readers beyond academia, making it essential to rethink the structure and purpose of your work.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Before you start writing, consider who will read your book.
Your thesis was written for an academic audience, often limited to experts in your field. A book, however, requires a broader perspective. Identifying your target audience will determine the style, structure, and complexity of your writing.
Prof. Louis emphasizes this shift:
"Your thesis was targeted at an academic audience (sometimes as small as your thesis committee). Your book audience will be different. Is your book aimed at researchers, practitioners, or educators? Can it be used in graduate programs, or is it meant for a global audience?"
For Dr. John Manshreck, this realization shaped both the content and the way he wrote the book:
"When I sat down to write the book, I imagined myself speaking to a room full of second-year master’s students in sustainability or business strategy, with a smattering of executives at energy companies."
The tone and format of your book should reflect the needs of your readers. While academic audiences expect thorough citations and theoretical frameworks, business professionals might prefer actionable insights and case studies. Understanding your audience from the outset ensures that your book is both relevant and engaging.
3. Find the Right Publisher and Editor
Choosing the right publisher is one of the most critical decisions in the process. Academic publishers may help you reach universities and research institutions, while commercial publishers can expand your audience to industry professionals and the general public.
Prof. Louis advises authors to research potential publishers thoroughly:
"Start by looking at the books you read. Who are the main publishers? Visit their websites and look at their latest publications, the different categories, and the main topics they publish about."
Dr. Jonas Akuffo learned that even when publishers express interest, securing a book deal isn’t guaranteed:
"You still need to prove to the publishers why your book is worth taking forward as a commercial product. Can your book sell? Who would be the target market? Could it be extended or contextualized?"
Dr. Manshreck also found that different publishers have different strengths. While some specialize in academic publishing and university distribution, others have a strong presence in professional or general readership markets. Understanding a publisher’s reach and expertise helps ensure that your book gets into the right hands.
If you aim for academic recognition, look for university or professional presses. If you want a wider readership, consider business or trade publishers that have a strong distribution network in your industry.
4. Prepare a Strong Book Proposal
Before a publisher will consider your book, you’ll need to submit a book proposal. This document serves as your pitch and should include:
- The book’s purpose and audience
- A summary of key themes
- A detailed table of contents
- Market research on potential readership and competing titles
- Sample chapters
Prof. Louis explains:
"The publisher will most probably provide you with a template and some guidelines to help you write your proposal. Once you submit it, the editor may send it to experts for feedback before making a final decision."
A strong proposal increases your chances of securing a publishing deal. It’s not just about summarizing your research—it’s about convincing the publisher that your book has commercial potential and will appeal to a well-defined audience.
5. Be Prepared for Extensive Rewriting
One of the biggest surprises for DBA graduates is the amount of work it takes to convert a thesis into a book. Simply removing academic jargon isn’t enough—most authors need to restructure their entire document.
Dr. Akuffo found this transition particularly challenging:
"Adapting the style of writing to suit the general reader proved incredibly time-consuming. References to the aim of the study, mentions of hypotheses, citations to other chapters—all had to be removed and restructured."
In many cases, additional content is needed to make the book more engaging or complete. Akuffo recalls:
"Although the majority of my work fitted well, my editors recommended I add one or two fresh chapters. This meant more research and lots more writing—it felt like starting my doctoral thesis all over again."
A book requires a narrative flow that a thesis does not always have. Expect to spend time restructuring chapters, rewriting sections for clarity, and possibly even conducting new research to enhance your arguments.
6. Work Closely with Your Editors
A strong relationship with your editor can make the process smoother. Dr. Akuffo recalls how his publisher’s editorial team supported him throughout the process:
"A shared platform was set up by the publisher where both the editors and I could access and work live with the comments, queries, and requests. Although well managed, this took a surprisingly long time."
Dr. Frank Rouault also stresses the importance of understanding your publishing contract:
"Make sure you are clear on the rights, conditions, and contract—this leaves you the freedom to use your content for consulting, public speaking, and training initiatives."
By collaborating closely with editors, authors can refine their manuscript, enhance its readability, and ensure that the final book aligns with the publisher’s expectations.
7. The Reward of Seeing Your Published Book
Despite the challenges, every DBA graduate who has published a book agrees: seeing the finished product is an unforgettable experience.
Dr. Akuffo reflects on the moment he held his book for the first time:
"The first time holding an actual book, filled with my words and work—the result of all the hours and years of effort—was utterly overwhelming."
Dr. Manshreck shares a humorous side of the process:
"A further benefit is reduced shopping time in this year’s holiday season, as my family all know what gift they are receiving from me for Christmas!"
Beyond personal satisfaction, publishing a book extends the impact of your research, creates new professional opportunities, and allows you to engage with a broader audience.
Final Thoughts
Turning your DBA thesis into a book is a demanding yet rewarding process. It requires rewriting, restructuring, and a deep understanding of your audience. With careful planning and persistence, your research can find a new life as a widely read and impactful book.
As Dr. Akuffo puts it:
"Would I go through it again? 100% yes."
- DBA
