The process of writing a dissertation feels like approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. We set out, usually after exams, as newly minted A.B.D.s with a deep sense of accomplishment and purpose. And then, we actually start writing. And it’s hard. And it’s hard in the expected ways: ever-expanding subjects to cover, the difficulties of drafting, the hurdles of research, interviews, archival trips…. 

But the dissertation is also hard in ways we didn’t really imagine it would be. It’s emotional, it’s vulnerable, it’s humbling. The two-year process we had in our minds extends to three, four, five, and sometimes more years. We become those graduate ghosts who roam the computer lab or the office—alongside fresh students in their first and second year bubble—jaded and tired, dissertating in purgatory. Or so it seems.

The completion of the Ph.D. is designed to feel like this, especially in the humanities and social sciences. Our dissertations are in many cases our first direct experience with a book-length manuscript, our formal introduction to the community of scholars. Isolation and nearly-thankless toil are not exactly foreign to the profession. But dissertating does not exist in a vacuum, so, alongside designed obstacles that are embedded in the process, we may encounter systemic barriers to completion that affect some of us even more.

Finishing that first big project might come to feel farther out of reach than ever when we lack a community of peers, or when our advisors do not understand or engage with the difficulties of trying to do our work in a world in flames, witnessing a genocide, and in an abysmal job market. We may go through terrible struggles to secure research funding. The institutional racism and heteropatriarchy of even the most supposedly-enlightened universities and departments can be so frustrating that we want to tear our hair out, or hide under the couch, not boot up a Word document.

It is here that a dissertation coach, at least the type of coaching that we do, comes into play. A dissertation coach begins as a sound board, not only by reviewing your writing so far and guiding your focus, but also by considering all the other elements of dissertation writing. Below are some of the ways a dissertation coach can add to your process as you finish your PhD:

A. Feedback without conflict 

A dissertation support/coach is a neutral party—not invested in the specific theoretical and methodological approach you take, not involved in disciplinary infighting as perhaps your advisor is. We support you as a knowledgeable reader who wants to see you succeed. Advisors are there to help you with direction, content, and the substance of your writing. A coach can help you to: get unstuck, enjoy writing, and find your own voice. 

B. Collaboration 

Your dissertation support/coach works for you and with you. We are not evaluating your work. We want to remove any sense of shame from our relationship. We help you set achievable writing goals that fit the reality of your life as well as the requirements of your advisor and department. We support troubleshooting and keeping deadlines, by creating personalized structures and systems that will help you keep you on track. 

C. Outside perspective 

In our model of dissertation support, we focus on the manuscript and on the process of writing. Your dissertation coach will have a systemic and long-term view of the project. During some weeks productivity might be low, because other things get in the way—and we’re there to get you back on track. We keep the written product at the center, of course, but we always remain aware that the process of writing your dissertation, the practice of writing, is much more than just typing up a book-length manuscript. 

D. Calm 

It’s a hectic life for academicians these days. Your dissertation coach creates a space for you to breathe, to set down and integrate the institutional and personal factors that contribute to your writing situation right now, and to remain present in the writing of your most vital and valuable project so far: your—your—dissertation. 

Even when you have a supportive advisor and helpful colleagues, a dissertation coach can help you over the hurdles of the writing process. And especially if you don’t have that supportive writing community. Our experience working with folks in the dissertation writing stage of the PhD, and our perspective on this work, has lead us to not just help develop a manuscript, but to focus on the value of writing, revising, and editing, as practices and skills that will always be an important part of your academic career.

If you’re into exploring our dissertation support and coaching services, send an email to contact@ingeniouseditingworkshop.com and let’s start talking.

NB: As with all our services we take an economic justice perspective, with sliding scale options and with support for gaining access to writing-specific institutional funding. Feel free to reach out.