In this episode, Jane addresses one of the most commonly asked questions from academic writers who are turning their dissertations into scholarly books: What should I do with the literature review?

As you transition from dissertation to book, it's crucial to rethink how you approach the literature review. While your dissertation’s literature review may have been long and detailed, the introduction chapter of your book requires a much more concise and analytical approach. The goal is not to summarize every source but to critically engage with the existing scholarship in a way that sets up the argument for your own work.

Jane will explore how to condense your literature review by focusing on key themes that align with your book’s argument, rather than simply listing every study you referenced. You'll learn how to shift from a summary of existing research to a thoughtful analysis that shows where your work fits in the broader scholarly conversation.

She’ll also share practical tips for revising your literature review, such as 

💡How to organize your analysis thematically 

🎁How to position your work as a valuable contribution to the field

✂️How to cut unnecessary details 

By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear strategy for integrating a discussion of the literature into the introduction of your scholarly book in a way that is compelling and seamless.

If you're ready to tackle your book’s introduction with confidence, this episode is for you!

📝 Ready to turn your dissertation into a publication-worthy scholarly book? Learn how you can join Book Brilliance by visiting rightprose.co/book-brilliance/

💗 Spread the inspiration. Know someone who would benefit from some guidance on their book-writing journey? Share this episode with them!

✉️ Want even MORE bookish advice, right in your inbox? Sign up for Shelf Help, the newsletter with actionable tips for scholarly writers.