4 Books for academic writing every to-be doctorate should read

Reading the books on writing obviously has several advantages. You certainly become very aware and knowledgeable about the different norms in academic writing. Moreover, as you understand the mechanics of the process you also may find yourself enjoying it as well. So, here are the four academic writing books that everyone should read before embarking on the writing task:

1. How to write a better thesis by Paul Gruba and David Evans

This book is phenomenal. Are you new graduate school? That’s great; now get your hand on this book. The charm of this book is that it keeps things simple with overwhelming you too much yet gives a comprehensive guide to what it is that you need to know about editing and proofreading a thesis. You could follow this book if you are a Ph.D. student or a master’s student writing your first thesis.

2. Helping Doctoral Students to write by Barbara Kamler and Pat Thomson

The book forays into the difficult world of scholarly grammar. It provides a good number of examples that can be quite a blessing even for the most grammatically challenged person. The book is a real rescue from all the vague advice that one gets on how to improve grammar. The book has a broad appeal that will be enticing for both the humanities and science Ph.D. students. The book is highly recommended for graduate students who may be getting frustrated with vague grammar advice and not really get a sense of what it is all about. The book is very popular and is highly loved by different graduate students.

3.The unwritten rules of Ph.D. research by Marian Petre and Gordon Rugg

The book alludes to the social complexity of completing a Ph.D. and is genuinely funny in some parts. It is a great read for many Ph.D. students and offers people a wonderful guidance on writing the best conference papers.

4. 265 troubleshooting strategies for writing nonfiction  by Barbara Fine Clouse

This book is outstanding in a way that it does not dictate you how to write rather it gives you practical advice on how to improve your writing. The book is replete with examples that are of great help for graduate students. The book has more than one idea of how to write better such as using analytical tools or writing backward and so on. The book is simply adorable because of its creative spin to something that is so complex and nuanced.

How to manage your project advisor?

With the beginning of a new session, one wonders what all work needs to be done. The work can vary from managing accounts, meetings with the advisor or checking for the timetable of classes or labs, talking about new ideas and many more. It depends on us how we prioritize it. One of the main works is to manage the project advisor. It is a task to keep the relationship healthy between the guide and the student.  

There can be various situations for a student before entering the research phase at a bigger level.  Either the student had a guide at graduation level to which he referred for every step or the student is not under guidance for long and now again he is entering this phase.  Both of the situations are different but in this new scenario, the students need to build the bond with his teacher for better work. An advisor is quite similar to the manager; he has to set up things for a good project. There are few tips I can give you according to my experience, it’s your choice if to implement them or not.

Discuss what you need:  If you want to go for a conference or want to go into a laboratory for some work in another college, meet any specialist; you have to discuss the requirements with the project advisor. 

To schedule meetings: At times you need to meet the concerned person and he is busy, you will have to arrange a meeting with him. If he is not able to reply, share a folder and put important notes to be discussed at the required date of the meeting. You may contact the guide in his free slots and remind him constantly for a day or two about the meeting. 

Meet the advisor despite his availability: The student should meet even if the teacher has very less time. In case, you don’t have anything to discuss, tell him about your progress but be in touch with him at least once a week.

Give priority to group meetings: Try and not to miss any group meeting as a bundle of people will help you sort out your few problems while discussing them. They have knowledge which you can choose any time during your project.

If you need his time, ask for it: You can respect his hard work as you are also going through the same phase. Anytime, you think you are not comfortable and seek help, just ask him for it.

Notes are required properly: Whatever your plan is, pen down and discuss accordingly. Don’t just go and start doing the work, discuss the methodology, note down the points required and then start.

Never let time win over you: Complete all your papers, assignments, notes or thesis work on time. Don’t leave the technical paperwork pending as it creates a fuss.

I have shared my own experience and thus, gave you these tips. You may share yours but learn from these and make a healthy relationship between the advisor and the student.