Before submitting your thesis or dissertation to your committee, have it edited to make sure you’ve followed departmental and stylistic guidelines to the letter. Here are some of the things that will be checked:
- Correct format (margins, font, pagination, etc.)
- Grammar and punctuation
- Proper Title Page format
- Accuracy of Table of Contents
- Length, format of Abstract
- Inclusion of required preliminary pages
- Treatment of headings
- Proper order of pages
- Adherence to designated style
- Correct reference citations and format
- Match of text and reference citations
- Correct treatment of quotations
- Proper and consistent use of abbreviations
- Format for tables, figures, and appendices
Corrections will be noted and explained in comment balloons that appear in the document’s margins when the toolbar’s Review tab is selected. It will be the responsibility of the author to consider suggested changes and incorporate them into the manuscript. Please note that while I may make occasional suggestions for rewording, I will not research nor write any portion of your paper.
Tips to Make the Process Easier
Writing a thesis or dissertation is a big job, but here are some ways to minimize the stress of it.
- Know what’s expected. Get a copy of your school’s dissertation handbook and become thoroughly familiar with its guidelines.
- Remember that your school’s requirements take precedence over other style guides.
- Take advantage of every resource offered. For example, some schools offer seminars to help you get started. Attend and listen carefully (Don’t sleep!). The information is designed to help you.
- During your research, take careful notes on facts and sources used. Write down page numbers. Double check the spellings of all names. Nothing wastes valuable time more than backtracking to confirm information.
- If you need help drafting your manuscript, check to see if your school has a writing center that offers assistance.
- As you write, periodically lay your work aside and then read it later with fresh eyes. Before submitting the work, have an objective party read it for errors you may have overlooked.