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New Books in Higher Education

Find Your Argument

Aug 22, 2024
Dr. Katelyn E. Knox, an expert in helping scholars transform dissertations into books, and Dr. Allison Van Deventer, a freelance developmental editor, share their insights on crafting compelling academic arguments. They discuss strategies for structuring strong arguments and simplifying complex ideas for broader audiences. The duo emphasizes the importance of a cohesive narrative when transitioning from dissertation to book, and they share practical techniques for refining arguments that resonate with both peers and the public. Tune in for invaluable advice!
57:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Approaching writing as assembling an argument from gathered evidence can alleviate anxiety and clarify the thesis development process.
  • Formulating specific questions about evidence allows authors to create unique answers that shape their overall argument systematically.

Deep dives

Understanding the Argument

Finding a central argument in academic writing can be a challenging task, often leading to confusion and anxiety for authors. Instead of simply looking for a pre-existing argument, it may be more beneficial to think of the process as assembling an argument from the evidence and insights gathered throughout the research. This approach encourages authors to first create a clear understanding of their book's content and values, allowing for a more organic and less stressful development of the central thesis. By shifting the focus from 'finding' to 'assembling' the argument, authors can relieve some anxiety surrounding the writing process.

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