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!
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.
Effective Techniques for Argument Assembly
A helpful strategy for authors is to formulate specific questions about their evidence that guide the development of their book's argument. By posing straightforward questions about the content studied, authors can generate unique answers for each chapter that clarify their overarching thesis. This method ensures that the argument is rooted in the actual evidence rather than abstract ideas. Writing simple questions and answering them succinctly for each chapter can act as a roadmap, significantly enhancing clarity in the writing process.
The Role of Significance in Argumentation
When constructing an argument, authors need to differentiate between implicit and explicit arguments while focusing on significance. Implicit arguments involve the broader thematic claims made throughout the book, while explicit arguments are grounded in specific evidence and findings from the research. Authors often struggle to express the significance of their work, believing it needs to resonate broadly; however, clarity in articulating significance can come from understanding one’s contributions to the specific academic field. The exercise of framing significance allows authors to establish the relevance of their work without feeling pressured to make it universally applicable.
Revising with Clarity
As authors progress in their writing, they may realize that their argument may evolve as they refine their ideas and integrate their evidence. This discovery process often leads to 'Eureka' moments, revealing the connections they were trying to articulate all along. Creating a provisional argument based on the assembled book questions and chapter answers can serve as a contact point for further revisions and improve the coherence of the manuscript. Emphasizing clarity and simplicity not only aids in the drafting process but also helps authors communicate their ideas effectively.
Have you been told your draft isn’t ready yet, because you still need to find your argument? We have all gotten that feedback at some point. But what we haven’t been told is how to find our argument. Today we return to The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript (U Chicago Press, 2023), with Dr. Katelyn E. Knox and Dr. Allison Van Deventer, to learn how to find and assemble an argument. Whether you are writing an article, dissertation or a book, this episode is the skills workshop you need!
Our guest is: Dr. Allison Van Deventer, who is a freelance developmental editor for academic authors in the humanities and qualitative social sciences. She is the co-author of The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript.
Our co-guest is: Dr. Katelyn Knox, who is an associate professor of French at the University of Central Arkansas. She is the author of Race on Display in 20th- and 21st-Century France. She is the co-author of The Dissertation-to-Book Workbook: Exercises for Developing and Revising Your Book Manuscript.
Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, the producer of the Academic Life podcast. She holds a PhD in history, which she uses to explore what stories we tell (and why) and what happens to those we never tell.
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