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How to Finish Your Dissertation in Six Months, Even if You Don't Know What to Write
It is possible to finish your thesis in 6 months, even if you don’t know what to write or haven’t finished your research. In this short ebook, Scott Rank distills the principles that helped him go from crippling writer’s block to writing 500-1000 words a day. In this book you will learn the A simple daily habit that will help you start writing your dissertation How to make it impossible not to write everyday How to write even if all your research isn’t finished How to get the most out of your advisor meetings How to get your friends actively help you finish, even if they aren’t academics.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2015
168 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2020
Short, to the point, and helpful.
May 18, 2022
I was originally looking for some tips to help me sit down everyday and work on my MA that has been rather neglected since the approval of my proposal, then I came across this E-book. It provides some useful guidance that is both simple and to the point. I'll try to incorporate them in my daily routine to get this thesis done and over with as soon as possible
June 2, 2017
Advice and tips that were simple yet I never would have thought of them. I really think this eased some anxiety of the process.
November 1, 2021
Oddly, quite on point.
I'd say 4,5 stars given this is so well-known.
This guy is definitely smarter than what he's showing.
He goes straight to the point and he's clear on biases.
Also... I loved his examples (Kudos to Seinfeld, Asimov, Hegel, Hemingway).
This is an obvious pamphlet, but he tells you "it" as it is.
I'd say 4,5 stars given this is so well-known.
This guy is definitely smarter than what he's showing.
He goes straight to the point and he's clear on biases.
Also... I loved his examples (Kudos to Seinfeld, Asimov, Hegel, Hemingway).
This is an obvious pamphlet, but he tells you "it" as it is.
January 19, 2019
Very straightforward and simple advices. I will start those tips from tomorrow Jan 19, 2019. I'm wondering if the author mean 6 month of constant writing 24 hours/day equivalent. Given his field in history I guess he is saying 500 words a day and by the time you do it for 6 months straight you'll finish. This might not be the case for natural sciences because we have to spend a lot of time conducting experiment. There is not much to write for literature review but the word making here depends on our experiment outcome.
October 14, 2018
This is a long essay rather than a book.
There are some interesting tips such as getting the words down on paper and editing later is better than trying to get a perfect first draft out; and also the often recommended writing in the morning tip.
It did lack some depth, especially when discussing some of the issues that surround writing a first draft, however that's unsurprising given the length.
There are some interesting tips such as getting the words down on paper and editing later is better than trying to get a perfect first draft out; and also the often recommended writing in the morning tip.
It did lack some depth, especially when discussing some of the issues that surround writing a first draft, however that's unsurprising given the length.
May 31, 2017
Will Test
Simple but practical as I look to begin my dissertation. Will certainly try employing these methods and will come back to let you know if it worked. I also thought the spreadsheet was a great addition and very helpful. Thank you
Simple but practical as I look to begin my dissertation. Will certainly try employing these methods and will come back to let you know if it worked. I also thought the spreadsheet was a great addition and very helpful. Thank you
May 23, 2019
Good read for research community
- A very short and comprehensive book on how to start writing thesis or research paper.
- Effectiveness of technique can only be utilized only after you start doing it.
- A very short and comprehensive book on how to start writing thesis or research paper.
- Effectiveness of technique can only be utilized only after you start doing it.
March 17, 2017
Brief and vague
Not much information about how to actually write and no guidelines or help for research. Book is more a book of shortcuts for a minimalist paper.
Not much information about how to actually write and no guidelines or help for research. Book is more a book of shortcuts for a minimalist paper.
January 3, 2018
Simple but good.
If you can get the book for free, get it otherwise I wouldn’t pay. The advice is simple but useful.
If you can get the book for free, get it otherwise I wouldn’t pay. The advice is simple but useful.
January 11, 2020
Quick and easy read to get you back on track while writing your dissertation.
May 24, 2021
Simple straightforward ideas
The book presents 4 concepts to help you write your dissertation. Easy and quick read to get you motivated toward writing.
The book presents 4 concepts to help you write your dissertation. Easy and quick read to get you motivated toward writing.
April 11, 2022
quick read with some great advice
Can’t wait to write like Hemmingway and put it all down on paper as an imperfect draft. Very succinct tips, thanks!
Can’t wait to write like Hemmingway and put it all down on paper as an imperfect draft. Very succinct tips, thanks!
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January 23, 2023very short.
February 11, 2024
This was a very short book, but I found several useful tips. It did make me hungry for a more substantive volume.
March 5, 2024
Simple advice
This short ebook gives good advice that is commonly given to doctoral students. Easy explanation and easy to apply to daily life
This short ebook gives good advice that is commonly given to doctoral students. Easy explanation and easy to apply to daily life
May 11, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal. This book is a game-changer for anyone struggling to finish their thesis. In just a short, no-nonsense read, Scott Rank lays out a clear, practical roadmap to go from stuck and overwhelmed to productive and confident. His tips are insanely effective—simple habits, mindset shifts, and strategies that make writing every day not just possible, but inevitable.
What’s most impressive is how actionable everything is. You don’t need perfect research, unlimited time, or superhuman discipline. Just follow the steps, and you’ll see progress—fast. This book isn’t just motivational; it’s transformational. If you're even thinking about writing a thesis, read this first.
What’s most impressive is how actionable everything is. You don’t need perfect research, unlimited time, or superhuman discipline. Just follow the steps, and you’ll see progress—fast. This book isn’t just motivational; it’s transformational. If you're even thinking about writing a thesis, read this first.
September 1, 2016
Common Sense
It was worth the $4.99 but wouldn't have been worth $5. While practical advice you have probably heard most of it before. Still I'm willing to give his technique a try.
It was worth the $4.99 but wouldn't have been worth $5. While practical advice you have probably heard most of it before. Still I'm willing to give his technique a try.
November 4, 2016
Helpful, Concise Book
This book was very short and to the point. I appreciate the concise manner in which it was written. A beginning doctoral student would benefit from reading this book.
This book was very short and to the point. I appreciate the concise manner in which it was written. A beginning doctoral student would benefit from reading this book.
January 1, 2016
Short book, but gave 4 very practical steps that anyone can
immediately take action on.
immediately take action on.
January 29, 2016
Enlightening
Possessed a new approach to writing the dissertation in a timely manner by creating an environment of flow of ideas rather than perfection.
Possessed a new approach to writing the dissertation in a timely manner by creating an environment of flow of ideas rather than perfection.
March 7, 2016
Short but good.
This book is great not only for PhD candidates but also anyone who want to write. I have to finish my dissertation soon too.
This book is great not only for PhD candidates but also anyone who want to write. I have to finish my dissertation soon too.
November 23, 2016
Simple and Informative
Great tips. Feeling motivated and quite excited to use the knowledge provided in the book. Simple and informative. Must read.
Great tips. Feeling motivated and quite excited to use the knowledge provided in the book. Simple and informative. Must read.
May 12, 2019
Short read
4 points in this very short book. Still worthy of a read and a good quick motivation for those needing one (like myself).
4 points in this very short book. Still worthy of a read and a good quick motivation for those needing one (like myself).
June 22, 2021
Good Recommendations
Good 15 minute read for understanding how to begin reading and reading literature reviews for your dissertation research topic. Great!
Good 15 minute read for understanding how to begin reading and reading literature reviews for your dissertation research topic. Great!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews