Read on Twitter
This is a thread for ppl who just finished their dissertation & want to turn it into a book. 1st, congrats, you’ve completed one the hardest projects (maybe the hardest) you’ll ever do in your life. Recognize this accomplishment & don’t discount it by thinking yr diss is trash
The first thing u shd do is TAKE A BREAK. If u can manage it, stop working on scholarly stuff altogether for a few wks. I know it feels like yr already behind but recharging will make u more effective later & above that u deserve to get in touch with other things that bring u joy
It’s crucial to get distance from the diss work. You can do a lot to work toward your book *while also* keeping away from the diss itself. Here are 6 things you can do:
1. Start a new research project. Allow yourself to pursue other questions that interest you but that you’ve been too consumed with the diss to really pay attention to. You might find something you’re even more passionate about or just identify a new thread to weave into the book
2. Read recently published bks (esp. from the presses u might want to pub w/). You probably had to neglect new work in yr field while u were finishing the diss. Now u can get up to speed on current convos & publishing trends, which will be key knowledge for writing yr bk proposal
3. Research scholarly presses. Take some time to figure out who is publishing those recent books you find exciting. Set up chats with friends & mentors who’ve recently published with those presses. Find out if they had a good experience and if they can intro you to their editor
4. Read books about writing and scholarly book publishing. Understanding the process will make you more confident about navigating it when the time comes for you. (You can also find tips in my newsletter! http://Manuscriptworks.substack.com )
5. Present or teach your research. You’ll get a lot of clarity on what you’re trying to do with your diss if you have to explain it to other people and make them care about it. Again, this is necessary for crafting your bk proposal in a way that will interest publishers
6. Get feedback on your research from outsiders. Putting an article through the peer review process at a journal is a great way to figure out what’s landing and what needs refinement. (Don’t publish more than a couple articles from the diss if you hope to pitch a bk tho)
These tips are also written up here if you prefer articles to twitter threads! https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2019/08/06/why-you-shouldnt-immediately-try-convert-your-dissertation-book-opinion
If you’ve gotten the needed distance from your dissertation and are really ready to figure out the book, here’s another thread for you 
https://twitter.com/lportwoodstacer/status/1259857773623480320
https://twitter.com/lportwoodstacer/status/1259857773623480320
