PhDone Dissertation Writing Guide

The PhDone Dissertation Writing Guide isn’t a rigid rulebook or a magic formula. It won’t tell you that there’s one ‘right’ way to write a dissertation - because there isn’t one. What matters is finding a rhythm that works for you, to support sustainable progress and to make your journey as joyful as possible.

This guide is a grounded, supportive companion for your journey. We’ve designed it to help you to move forward - wherever you are - to make small steps forward, and to map out your PhD roadmap. These small steps don’t have to be perfect. In fact, you’ll come to see throughout this guide, we believe it’s often this idea of ‘perfection’ that holds us back. Instead, this guide invites you to reframe your approach to research and embrace the idea of progress over perfection. With this in mind, we can move forwards and make those small - but incredibly meaningful - steps forward with more clarity, confidence and care. This guide outlines our PhDone ethos as well as offering a structure for writing, reflection prompts, practical strategies and exercises. This guide is here to remind you that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin - or to begin again.

Includes:

50+ Guided Prompts and Reflection Exercises to help you connect to the deeper purpose which underlies your dissertation

60+ Pages which follow the entirety of your dissertation journey from ABD to defense and final submission.

Core Philosophy

• Progress over perfection approach

• Sustainable, joyful research practices

• Compassionate, flexible mindset

Part 1: Reconnecting With Your Why

• Revisiting your research spark and purpose

• The GUIDE framework (Ground, Understand, Integrate, Do, Evaluate)

• Aligning values with methods

Part 2: Mapping Your Journey

• Creating flexible dissertation outlines

• Setting realistic milestones and timelines

• Task breakdowns and goal-setting strategies

Part 3: Writing Your Dissertation

• Building sustainable writing routines

• Working with (not against) your energy patterns

• Focus techniques and writing sprints

• Chapter-by-chapter guidance and templates

• Handling feedback without fear

Part 4: Keeping Yourself Steady

• Managing procrastination, perfectionism, and doubt

• Prioritizing wellbeing and rest

• Building support systems

• Creating restorative routines

Part 5: Moving Towards Completion

• Revising with confidence

• Knowing when you're "done enough"

• Submission preparation and logistics

• Post-dissertation life and celebration

Tools & Templates

• GUIDE framework worksheets

• Monthly check-ins and planning grids

• Meeting templates and reflection prompts

• Chapter planning maps