Mega-thread on turning your dissertation into a book, drawing on advice from top university press editors who just participated in a panel discussion here @YaleCTL. Share widely! #academicpublishing #academics (1/?) One of the main differences between dissertations and book manuscripts is the intended AUDIENCE. Dissertations are written for 2-3 people, whereas books should reach a much wider audience. Dissertations are often DEFENSIVE in tone and have to pay their dues via lit reviews, etc.