Margaret Merga's PhD Thesis by Publication in Social Science Research is an accessible guide for research students exploring this pathway. In addition to highlighting the many benefits of undertaking this approach, Margaret provides practical advice on navigating university policy and supervisory dynamics. What I loved most in these discussions was her open and candid approach which worked to demystify the various complexities involved. The excellent guidance and illustrative examples for choosing journals, understanding publication impact, and responding to reviewer feedback (or not!), make this book an essential companion for research students! -- Associate Professor Barbra Zupan, Academic Lead (Graduate Coursework), School of Graduate Research, CQUniversity Australia This book is a fantastic and very timely resource, as more and more students pursue theses by or with publication in the humanities and social science disciplines. Margaret Merga weaves together tremendous personal experience and research understanding to offer an eminently useful, accessible, and down-to-earth text. The book fills key gaps in the existing advice literature through its concrete examples and frank discussions around navigating things like journal article revisions, high-risk research, or unsupportive or unclear institutional policies. Merga offers practical advice while acknowledging complexity and variation across contexts. I will be recommending this book to my students wholeheartedly! -- Dr Katrina McChesney, Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato, New Zealand Reading this book feels like having a great discussion with a knowledgeable colleague. Drawing together research and lived experience, Margaret offers advice regarding the technical and academic elements of TBP, as well as the interpersonal challenges of navigating academic culture. Not afraid to address the pitfalls and ethical minefields students must be aware of, this work is refreshingly accessible as it unpacks and demystifies diffuse and ambiguous policy and practice. As an early-career academic supervisor, reading this book has deepened my understanding of TBP and it will be a valuable reference while supporting future TBP students during their higher degree candidature. -- Dr Kay Oddone, Course Director, Masters in Education Teacher Librarianship, School of Information & Communication Studies, Charles Sturt University Margaret Merga is a trailblazer in the world of thesis by publication (TBP). In this easy-to-read book, she has shared her experiences of doing a TBP and the invaluable knowledge she has gained to support current and future researchers who are pursuing this approach. This book offers practical guidance on TBP using scholarly literature and real-world examples. Merga writes in a personable and relatable style thoughtfully guiding the reader through the book with the warmth and ease of a conversation. She covers every possible topic of interest for those considering undertaking a TBP. Merga does not sugar coat the choice of undertaking a TBP as she outlines potential risks while also acknowledging the incredible potential of TBP for both those who wish to stay in academia and for those with plans beyond. The most striking aspect of this book is Mergas unwavering sense of compassion for the research student. Her words are genuine, reflective and heartfelt. In every chapter, there is underlying advice and support reminding students to prioritise self-care especially when undertaking a TBP. This book stands as a testament to Mergas continued outstanding contribution to the TBP discussion. -- Natasha Kitano, Language & Learning Educator, Queensland University of Technology, Australia This book is an invaluable resource for anyone considering a PhD thesis by publication (TBP) in the social sciences. Dr. Margaret Merga is a leading international researcher on the emergence of the TBP, and this highly accessible and engaging book is packed with research-informed advice for PhD candidates, supervisors, and those involved in policy and curricular development of PhD programs. As an early adopter of this thesis format in her institutional context both as a student and a supervisor, she brings research insights to life with practical experience, presenting examples and concrete strategies that will be helpful for all involved in the TBP process. The book is particularly strong at guiding novices through the journal publication process, placing a key emphasis on ethics and authorship to help navigate the pressures and pitfalls of the current academic publishing industry. In addition, it includes a timely chapter on communicating beyond the academy, highlighting this skill as an integral part of becoming a researcher. In all, an essential guide for understanding the complexities of completing a TBP. -- Dr. Kristin Solli, Associate Professor, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway, co-author of Strategies for Writing a Thesis by Publication in the Social Sciences and Humanities Despite its increased popularity, the Thesis by Publication (TBP) is still an unsettled genre with wildly differing rules and expectations across institutional environments. PhD candidates and supervisors alike desperately need common sense guidance on how to write a doctoral thesis with multiple scholarly outputs, sometimes with multiple authors. Using her own experience to illustrate some of the dilemmas that arise when writing a TBP, Dr. Merga takes the reader through the entire process: from understanding what the genre is, to writing the articles, putting the thesis it together, and getting across the finish line. Written in clear, accessible language, PhD Thesis by Publication in Social Science Research should be essential reading for anyone considering writing, supervising, or evaluating a TBP. -- Dr. Lynn P. Nygaard, author and workshop leader for academic writing at the doctoral level, Peace Research Institute Oslo, Norway If you are a doctoral student considering a Thesis by Publication, this book is for you. If you are supervising a doctoral student who is completing a Thesis by Publication, this book is essential reading. Margaret Mergas research in this field is unparalleled, and the PhD Thesis by Publication in Social Science Research is an accessible, transparent and brilliant contribution that demystifies this approach to completing a PhD. Reading this book is like reading the thoughts and reflections of a generous colleague who has been there and done that. However, this book has great significance beyond the Thesis by Publication, it is a must-read for any doctoral students and early career researchers who are learning to navigate the complex world of publishing in academia. -- Dr Patrick OKeeffe, Senior Lecturer, Social Work and Human Services Cluster, RMIT University, Australia Dr. Margaret Merga has developed a valuable resource for any doctoral researcher in the social sciences who hopes to pursue the Thesis by Publication (TBP) pathway. Written in accessible language and drawing on a perfect balance of research and experience, this volume offers clear, actionable guidance on navigating some of the most pressing challenges for doctoral researchers engaging in scholarly publishing, such as how to practically negotiate author order, and how to effectively communicate to audiences beyond academia. I highly recommend this must-have resource! -- Associate Professor Shannon Mason, Department of Education, Nagasaki University, Japan
