Crafting Text Pages for Thesis Success

For the best advice on your thesis, you can turn to Boekenplan
 

Writing a dissertation is a challenging but crucial task in academic research. It is the ultimate test to demonstrate that you have mastered the knowledge and skills to conduct in-depth research. To tackle this task efficiently, it is essential to know what is required and to prepare yourself well. Here are some important points and tips to help you successfully complete your dissertation.

Thesis, or dissertation

There are different names for this extensive work that is the culmination of long-term research. In the Netherlands, a dissertation or proefschrift is often used, while in Belgium, the term verhandeling is used. In English, dissertation or thesis is common. But whatever name you choose, it is of great importance for every PhD candidate that the quality and presentation of the work are excellent. At Boekenplan, we know exactly how to take care of your dissertation: from formatting to printing and publishing, including promotion.
 

At Boekenplan, you can submit your dissertation as a print-ready PDF. You can find the required settings for the file on our website. The PDF file of your thesis should be submitted in the final book size of 16 or 17 x 24 cm. You can determine the margins yourself, but keep in mind a spine margin (the distance between the binding spine of the book and the beginning of the text) of 20 mm, which will benefit readability.
 

You have designed your dissertation in Word or another layout program. The most common format for a dissertation is 17 x 24 cm. Sometimes the university has a preference, sometimes not. So, consult beforehand. Generating a PDF yourself is the most convenient method.
 

Points of attention regarding the formatting

• Do not use too many different fonts
• Maintain a calm design
• Always add the blank pages
• Always place the page numbers on the outside or at the middle of the pages
• Landscape pages always have to get rotated with the heading to the left
• Colour pages do not have to be placed on a special place. Please add an indication of the page numbers of the color pages when you deliver the file

Lay out

• French title. 
• This page only contains the title of the book. The back is blank. These pages are not mandatory and can be omitted
• Title page and announcement of promotion. Consult the promotion regulations for the correct text and lay out. The promoters and the colophon are usually placed on the back of this page
• Dedication. This page only features the dedication. For example: “For my parents”. The back is blank
• Preface. The back is blank
• Index
• Introduction
• The chapters, beginning on the right hand side
• Appendix
• Summary
• Acknowledgements
• List of publications
• Curriculum Vitae

Also read more about submitting illustrations for your dissertation.

"We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more." (Bill Clinton)

"No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong." (Albert Einstein)

The format of your thesis:

You have designed your dissertation in Word or another layout program. The most common book format for a dissertation is 17 x 24 cm. Sometimes the university has a preference, sometimes not. So, consult beforehand. Generating a PDF yourself is the most convenient method.