By Liam Jones Pursuing a PhD in literature is both intellectually rewarding and personally challenging. It involves years of deep reading, critical thinking, and original research. But beyond the seminars, papers, and dissertations, there are several crucial things that every literature PhD scholar should keep in mind to stay on track and thrive—both academically and emotionally.
1. Choose a Topic You Truly Love
Your dissertation topic will be your intellectual companion for several years. It’s more than a research project—it becomes your lens through which you read, write, and think. Choose a topic that excites you, one that you won’t get tired of even after countless revisions and discussions. Passion for your subject will sustain you during tough phases when progress feels slow or feedback is harsh.
2. Balance Ambition with Realism
While it’s tempting to aim for groundbreaking research, it’s important to keep your scope manageable. A PhD is not the time to solve all the problems in literary theory or to reinterpret the entirety of Shakespeare’s works. Focus on a narrow but rich area that allows for depth over breadth. Remember, your goal is to produce original research, not definitive research.
3. Engage with Theory, but Don’t Drown in It
Literary theory is a powerful tool—but it’s just that, a tool. Whether you’re drawing on postcolonialism, feminism, ecocriticism, or affect theory, use it to enhance your argument, not replace it. Sometimes, PhD students get stuck trying to “sound smart” rather than making a clear and convincing case. Let your primary texts guide you, and use theory in service of your interpretation, not as the main event.
4. Your Supervisor Is a Guide, Not a Dictator
Your relationship with your advisor or supervisor will shape your PhD experience. They are there to offer feedback, keep you accountable, and help shape your academic voice—but they aren’t writing the dissertation for you. Be proactive: communicate your progress, ask questions, and be open to criticism. At the same time, trust your own judgment and don’t be afraid to push back (respectfully) when needed.
5. Publishing Matters, but So Does Progress
Yes, publishing articles in journals or presenting at conferences boosts your academic profile. But don’t let the pressure to publish delay your dissertation. Focus on making consistent progress with your writing. Once you have strong chapters or research insights, you can revise them into papers. Publishing is part of the process—but it shouldn’t overshadow your main goal: finishing the PhD.
6. Isolation Is a Real Risk—Fight It
Literary research can be lonely. You spend hours reading, writing, and thinking, often by yourself. Over time, this isolation can affect your motivation and mental health. To combat this, build a support network. Join reading groups, attend seminars, talk to fellow students, and even write in shared spaces like libraries or cafés. Sharing your struggles with peers helps you realize you’re not alone.
7. Write Even When You Don’t Feel Ready
Waiting for the “perfect” idea or “inspiration” often leads to procrastination. Instead, develop a habit of writing regularly—even if it’s messy or uncertain at first. Academic writing is a process: you refine your arguments through writing, not before it. Don’t be afraid of bad first drafts—they’re necessary steps to better ones.
8. Stay Open to Feedback and Growth
One of the hardest parts of a PhD is learning to take criticism without losing confidence. Your work will go through multiple revisions, and tough feedback is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of academic growth. Try to separate yourself emotionally from the text. Feedback is about the work, not you as a person. Listen, reflect, revise.
9. Think Beyond Academia
Given the competitive job market in higher education, it’s wise to consider career paths outside of academia early on. Your research, writing, and analytical skills are highly transferable to careers in publishing, journalism, education, public policy, and more. Whether or not you pursue a tenure-track job, prepare yourself for a variety of roles where your PhD will still be valuable.
10. Don’t Lose Sight of Why You Started
There will be days when everything feels overwhelming: deadlines, writer’s block, self-doubt. In those moments, go back to your “why.” What drew you to literature in the first place? What questions do you care about? Reconnecting with your original passion can help you push through the hard times. Remember, this journey is not just about a degree—it’s about becoming a deeper thinker, a better writer, and a lifelong learner.
Conclusion
Earning a PhD in literature is an achievement few undertake and even fewer complete. It requires patience, resilience, and a deep love for language and ideas. By keeping these key points in mind, you can navigate the challenges with more clarity and confidence—and make the most of this intellectually rich and personally transformative experience.