So you want to write a MALAS thesis! Episode 5, the review…

So you want to write a MALAS thesis!  Episode 5, the review…

Katelyn May, MALAS Alum

 

We’re getting closer to that finish line, which means you will soon be a published writer! Woohoo! But how do you actually get your masterpiece bound in print? Well, let me introduce you to someone I like to call, Montezuma Publishing. 

Now, this phase of the thesis process is going to be far more technical and structured with specific deadlines and criteria to meet than the writing phase. To be fully transparent, this is where I think a lot of people get tripped up or confused because up until this point you probably know almost nothing about Montezuma Publishing, or at least have had little-to-no interaction with them. This is normal, and there are resources available to help guide you through this stage, like this thesis Q&A video. There is also a live Q&A session hosted each semester which provides really useful info. However, Montezuma Publishing has a lot on their plate and they will not seek you out or remind you of deadlines, so be aware of when any info sessions are and, most importantly, know when things are due!

I hear you saying, “This is a lot, can you give me an overview of the process?” Well, since you asked nicely…

1. Edit your thesis: Once you have finished writing, read, re-read, and then re-re-read your thesis at least one more time for good measure. Make sure you’re satisfied with everything, being sure to check for any content changes you might want to make, correct spelling and grammar, ect. Soon you will not be able to make any changes to your content. 

2. Have your committee formally approve your thesis by signing off on all paperwork. 

Pro tip!: Don’t wait until close to the submission deadline to have your committee give their final OK of your work. Generally you should give them at least two weeks to read each draft you present them, including the final one. 

3. Get that doc looking sharp! Your thesis will have to conform to SDSU and MALAS’s guidelines. This step in particular might be the hardest of all, as Montezuma Publishing has strict formatting guidelines you must meet in order for your thesis to pass Review.

 

4. Speaking of which, now your thesis gets reviewed! Review is done by Montezuma Publishing exclusively, where they will decide if your text meets all standards and requirements, particularly formatting. 

5. Montezuma Publishing will make good on their name and publish your thesis, with a copy being sent to the library and made available through SDSU online as well. Bill of course will want a copy as well to commemorate your epic achievement and to show off to future MALAS scholars.

6. Time to graduate! You will have to pay certain publishing fees, and once that is done, Montezuma Publishing will alert Grad Affairs that you have successfully completed the publication of your thesis, at which point you will be cleared to graduate.