PhD Survival Guide Part 3 – Starting Your Literature Review

Lost in the literature? Let’s build you a plan.

You’ve picked your topic. You’ve got your working title.

But now the literature review looms… and suddenly:

• You’re drowning in tabs and tangled in citation rabbit holes

• You’re overwhelmed and unsure where to start

• You feel like you’ve read a ton but understood nothing

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong.

Part 3 of the PhD Survival Guide series: Starting Your Literature Review helps you cut through the noise, step back from the chaos, and create a flexible plan that actually helps you write.

What this guide helps you do:

✅ Find focus before you get buried in papers

✅ Turn your title into actionable questions

✅ Create a “good enough” structure to start with

✅ Embrace the mess without losing momentum

✅ Treat your literature review like a living project — not a one-time masterpiece

Inside the guide:

How to turn your title into themes and subtopics.

Key questions your lit review needs to answer.

A template to help you sketch your structure.

Tips for staying organised (and sane) as your review evolves.

Permission to start messy and refine later.

🚨 What happens if you skip the strategy?

• You’ll waste hours scrolling and bookmarking… and still feel lost

• You’ll keep rewriting the same paragraph — or avoid writing at all

• You’ll lose confidence before you’ve even properly begun

Starting your literature review with a plan doesn’t just help you write — it helps you think, reflect, and progress.

And progress? That’s everything.

How to use it:

1. Download the PDF files instantly

2. Work through the structure, prompts, and questions

3. Return to your notes whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed

🔁 Looking for more support?

This pack is part of the Complete 10-Part Survival Guide Bundle — ideal if you want structured support for every chapter.

Want start-to-finish support for your literature review? Check out the Complete Literature Review Guide.

⚠️ Please note:

• This is a digital product (PDF). No physical item will be shipped.

• These resources support — not replace — your supervisor’s advice.

• By purchasing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

💬 Got questions?

Contact me here — I’d love to hear where you're stuck and help you move forward.

📍 Price listed in GBP. You can purchase from anywhere — your bank will convert the price automatically.