Manuscript-style dissertation formats can help support students in completing and publishing their dissertations. Yet, manuscript-style dissertation guidelines often lack structure and clarity in ways that can cause student confusion and frustration. In this qualitative content analysis, we examined the dissertation structure, process, and support described in the counseling program manuscript-style guidelines (N = 18). Many guidelines lacked clarity and support structures and may benefit from revisions to discuss topics such as copyright and student eligibility.