How do I convert my PhD dissertation so that it can be published as a book? I have just completed a PhD by research, which I think has some merits in being available as a book (This is, of course, my personal opinion). The research cuts across several fields (e.g. sociology, public policy).

I am wondering what I need to do to take the next step.

In particular:


How do you turn an academic piece like the dissertation (which is written for the examiners) into a book (which is for the general public)?
How do I find publishers who specialise in my field?
Why do you want the book? 


For prestige?: publishers who contact you, don't do any review and charge high prices will only increase your prestige to those that don't know them (and these are probably not those you want to impress).
For dissemination?: why not just put the pdf available (as was already recommended)?. Those who are interested will find it, those who are not will probably not buy a PhD thesis
For money?: I doubt you will really make much out of it.


My recommendation: put it as a pdf on your website / your school's dissertation repository. If you see that lot's of people download it, consider an improved version as book.