When writing your first book, it’s likely that you’ll have to research information about your characters, the setting of your book, historical context, or other information pertinent to the topic you’re writing about. Non-fiction books often require more research than fiction books, but research is still important when writing fiction to ensure you’re providing your readers with good information. Research can require a lot of time, but the following tips can help you with efficiency during the research process.
- Be specific in your search – Broad searches can often yield overwhelming results, requiring you to weed through too much information. Narrow down your research by using specific questions in your queries. If you don’t initially find the answers you’re looking for, broaden your search a bit and vary the terms you use to find more information.
- Choose sources wisely – To find reliable information, you must use good sources. Always consider where a source is getting the information it provides. Anyone can publish nearly anything they want on the internet, so it’s important to ensure you’re using good sources, so you don’t mislead your readers. Also, consider sources beyond internet searches, such as books, documentaries, and interviews with those who have first-hand knowledge of a topic, as they can often provide unique information that can’t be found online.
- Be open-minded – Research can reveal information that makes you rethink your stance or beliefs. It’s important to be open-minded when doing research so you don’t allow personal bias into your writing. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone by using sources that challenge your thinking, as these can provide you with a different perspective, which can often help you improve as a writer.
Research is an important part of the writing process, whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. When doing initial research, it’s important to be specific in your searches and to use good sources so you’re providing your readers with the best information available. Keep an open mind as you research material so you’re able to find reliable information that you can use confidently, knowing you’re presenting your best work to your readers.
