As writers, we want to write. We don’t typically love doing research. We aren’t crazy about conducting interviews. We just want to write the stories that fill our heads—share the opinions/knowledge that we’ve accumulated.
But don’t most writing projects destined for publication require research? Yes. It’s rare when I don’t recommend to a budding author that he do some measure of research. And most authors I meet are already engaged in research. What sort of research is necessary?
For Nonfiction
- Of course, you will want to check facts and figures before etching them in stone—or printing them in a book. If you’re going to quote someone, make sure you are doing so exactly. No guessing allowed when you are writing an informational book, historical account or a how-to, for example. Accuracy is critical.
- Study any new material or research that has come to light in recent years related to your topic. And interview appropriate experts and others with experience within this subject for a full-spectrum perspective or simply to validate the information you want to present.
- You’ll also want to research other books on this topic. Do this before you start writing yours. By conducting an extensive and honest study of other books, websites, blogs and forums related to the theme of your proposed book, for example, you will learn what sort of book is actually needed/wanted. This research could keep you from writing the wrong book for the wrong audience.
- How are other books in this field or with this theme organized? How is the material presented? What seems to work and what doesn’t? Adopt those ideas that make a book reader-friendly, easy to navigate and use. Come up with additional concepts that make your book stand out as far as the information you present and/or the way it is organized.
For Fiction
- Before writing your book, I suggest reading other books in the genre you have chosen. Learn what aspects are present in these books and what is not generally found in them. Find out if this is a popular genre or is it obscure with a small readership. Decide what is important to you—contributing to a niche genre or attracting a wide audience. In other words, understand something about the genre you have chosen before you start writing within that realm.
- Most books of fiction require some research. You might need to check dates and timelines related to historical events, the proper spelling of a cat breed or a fancy dessert, the facts surrounding an activity you’ve attended or only heard about, the process of quilting or making wine, the life of a paparazzi or a shoemaker or the particulars regarding a celebrity, for example. For my recently published novels, I found myself researching such things as when did Ford stop making the Bronco, what colors do 4-door Toyotas come in, what are the average temperatures in summer in areas of Northern California and so forth.
Something else authors absolutely must research before writing for publication is the publishing industry from your publishing options to book promotion. Here are two books that can help with that study: Publish Your Book and Promote Your Book by me—Patricia Fry. Both books are available at Amazon.com in print, Kindle and audio. They can also be purchased at most other online and downtown bookstores.
Sign up for Patricia’s Publishing/Marketing News and Views newsletter here: http://www.patriciafry.com. Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com