Research Your Book In 10 Critical Steps

In this article, you’ll learn the 10 critical steps you need to do in order to properly research your book to ensure it is accurate as possible.

Even the most amazing works of fiction stem from real history and facts.

Stories are created out of events that happened or at least may happen in the future.

Writers know all too well that readers love to dig into the real story behind the fiction.

They want the author’s inspiration for their characters, and they also want authors to explain how they uncovered information that was used in their books. It is for this reason why any written work, whether fiction or nonfiction, requires extensive research.

Contrary to what people think about writing a book, it’s not just about sitting in front of your computer and jotting down whatever comes to mind. Good writers know that they should research thoroughly before putting down their imagination on paper.

They also understand the importance of staying true to facts while adding fiction for literary value’s sake.

If you wish to publish a book or need a new article for your website, remember that most people only read what they think is factual or believable. So to capture their attention, you need a little bit of magic- something outside the ordinary and daily experiences.

Why A Writer Needs Research for a Compelling Story

There’s no way to come up with an excellent book (even if it’s nonfiction) without extensive research.

If you’re writing a novel, research serves as a crucial tool to create a world for your story.

For nonfiction titles, research helps bolster credibility and authenticity.

Even if you’re no expert in a particular field or topic, you can still write about it if you do enough research.

Authoring a book isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about your ability to influence and convince readers of your point of view through facts.

So, here are the steps on how to research your book:

Step 1 – Read and research everything that relates to what you’re writing.

This is when you explore and read everything about your subject.

For example, if you’re writing a fiction book based on real events, then make sure to study and familiarize yourself with the historical context of what you’re about to tell.

Check out books written in that period and learn more about the culture and people that existed back then.

For nonfiction work, read up books, journals, articles and online sources, so you have a better understanding of your subject matter. You can’t afford to disclose information when its authenticity is refuted.

Step 2 – Always make sure to double-check your facts and references.

The next step in research requires you to dig deep.

What you must remember here is that, as an author or a blogger, you’re not the only one who will be using and citing your reference material.

Therefore, there’s a possibility that you might be misquoting someone, and this can lead to serious problems.

Always use reputable sources when it comes to getting information about something.

And also, take note of the date of publication.

Since it’s the internet, news articles are just a few months old, leading people to think that they’re still relevant.

You should avoid this misinterpretation by always including the date of publication.

So, double-check your facts and references to make sure they’re accurate and timely at the same time.

Step 3 – Go beyond printed material.

The digital age offers other means for research.

For example, if you’re writing fiction, the internet is full of advice on finding good information beyond reading books.

You can also ask experts in your field or people who have personal experience with what you’re writing about.

Consider other media, i.e., documentaries and motion pictures, podcasts, and even social media, to extract information about your subject. Nowadays, you probably will get more from those sources than traditional books.

Step 4 – Reach out to other people.

Now that you’ve done a ton of reading and watching, it’s time to take your research to the next level by reaching out to other people.

Reading source materials, watching videos, and listening to podcasts are great, but they’re not enough.

Interviewing other people gives you that edge of authenticity.

In addition, the information they give may be new or different from what you’ve read, seen, and heard.

So, dig deep for tidbits of information that will make your book something readers will want to get their hands on, and the best way to do that is by talking to people who know.

Step 5 – Go to relevant places.

If you can (and have the means), go to those places that have something to do with your book.

But you’re not going there to document, take photos, or shoot a video. Instead, you want to absorb things you cannot learn from books, journals, or online sources.

For a novel, the plan is to put yourself in the shoes of your protagonist.

Understand what it means to be there – right in the middle of the action.

Put yourself in the situation and understand what your protagonist may be feeling if you want to write a compelling story.

The place will speak to you, and you’ll see things others won’t notice; this is information that will make your book more exciting.

Step 6 – Rely on your interests.

Doing research is arguably the most tedious aspect of writing a book.

But then again, you don’t have a choice because it’s an indispensable element.

So to make the experience as fulfilling as possible, you must follow your heart wherever it takes you.

Don’t follow a path that someone else laid out for you just to have something interesting to write about. It’s good to go with the flow and let your interests be your guide.

Step 7 – Consider a writing prompt.

Writing prompts are great for writers because they can spur creativity.

Of course, you don’t have to write an entire book or even a short story if you just want your creative juices flowing, but that doesn’t mean you should limit the length of your work.

A writing prompt is a valuable component of researching your book because it opens your mind to new possibilities and ideas – the same ideas you didn’t think of before starting the process.

Step 8 – Join online communities.

If you’re not a member of writing communities, you should be.

We all have limited time and energy, so it’s important to get the most out of it.

Joining a community helps because they provide a space for people who share similar interests to gather and exchange thoughts about each other’s work.

These communities also come in handy when you need answers.

You can also help fellow writers by answering their questions. It’s a win-win situation because you get to do something meaningful while getting the answers you need.

Step 9 – Work on a timeline.

Once you’re done with your research, it’s time to work on a timeline.

Most authors have started by doing this step before moving on to the next one.

It’s an excellent way to visualize information and draw patterns that will help you come up with intricate details for your book.

Timelines are particularly useful when writing nonfiction but also come in handy for fiction.

You can use it to understand better what happened before and after the subject matter, you’re writing about.

It’ll help you get all the details right so readers will feel like they’re part of your book.

Step 10 – Let your research enrich your writing.

Don’t just let all this research go to waste.

You’ve done all this work, and it’s time to put it to good use by letting your research enrich your writing.

When you find something particularly interesting, add it to your manuscript.

Whether it’s a point of view, an anecdote, dialogue, or even a character name, make sure to add it in your writing because that’s what you’ve been working for all along.

You want to make sure that the information you have will add up to a great story.

Final Thoughts

When you’re writing your book, think of it as something you always wanted to read.

There’s no better way to come up with a great story than to imagine a book based on your interests.

And if you’ve always wanted to write a book but have been afraid that the task would be too difficult for you, these steps will help you get started on the right foot.

Further Reading

What You Need To Know about Writing and Publishing Trends 

How To Overcome Writer’s Block

Should You Hire a Writing Coach 

21 Ways To Research Your Book