Doing research for your book isn’t restricted to those who write nonfiction. It’s just as essential for fiction, even more so if you are writing historical fiction or have set the story in a region of the world you are unfamiliar with.
Later this month, I’ll be making a trek to Montana for just this purpose. I need to get more familiar with Montana because that is the setting for my Her Inheritance series. When I started book one, I visited the Montana tourist bureau online and requested items they offered for free. I got more than I expected, and it included a detailed map of Montana that I have referenced many times as I’ve been writing.
So this prompts the question, How do you do book research?
Online Research Methods
Doing research for your book online is the least expensive method of research (least expensive because you are only paying for your Internet access). But think far beyond Google, Yahoo, and Bing!
“There are search engines…and there are meta-search engines. Search engines create an index/database of the sites they crawl. When you do a search, the engine searches its database and returns the results to you” (from 7 Cheat Sheets to Cut Editing Costs). That’s what you get with Google.
“A meta-search engine doesn’t create its own index. Instead it utilizes the indexes of other search engines. So when you use a meta-search engine, you’re getting results from several search engines” (from 7 Cheat Sheets to Cut Editing Costs). Think of it this way. A search engine is like going to the local library. A meta-search engine is like going to every library in the world.
Meta-search engines
- Startpage.com (was Ixquick, they don’t track or collect personal info)
- Dogpile.com
- DuckDuckGo.com (also offers privacy)
Source Documents
Primary, secondary, and tertiary source documents can all be helpful. Primary source documents are the best. These are firsthand accounts such as letters, diaries/journals, speeches, and photographs. For more on what secondary and tertiary source docs are read this article from University of Minnesota Crookston.
It is critical to use reputable sites when doing research for your book. Below are listed several trustworthy sites where you can glean from various source documents.
- The National Archives
- The Library of Congress
- EyeWitness to History
- History.com
- The Avalon Project, a source for global history from Yale University
- CIA World Fact Book, a plethora of information about countries around the world
- WebMD and Mayo Clinic for medical research
Discover 15+ sites for research in 7 Cheat Sheets to Cut Editing Costs (affiliate link). You’ll also get 6 more cheat sheets to help you with self-editing.
Don’t forget official state websites and tourist centers. And if you want to trek outside to your local library, the reference desk librarian can be quite helpful with resources in the library, local organizations, and online. Encyclopedias abound at the library and are a great source for facts.
The More Expensive Option
Undoubtedly, traveling to your research destination is the most expensive research method. Even if it’s only an hour away from where you live, you still have to pay for gas to get there.
If you are able to make a trip like I will be, take pictures; record sights, sounds, smells; visit the local historical society, tourist bureau, local library, and maybe even city hall or the police department. Make some phone calls ahead of time and let people know who you are and what you’re interested in finding. Planning ahead can save you time and frustration on the other end.
If you’re unable to make the trip, then research historical societies, tourist bureaus, and other organizations for the region you need. Either email or call them. Explain who you are and that you are doing research for your book. Most people will help.
I recently called my local police station. I told them my name, that I was writing a book, and needed certain information about how a specific 911 call would be handled. They gave me two names and phone numbers of 911 directors. (I certainly wasn’t going to dial 911!) I called, had a very fruitful conversation, and got what I needed to make my book accurate.
Don’t forget to reach out to family and friends who might have resources or expertise in the area you need.
You might think research isn’t all that important, but you don’t know what your reader knows. Errors in fact harm your credibility. I know readers who will stop reading when they discover factual errors in a book. You certainly don’t want that. Additionally, remember that same reader might leave a scathing review on Amazon or Goodreads that could seriously impair your book sales.
How have you done research? Share in the comments any website or resource that has been helpful to you.
Hi Deb.
Your blog post created a high level of intrigue for me, as well as opened me up to new possibilities as a writer.
I wrote nonfiction but the way you present doing book research is great! I love your idea about getting info from Montana and even using those resources in your writing.
If I were planning a trip like you’re doing, I would probably make promotional bookmarks ahead of time for my book and hand them out to people I have conversations with whom I can ask questions about the area and tell them they can preorder it so they can find out how the story turns out about their hometown that I’m writing about.
It’s also very accessible, in terms of readability and how easy it is on the eyes. Very informative. Thanks for sharing this post!
Dak Frederick
Glad you found the post helpful. That’s a great idea about the bookmarks. I plan to visit some bookstores and pitch the book with a one sheet or leave a promo copy for them to read.
Research isn’t restricted to fiction. Even when you write about a topic you know thoroughly, you might mention things outside your own knowledge or need stats to back up your statements.
This is such a timely and informative post in general and specifically for the historical narrative I’m working on. Thank you!
Wonderful! So glad it met your need in such a timely way.