Researching for Writers: How to Gather Material for Articles, Novels and Non-fiction Books

107 Pages·1998·0.33 MB·English

by  Marion Field

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title: Researching for Writers : How to Gather Material for Articles,
Novels and Non-fiction Books
author: Field, Marion.
publisher: How To Books, Ltd.
isbn10 | asin: 1857032365
print isbn13: 9781857032369
ebook isbn13: 9780585239491
language: English
subject Authorship, Research--Methodology.
publication date: 1998
lcc: PN151.F54 1998eb
ddc: 808.02
subject: Authorship, Research--Methodology.
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Page 1
Researching for Writers

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Page 2
How To Books on Successful Writing
Copyright & Law for Writer Writing a Report
Creating a Twist in the Tale Writing a Textbook
Creative Writing Writing an Assignment
How to be a Freelance Journalist Writing an Essay
How to Publish a Book Writing & Publishing Poetry
How to Publish a Newsletter Writing & Selling a Novel
How to Start Word Processing Writing Business Letters
How to Write a Press Release Writing Erotic Fiction
How to Write & Sell Computer Writing for Publication
Software
Writing Reviews
How to Write for Television Writing Romantic Fiction
Mastering Business English Writing Science Fiction, Fantasy &
Horror
Researching for Writers
Starting to Write Writing Short Stories & Articles
Writing a Nonfiction Book Writing Your Dissertation
Other titles in preparation
The How To Series now contains more than 200 titles in the following
categories:
Business & Management Personal Finance
Computer Basics Self-Development
General Reference Small Business
Jobs & Careers Student Handbooks
Living & Working Abroad Successful Writing
Please send for a free copy of the latest catalogue for full details (see back
cover for address).

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Page 3
Researching for Writers
How to Gather Material for Articles, Novels and Non-fiction Books
Marion Field
How To Books

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Page 4
Cartoons by Mike Flanagan
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
© Copyright 1998 by Marion Field
First published by How To Books Ltd, 3 Newtec Place,
Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 IRE, United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone].
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or stored in an information retrieval system (other than for purposes of review) without the express permission
of the Publisher in writing.
Note: The material contained in this book is set out in good faith for general guidance and no liability can be accepted for loss or expense incurred as a result of relying in
particular circumstances on statements made in the book. The laws and regulations are complex and liable to change, and readers should check the current position with the
relevant authorities before making personal arrangements.
Produced for How To Books by Deer Park Productions.
Typeset by PDQ Typesetting, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.
Printed and bound by Cromwell Press, Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

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Page 5
Contents
List of Illustrations 8
Preface 9
11
1
Preparing Your Topic
11
Building Up Your Research Library
13
Deciding on Your Topic
15
Breaking Down Your Topic
16
Making Your Research Statement
16
Writing Your Topic Sentence
17
Planning Your Research Outline
17
Case Studies
19
Points for Discussion
20
2
Discovering Research Techniques
20
Finding Out What is Available
20
Making Use of Libraries
23
Discovering Reference Material
26
Searching Out Original Material
28
Making Visits
29
Using Audio and Visual Material
31
Case Studies
32
Points for Discussion
33
3
Using Personal Documents
33
Making Use of Diaries and Letters
35
Using Autobiographies and Biographies
36
Discovering Private Papers
36
Paying Attention to Detail
36
Utilising Budgets, Accounts and Menus
37
Unearthing Local History
38
Case Studies
39
Points for Discussion

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40
4
Interviewing Useful Contacts
40
Approaching Your Subject
41
Preparing for the Interview
42
Facing Your Subject
43
Concluding the Interview
44
Following the Interview
44
Case Studies
46
Points for Discussion
47
5
Preparing Questionnaires
47
Introducing Questionnaires
47
Using Questionnaires Effectively
50
Writing the Questions
51
Collating the Data
51
Making Use of the Information
51
Case Studies
54
Points for Discussion
55
6
Soaking Yourself in the Atmosphere
55
Observing Your Setting
57
Taking Photographs
58
Studying the Area
59
Case Studies
61
Points for Discussion
62
7
Reliving the Past
62
Visiting Historic Buildings
65
Studying Costume
67
Researching Social Customs
70
Getting the Flavour of the Language
72
Contacting Your Local Historical Society
72
Checking Your Facts
72
Case Studies
74
Points for Discussion
75
8
Travelling the World
75
Filing Your Material
75
Using Travel Agents
76
Contacting Tourist Offices
76
Exploring Transport
77
Studying Maps and Guidebooks
77
Collecting Souvenirs
78
Delving Into Diaries
78
Revising the Points

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78
Case Study
78
Points for Discussion
79
9
Doing Things Your Way
79
Finding Your Level
79
Researching for Your Novel
81
Planning Your Non-Fiction Work
82
Writing Your Article
83
Working on Your Biography
83
Writing a Textbook
84
Writing for Children
85
Case Studies
86
Points for Discussion
87
10
Producing the Finished Work
87
Collating the Material
87
Writing the Piece
87
Editing the Material
88
Submitting Your Work
88
Revising the Points
88
Case Studies
93
Points for Discussion
Glossary 95
Useful Reference Books 96
Useful Addresses 97
Internet Cafes[Cafés] 98
Index 99