In our haste to obtain information, we can fall prey to research by consensus. If enough people agree on Facebook, it must be right. If a photo was posted on a Pinterest board, it must be accurate. (Ever heard of Photoshop?) If we post our requests on a writer’s Loop, we can trust the answers because, after all, they’re Christians.
But conventional wisdom is not always correct. The majority is not always right – even if that majority is comprised of members of Christian writer’s organizations. Sincerity does not guarantee accuracy.
If a friend is a credentialed expert, then great. But just because someone on a network loop has a brother-in-law who once interned in the industry you’re writing about doesn’t make that person the best choice for a source. Let’s not fall into the trap of following the path of least resistance simply because it’s convenient. We need to do our homework. There’s no substitute for proper research.
The best way to market our books is to begin by writing excellent books. One wrong fact can jar the reader out of your story or cast doubt on your expertise to write on a particular non-fiction topic.
While there’s nothing wrong with a little help from our friends, sometimes the best research source isn’t a personal friend or a fellow writer. Sometimes the best research source is an accredited association such as the AMA for medical questions or a Bar Association for legal questions…or the friendly reference librarian at your local public library.
Friends and experts – there’s a place for both.
What is your “go-to” source when you need answers to research questions?
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Ava Pennington is a writer, Bible teacher, and speaker. Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is endorsed by Precepts founder Kay Arthur. Additionally, Ava is co-author of Faith Basics for Kids. The first two books in the series are Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today? She has also written numerous articles for magazines such as Focus on the Family's Clubhouse, Today’s Christian Woman, Power for Living, and Called. In addition to her writing, Ava also teaches a weekly, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with the truth of God’s word in relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit her at www.AvaWrites.com.
Excellent points. I reach out to state organizations for a lot of my research into parts of the country I am not familiar with. Even in areas I know pretty well I will double-check because if there is anything that will turn me off on an author, it is sloppy research and trying to act as if they know something when they don’t.
State organizations are a good source – thanks for the suggestion!