Where to Find Reliable Information for Fiction
Help for Writers on Manuscript Research & Finding Data
May 29, 2009
Few things are more frustrating for the author than trawling through books, magazines and the Internet, trying to find out a small piece of information. There are many sources out there, but which ones can be trusted? Planning research is essential for conceiving the characters’ backgrounds and the setting of the novel.
Research Advice & Finding Reliable Internet Sources
The Internet is an open marketplace for writers and anybody could write about anything. The discerning writer must therefore tread carefully whilst searching for information. Some sites should be avoided, particularly those that use sensationalist language and make unfounded claims. Well-established sites run by reputable organizations such as those listed below will guarantee a sound foundation on which to build.
Writer’s Resources
The BBC is an excellent resource for writers, offering a wellspring of well-researched information from Darwin’s Tree of Life to Educational issues. They provide useful links to Open Universities, which inform on diverse subjects including History and the Natural World.
Finding Historical Information
Various sources can be used such as
- Biographies of famous people
- The History Channel website
- Museums, particularly living museums, such as the Black Country Museum and Avoncroft in the UK which offer the visitor an interactive experience.
- Places of historical interest such as castles and battlefields
- Art Galleries such as the Tate and the National Gallery
Science and Nature
- National Geographic
- Well-established places of learning and universities pioneering research
- Famous gardens such as Kew
- Zoos
- National Trust
International Affairs
- BBC News
- Foreign Embassies
- Country Reports Organization
- Google Earth
- Google Maps
- World Meteorological Organization
Essential Research Sources for Crime Novels
For the UK, Central and local government keep accurate and up to date information and provide support for those who cannot find what they are looking for. DirectGov is a central point for information, providing links to other departments.
- British National Space Centre
- Cabinet Office
- Court’s Service (covers county and magistrates courts)
- Crown Prosecution Service
- Customs and Excise
- Department for Children Schools and Families
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Department of Health
- Department of Trade and Industry
- General Register Office (part of National Statistics)
- Her Majesty’s Land Registry
- Her Majesty’s Prison Service
- Home Office
- House of Commons
- House of Lords
- Houses of Parliament
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
- Meteorological Office
- MI5
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Justice
- National Archives
- National Census
- National Health Service
- Office of European Parliament
- Ordnance Survey
- Passport Service
- Patent Office
- Police Services
- Prison Service
- Royal Navy
- Serious Fraud Office
- Serious Organised Crime Agency
More on these can be found in the Citizens’ Information Centre (Provided by the Citizen’s Information Board)
Wikipedia as a Writer’s Resource
This site offers comprehensive and accurate information, but as with most sites, it might be in the writer’s best interest to take a look at the references.
Researching Methods for Novel Writing
Making sure the background information is accurate is essential in adding authenticity for novel writing,particularly for the beginner. When it comes to obtaining information from the Internet, checking two different sources might be advisable. However, government sources keep accurate and up-to-date records. Keeping to reputable sources such as the BBC and National Geographic offers a firm foundation on which to set the scene for the novel.
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