Fact-checking can enhance your eBook, add credibility to you as the author, and make your eBook more likely to sell. Thought-provoking research truly enhances a non-fiction eBook, changing what appear to be mere opinions in an eBook into fact-based and intriguing information. However, as a writer, you have to be cautious.
Look for Original Studies
As you begin the process of fact-checking your eBook, make sure any research you rely on is from the original study and not subsequent interpretations. Peer-reviewed journals offer valid scientific information, and reputable publications such as The New York Times can provide insight as well. It’s a great idea to use references that your readers are familiar with or can easily find on their own.
Don't Save all the Fact-Checking until the End
Even if you do think that you’ve found a study that correlates well with what you are writing, be certain that it’s valid, before you incorporate the research into your eBook. You may also decide to to pull quotes or information from what other writers have uncovered, but realize that they may not have checked their facts either. If you find information you want to use but it is shared in a secondary source, take the time to track down the primary source and use that for your actual research and quotes.
Don’t Embellish
It may be tempting to embellish a few facts here or there to validate your point, but not only is that dishonest, you’ll lose credibility as a writer. It's simply not worth the trouble, and were you ever to be considered by a big publisher, their own fact-checking would result in you losing the opportunity.
Fact-checking your eBook is important for many reasons. Of course, you want to inspire your readers with new thoughts and ideas, but you also want to be known as a trustworthy source. Including false information, intentionally or not, can hurt your popularity and credibility as a writer. Checking your facts will guarantee better material and create a more impressive eBook. Fact-checking can enhance your eBook, add credibility to you as the author, and make your eBook more likely to sell. Thought-provoking research truly enhances a non-fiction eBook, changing what appear to be mere opinions in an eBook into fact-based and intriguing information. However, as a writer, you have to be cautious.
Look for Original Studies
As you begin the process of fact-checking your eBook, make sure any research you rely on is from the original study and not subsequent interpretations. Peer-reviewed journals offer valid scientific information, and reputable publications such as The New York Times can provide insight as well. It’s a great idea to use references that your readers are familiar with or can easily find on their own.
Don't Save all the Fact-Checking until the End
Even if you do think that you’ve found a study that correlates well with what you are writing, be certain that it’s valid, before you incorporate the research into your eBook. You may also decide to to pull quotes or information from what other writers have uncovered, but realize that they may not have checked their facts either. If you find information you want to use but it is shared in a secondary source, take the time to track down the primary source and use that for your actual research and quotes.
Don’t Embellish
It may be tempting to embellish a few facts here or there to validate your point, but not only is that dishonest, you’ll lose credibility as a writer. It's simply not worth the trouble, and were you ever to be considered by a big publisher, their own fact-checking would result in you losing the opportunity.
Fact-checking your eBook is important for many reasons. Of course, you want to inspire your readers with new thoughts and ideas, but you also want to be known as a trustworthy source. Including false information, intentionally or not, can hurt your popularity and credibility as a writer. Checking your facts will guarantee better material and create a more impressive eBook. 