Tatiana Claudy is a Christian writer from Pleasant Lake, IN, and mother of four. She has written 30+ articles, devotions, and books reviews for Creation Illustrated, Learning Through History, and Writers' Journal magazines, Spirit-Led Writer and Institute of Children's Literature e-publications. She has written the introduction for the book Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Mary Tileston (World Digital Library, published by Barnes & Noble).

 

 

 

 

Finding I N P U T : Research Your Manuscript with an Expert

 

by Tatiana Claudy

 

     Malfunction. Need input, said Number Five, a robot ("Short Circuit" movie).

     "Input? That's information," said Stephanie. "Listen, I am full of it!"

     Contrary to Number Five, as a writer, you need input when you function. Whatever your preference, nonfiction or fiction, to write with confidence you need to diligently research your topic. Mistakes will damage your credibility and reduce the value of your manuscript. You cannot rely on ‘tradition’ or ‘common sense’.  You need updated facts. That is when you start looking for that special person who is full of input - an expert.

      Where can you find one? How can you meet and interview him? What questions should you ask? Let us divide and conquer these worries in five steps: I. N. P. U. T. - Identify, Network, Plan, Unify, Test.

 

Identify

     Depending on the nature of your manuscript and its subject, you will need different experts. It may be enough to ask a reference librarian or a professional with work experience for some topics. Yet for others you should consult a college professor or a scientist.

     Determine what kind of information you are looking for. For basic knowledge you may interview retired experts (they are usually most available). To obtain new data you should talk with people actively involved in a field of your interest.     

     If you need a tour or a demonstration, then the best place to interview an expert would be at his or her place of work. Other possibilities are to use a conference room in your local community center or take that expert to lunch.

 

Network

     Start looking for an expert among your family and friends, members of your church or a club you belong to.   For instance, while researching a story about violins, I found a family of violin makers who belonged to my church.

     The next step is to look through Yellow Pages, call colleges, contact professional member associations or large corporations that have connections to your topic.

    Look for online sources, e.g., www.refdesk.com/expert.html  (an abundant listing of links to experts' Web sites), www.allexperts.com  (free Q&A service), or www.experts.com .

     For more help use a current edition of Find It Fast: How to Uncover Expert Information on Any Subject Online or in Print by Robert I. Berkman.
    

Plan

     Learn as much about the expert and his work as you can. Browse the online catalogue of Library of Congress (www.loc.gov ) in search of that expert’s books. By typing a name in a meta search engine (e.g., www.alltheweb.com  or www.dogpile.com ) you may find an active web site. "Better to spend some time 'qualifying' a source," advises John Brady, a former editor-in-chief at Writer's Digest, "before you go to the trouble of arranging for an interview."

    If the expert's credentials satisfy you, then contact that person, introduce yourself and ask for an interview. Appreciate the expert's time. If she has only 15-20 minutes, be ready to make the most of it. Write down your questions; think about other topics you are interested in and list them.

      Do you plan to take the expert to lunch? Then choose a restaurant with bright lights and not too much noise.   

     Prepare your equipment: a notepad, a pen, and a tape recorder with fresh batteries. "Just ask first before you turn on the machine," says Cynthia Whitcomb, an author of 70+ screenplays, "Notes are fine, but . . . It is essential to get the language right."

     If you need an expert's photo, take your camera, an extra roll of a film, and a standard model release form (available at www.travelreporter.com/forms.html) .

 

Unify

     Join efforts with an expert to make maximum use of your meeting. When Sharon Dunn, an author of three mystery books, interviewed a police detective, she asked him to show her around the police station. "Walking and interacting with other people loosened up both of us," shares Dunn, ". . . I gained far more information and a stronger sense of setting for my book."

     Ask specific and tight questions, yet be flexible and allow the experts to tell their stories.

Show your knowledge of the topic, but don't pretend to be an expert. To avoid misunderstanding, check the spelling of names and repeat the information. 

     Respect the expert's time and do not exceed it. Be thankful for his help and ask to contact that person later with follow-up questions.

   

Test

     Can you trust data that experts give you? Bear in mind: Leaders in their fields often express their interpretations. As a writer, you should use sound skepticism to double-check their statements. "Even the most seemingly obvious info I check out," shares Mel Boring, an author of 25 children's books. ". . . that's what an editor will do, "skepticize" your writing; so it's best you do it first."

     If you write on a controversial subject, ask the expert for names of people with different opinions or beliefs.

 

     As Benjamin Disraeli, the British Prime Minister, stated, "To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge." With an expert's help in researching your manuscript, you will produce a fabulous piece of ‘input.’ And many of us - not only Number Five - would be eager to have it.