There's an old saying in the newsroom that goes something like this: "You're only as good as your sources." That's actually very true. Think about it; if your sources aren't good ones, your information within your article or book will also be flawed.

1. Find Good Sources of Information: Sources come in all shapes and sizes—from books to websites to actual interviews with experts.
   • Need experts to interview? Profnet.com is a great place to start.
     
     
     • RED FLAG: Be very specific and detailed when asking for information and be sure you tell your potential sources how you wish to be contacted—by email, by phone, etc.
     
     
     
     • QUICK TIP: Maintain good working relationships with past sources by sending clippings of the stories where they're featured; always offer to read back their quotes if they're nervous; and offer to promote their latest book/website/cause within your article or book whenever appropriate.
     
     
     
     • QUICK TIP #2: Take good notes and use a recording device when interviewing a source. Never just rely on your tape recording because technology can fail us at any given moment.
     
     
     
     • QUICK TIP #3: Google the name of the source you're using... just to be on the safe side.
     
     
     
   Use statistics and interesting factoids within your article/book.



2. The internet is a goldmine of information. By typing in a key phrase such as "average holiday spending in 2006" into a search engine, you can find many articles that will give the exact statistics you need to strengthen your own writing.
   • Startling statistics always make great sidebars and pull-out boxes.
     
     
     • RED FLAG: Just make sure you accurately attribute the statistics/information within your article or book.
     
     
     
     • RED FLAG #2: Just because it is on the internet doesn't mean it's true. Get more than one source to support your conclusions.
     
     
     
   Mine the goldmine of information you already have.



3. Once you've written an article or a book, there is always extraneous information that you weren't able to use, but that doesn't mean it isn't great info.
   • That extraneous information might even launch you into a whole different article or book, so be thinking about what you can do with it.
     
     
     • QUICK TIP: Don't waste any good quote, statistic or factoid. Create a folder of "extra stuff" to use in the future.
     
     
     
   Good research takes time, so don't wait until the last minute to begin the researching process.



4. Allow yourself time to get pertinent and timely information—tracking down sources by phone can take persistence on your part. (People go on vacation, so don't wait until the day your story is due to start calling that crucial source you need because that source may be on the beach somewhere, away from the phone.)
   • Always try and get the most recent data available.
     
     
     • QUICK TIP: While books are great sources of information, magazine articles and websites usually offer more current information.
     
     
     
   When possible, try and use various sources that offer balance to a story, and make sure you don't do "one source" stories.



5. Be a fair reporter/writer, offering research/info that falls on both sides of an issue.
   • When interviewing someone about a touchy subject, be sure to record their responses and let them know what the other "side" is saying in response to your question.
     
     
     • QUICK TIP: I always end an interview by thanking that person and saying, "Is there anything else you'd like to share that I didn't ask you?"
     
     
     
   Networking with other writers and editors is a good way to gain new sources.



6. Don't limit your source database to the people you know... let the people you know introduce you to the people they know.
   • So, if you interview a fitness professional for an article about weight loss, why not ask that expert to hook you up with someone he/she has trained who has lost a great deal of weight?
     
     
     • QUICK TIP: Don't be afraid to ask your assigning editor or publisher for source suggestions. They may have a few sources in mind, which will cut your work in half.