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TGEP Writing Knowledge

Secondary Research

Use reliable books, journals, reports, archives and digital sources.

What this guide helps you decide

Use reliable books, journals, reports, archives and digital sources. This decision should be recorded in the manuscript plan because it affects structure, voice, scope, research and later publishing choices.

Working rule: Do not leave this question as a vague intention. Write the decision in one or two clear sentences and test it against the proposed book.

Key principles

  • Define the issue precisely before expanding the manuscript.
  • Use the intended reader and the book's purpose as tests for every choice.
  • Study relevant recent examples without copying their treatment.
  • Record assumptions, sources and decisions so they can be reviewed later.
  • Revise the decision when the draft provides better evidence.

Practical method

  1. Write a one-sentence answer to the central question of this guide.
  2. List the evidence, examples or comparable books supporting the answer.
  3. Identify the effect on structure, tone, length and research.
  4. Test the decision on a sample chapter, scene or outline.
  5. Record the final working decision in the project file.

Common mistakes

  • Trying to satisfy several incompatible purposes or readers.
  • Following a market label without examining the actual manuscript.
  • Using general statements that cannot guide practical choices.
  • Failing to record sources, assumptions or permissions.
  • Moving to drafting before the underlying decision is sufficiently clear.

Completion checklist

  • The decision is stated clearly.
  • The intended reader is identifiable.
  • The choice fits the book's purpose and form.
  • The next connected guide is known.

Related guides

Primary ResearchCollect original evidence through interviews, observation, documents or investigation.Open guide → InterviewsPlan, conduct, record and use interviews ethically and accurately.Open guide → Fact CheckingVerify names, dates, quotations, statistics, events and contextual claims.Open guide → Citation ManagementRecord and present sources consistently so evidence remains traceable.Open guide →