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Facts, Fiction, or Opinion – Know the Difference
Nonfiction is laced with facts and opinions,
regardless of the topic. Both are included by design to show texture,
depth, and character. The primary purpose of nonfiction is to persuade,
instruct, and/or convey information, opinions, or any combination.
However, if the reader discovers a flaw in the reasoning or facts, they
may lose respect for the author and their work. Many authors will say
their sources just provided bad information. This could be the case, but it does not let the author off the hook. It is the author’s responsibility to verify ALL sources, regardless of how trusted they are. Errors can creep into the author’s work in ways they may not have anticipated. So the only way to prevent them is to check, double-check, and verify everything objectively. Nonfiction authors are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the information within their books. The question is - how to do this, without insulting your sources? Consider the following: Interviews – During the interview, determine if they are giving you facts or opinions. If you’re not sure, ask. As you conclude your interview, ask if there is anyone else they would recommend that you contact. Ask if they can provide any documentation or literature that is relevant. Ask who they consider to be their competition or rivals, as appropriate. Then conclude by asking if there is anything else they would like to add that has not been discussed. The responses to these questions should provide sources to verify their facts. You might find discrepancies also. Either side of an issue is valuable. Slanting it does not make it false. It is all in the presentation. So while interviewing anyone who provides specific facts or information that may be difficult or impossible to confirm, you can as if there are any exceptions to their statement. You can also ask the same question in a different way later in the interview to determine if you receive the same response, or reword their statement and ask if it is correct. Before recording an interview, ask permission. When they agree, set the recorder down and don’t touch it again. Start establishing a comfortable level of conversation, so they can forget the recorder is on, and ease into the interview questions. This gives you a backup of the conversation if you don’t take thorough notes, need to verify a quote, or if there are discrepancies. One last point on interviewing – if you are having difficult scheduling an interview, ask if they would like to do it via email. You can send the questions, and they can respond as soon as they have time (you might want to set a due date for them). When they respond you have it in writing. However, it will be more clinical than a conversation, and may have pat answers. But you may be able to respond with additional, clarifying questions, or set up a follow-up interview now that you have established a rapport. Hardcopy/Audio-Visual sources (TV/radio/recordings) – Just because it is in print does not make it true. Understand the slant and intent of the work. If it is meant to persuade, the “facts” may be slanted to support the perspective of the author. Some facts may have been omitted that would be important to your topic. What is the date it was published? How valid is it today? Check the bibliography and anything referenced in the text. Ask reference librarians to help double-check obscure facts. They may know some sources you have not considered. Information found on the internet should be verified thoroughly. Print the web pages and keep them in your files. Don’t just keep a bookmark, the site can change or be removed. Regardless of the source of your information, you must document all information sources, including who you talked to (contact information), when (date of interview or publication etc.), where (published or interviewed), what (source, information you received), why (the information was included/excluded), how you acquired the information (interview, email, internet, TV). This list should be kept as quick reference to respond to any inquiries. Publishers may request it, and you should have it ready to send. Keep copies of all materials, being mindful of copyrights. Since you are likely to encounter some opposing information, you will need to determine how to handle it. Options to consider:
There are no topics that everyone agrees on everything. Therefore the author must determine how they will present their points and state it clearly. The importance of verifying all of the facts is crucial to the credibility of the book and the author. Why risk publishing something as fact that turns out to be opinion or fiction? Your book with errors, could easily be your only book. Determine up front if the information is fact, fiction or opinion. Is your reputation as an author worth the little extra time it takes to verify the facts? You better believe it! by Lynda Schmitt ABP Editor © 2005 American Book Publishing™ *All other trademarks used by permission. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and
Trademark Use Policy.
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