Don’t Let Incorrect Details Derail Your Story: The Nitty-Gritty on Fact-Checking Fiction

You’ve crafted a compelling world, captivating characters, and a plot full of twists and turns. The last thing you want as a fiction writer is for easily avoidable errors to shake your reader’s immersion and trust. That’s why fact-checking is a crucial part of polishing your novel. Don’t let incorrect details derail your storytelling. Follow these tips to check accuracy and add authenticity.

Start With Broad Research

Before fact-checking specifics, immerse yourself in understanding your novel’s backdrop. Read both nonfiction books and fiction set in the time period or location. Peruse libraries, museums, academic journals. Gather context to steer your more targeted research.

Compile A Research Hit List

Maintain an ongoing list of facts to verify. This includes concrete details like:

• Dates of historical events
• Travel times or geography
• Product names or prices

But also includes fictional elements like:

• Realism of plot events
• Plausibility of settings
• Authenticity of character details

Having a master list prevents racing down rabbit holes. Stay focused.

Go Beyond Google

The internet is a helpful fact-checking starting point but should not be your only stop. Verify web info against published books, documentaries, academic sources. Visit settings in person if possible. Interview experts.

Master Tricky Topics Early

Identify challenging topics (police procedure, legalities, sciences etc.) and tackle them first. It’s better to realize early if a plot point won’t fly than rework a draft. Research until you understand complex concepts enough to write about them believably.

Consult The Right Experts

Interview people knowledgeable about elements that require accuracy. For medical details, contact doctors or nurses. For police process, current or former law enforcement. Speaking with specialists will pay accuracy dividends.

Vet Facts With A Critical Eye

Approach all research sources skeptically until confirmed by multiple references. Be especially wary of online sources which can propagate myths and hearsay. Verify everything.

Let Truth Drive Your Story

If meticulous research reveals plot implausibilities, be willing to tweak story elements. Don’t distort facts to suit your narrative if it will shatter believability. Let truth inform what is possible.

Beware Archaic References

Modern readers will stumble over obsolete words, dated slang, discontinued products. Omit specifics that will read as glaringly antiquated unless intentional. Fact-check language stays current.

Nail Tiny Details

Authenticity lies in specifics. Use internet satellite views or maps to verify landmarks, street names, highways, terrain. Check weather history reports to confirm storms. Accurate details add realism.

Create A Fact-Checking File

Stay organized! Maintain a binder or digital folder of all sources and notes cross-referenced to story sections. Include printouts, screenshots, transcripts. Thorough documentation prevents mistakes.

Fact-Check In Reverse

Before submitting your manuscript, reverse outline the story and double check you covered key facts for all plot points, settings, and character backgrounds. Verify nothing major slipped through the cracks.

Though tedious, fact-checking your fiction manuscript thoroughly is a vital final step. While no book is 100% error-proof, catching inaccuracies before publication protects your credibility and immerses readers in a believable world. Use these tips to bulletproof your book from preventable mistakes!