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Mini-hint to help with editing: fact sheets

A client of mine recently told me about a technique one of her grad school peers uses to get a handle on all the information he's trying to incorporate into a chapter. He creates what he calls "fact sheets." Each fact sheet has one sub-topic or question at the top of a page, and under it he collects his notes and thoughts on that one topic. My client has been using this technique as she edits a chapter, and says that this helps her review her notes in a "somewhat orderly fashion."

How do you get a handle on all the information that is piling up in folders in your computer or on your desk? How do you make sure it all makes it into your writing?

Comments

  1. Bill A.10:57 AM

    I'd love to know more about this -- can you tell us more about exactly how this person uses "fact sheets"? It sounds intriguing, but I can't wrap my head around how I'd do it myself.

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  2. Gina Hiatt, Ph.D.7:22 PM

    I will see if my client can give me more details. I think the main point is to cull the info that you have on one topic, all into one place; instead of having your notes organized by source. Also of importance is making the sub-topic small enough to fit it all in on place, or on one page. This can help to make an overwhelming topic manageable.

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