1. The Quality of the Writing Can Never Be Better Than the Quality of the Research by Herman Holtz Link to Article presented by James Pallikal

2. About the Author  Herman Holtz was a renowned author on consulting as well as an editor and manager. Some of his most popular works include How to Succeed as an Independent Consultant The Consultant's Guide to Proposal Writing The Consultant's Guide to Winning Clients

3. Why Research?  Before you can explain material clearly to a reader you must yourself understand the material, and not only understand it but be proficient in it.  Vagueness where specific details could be used is perceived as weakness in writing.  Your writing can only be as good as how well you know the material.

4. How to –  How to – writing demands the most thorough research.  Holtz concentrates in the specific area of How to – writing but the his ideas are applicable to all writing.

5. Distinguish from Personal Preference  You must be objective in deciding what is poor writing due to poor research.  You will like or dislike papers because of personal preferences but this is not due to good or poor research.

6. Signs of Poor Research  Paper starts out very well when explaining generalities but then becomes vague as more detail is needed.  Writer assures you that he knows the subject very well.

7. Keys to Improving One’s Own Writing Through Research  Learn to judge the sufficiency of your own research.  Replace instances of vagueness with specific details where applicable.  No matter how excellent a writer you are your writing will only be as good as your research.  You cannot have too much research.

8. Practices in Research Driven Writing  After writing your draft, set it aside; research for a day, and then start from scratch.  Edit your draft at the beginning of your day everyday with the objectivity of a stranger.  Always be suspicious of how well the author knows the material. If the technical level of the writing declines, then it needs more specifics.  Continue to research the material.

9. Conclusion  If your writing can only be as good as the research you have done on the material, there is no excuse for not doing enough research.  Why limit your writing skills?