| Say you were standing with one foot in the oven | | | | Locating Statistics |
| and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the | | | | The collection of statistics for your article may |
| percentage people, you should be perfectly | | | | seem difficult, however the Internet has become |
| comfortable. - Bobby Bragan, 1963 | | | | a valuable research assistant. There are many |
| For the non-fiction writer the use of statistical | | | | sites dedicated to statistics - just make sure to |
| data can add some relevant meat to their | | | | locate the most reputable and then list your |
| 'persuasive stew'. For instance if I were | | | | source. |
| attempting to convince you that becoming a | | | | Some of the best statistical data can be obtained |
| writer were a good idea I might include the | | | | through a variety of government related |
| following statistics. | | | | websites. These sources often carry weight with |
| Median annual earnings for salaried writers and | | | | readers simply because the source is often |
| authors were $44,350 in May 2004. | | | | perceived as authoritative. If you are looking for |
| Employment of writers and editors is expected to | | | | medical statistics there are several web based |
| grow 9-17% for all occupations through the year | | | | medical sites as well as medical journals that |
| 2014. | | | | provide valuable statistical data. Regardless of the |
| Writers and editors held about 320,000 jobs in | | | | subject matter you will likely find applicable |
| 2004. | | | | statistical data online. |
| A college degree generally is required for a | | | | Another valuable step in moving your article from |
| position as a writer or editor. | | | | one point to the next is through the use of |
| Laptop computers and wireless communications | | | | well-placed quotes. |
| technologies allow growing numbers of writers to | | | | The mind can proceed only so far upon what it |
| work from home and even on the road. | | | | knows and can prove. There comes a point |
| Online publications and services are growing in | | | | where the mind takes a higher plane of |
| number and sophistication, spurring the demand | | | | knowledge, but can never prove how it got there. |
| for writers and editors, especially those with Web | | | | All great discoveries have involved such a leap. - |
| experience. | | | | Albert Einstein |
| (Source: U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of | | | | The use of statistics and quotes in online and print |
| Labor Statistics) | | | | non-fiction is a method to help keep your readers |
| What I am attempting to point out in the body of | | | | interested in your subject matter and encourages |
| this article is that the use of documented | | | | them to consider the message you are seeking |
| statistics provides the leverage of authority. | | | | to convey. |