Writing a research paper on an author requires careful planning and organization. The key is to choose a focused topic that allows you to analyze the author’s life, works, literary style, or themes in sufficient depth. Here are the main steps to follow when writing an author research paper:
Choose an author. Pick a writer you find interesting to research. Make sure there is enough credible information available about your author and their works. Famous classic authors usually provide the richest material to analyze.
Develop a thesis statement. Come up with a clear, compelling argument about your author or a specific aspect of their work. Your thesis should take a definitive stance and guide the direction of your paper. For example: “Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is widely considered a masterpiece of American literature that addressed racial injustice through the eyes of a child.”
Research primary sources. Start by reading as much of your author’s works as possible to get familiar with their style, characters, themes and messages. Analyze specific passages or scenes in their writings that relate to your thesis. Also search for interviews the author gave sharing insights into their creative process.
Research secondary sources. Consult academic books and journal articles analyzing your author or topics relevant to your thesis. Search library databases for literary criticism on your chosen writer. Biographies can provide background on their life experiences influencing their body of work. Make notes of useful quotes, facts and analysis to support your argument.
Create an outline. Organize your research findings into an outline with an introductory paragraph, three to five body paragraphs expanding on your thesis from different angles, and a conclusion summarizing your position. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence and include embedded quotes as evidence.
Write the introduction. State the full name of the author, title of the works you will analyze if applicable, and your research thesis. Provide context to engage the reader. End with a brief overview of what will be covered in each paragraph. Keep the introduction under 5% of your total word count.
Develop body paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a different sub-topic that contributes unique analysis to your overall thesis. Consistently relate analysis back to your thesis statement. Cite credible sources using consistent in-text citations and include a works cited page. Use direct quotes judiciously to let experts strengthen your perspective.
Write the conclusion. Briefly summarize your key points without simply repeating your thesis. Conclude by emphasizing the enduring importance or relevance of insights gained from studying the author and their influence on literature or culture. Refer back to how you answered your thesis question.
Revise and edit your paper. Improve the flow, structure, and clarity of your writing. Check for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and consistency of citations. Tweak wording, add or remove content, and rearrange paragraphs as needed for cohesion. Ask peers or a writing tutor to proofread your paper.
Include a title page. Design a professional title page with your paper title centered at the top, your name, class and date in the bottom center. Include a running header with your last name on all pages. Finalize your paper according to your instructor’s formatting guidelines.
A strong author research paper considers an author’s style and influences thoroughly within the proper academic structure. With diligent research, outlining, revision and presentation, you can gain new cultural and historical insights by closely studying a prolific writer’s body of work. An author-focused study allows you to appreciate literature on a deeper level.