Writing a Wikipedia article involves several steps to ensure the content is accurate, verifiable, and adheres to Wikipedia’s guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a Wikipedia article:
- Create an Account
Optional but Recommended: Creating an account allows you to edit articles, create new pages, and communicate with other editors. It also provides a level of credibility and accountability. - Choose a Notable Topic
Notability: Ensure the topic is notable enough to warrant a Wikipedia article. Notability means the subject has received significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject. - Conduct Thorough Research
Reliable Sources: Gather information from reliable and verifiable sources such as books, academic journals, reputable news websites, and official reports.
Multiple Sources: Use multiple sources to provide a well-rounded view of the topic. - Draft the Article
Introduction: Start with a concise introduction summarizing the topic.
Body: Organize the article into sections with clear headings.
References: Cite all sources properly using inline citations. Wikipedia uses the ref tag to cite sources within the text.
Neutral Point of View: Write objectively and avoid bias. Present facts and let the readers draw their own conclusions. - Format the Article
Infobox: If applicable, add an infobox at the beginning of the article to provide key details at a glance.
Links: Include internal links to other Wikipedia articles that are relevant to your topic. This helps integrate your article into the larger Wikipedia network.
Categories: Add appropriate categories at the end of the article to help users find related content. - Review Wikipedia Guidelines
Manual of Style: Follow Wikipedia’s Manual of Style for consistent formatting.
Policies and Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Wikipedia’s core content policies: Neutral Point of View, Verifiability, and No Original Research. - Submit the Article
Sandbox: Draft your article in your sandbox a personal draft space and refine it.
Review and Feedback: Seek feedback from other Wikipedia editors. You can use the Wikipedia Teahouse for help and guidance.
Move to Mainspace: Once the article is ready, move it from your sandbox to the main article space.