Novel Writing Research - Should You Pay?

On 13 July, John sent me this interesting question about novel writing research, in particular whether you should pay experts you consult. Here is a somewhat edited version of the question:

First up, John, an admission: I have never had to do much writing research (the subject matter for my own fiction is "ordinary small town life"), and so my answer is based purely on my own knowledge and instincts and not on any direct experience of approaching experts.

And what my instincts (and a little knowledge) tell me is that payment wouldn't be appropriate. If I approach an accountant to do my tax return, I expect to be billed. If I approach one to pick their brains, that strikes me as an entirely different thing. Having said that, I think you should pay them "indirectly"...

I had a friend who wanted to research smallholdings (not for a novel, but that is immaterial). What he did was to contact a smallholder and offer his services for a week in exchange for bed and board and the chance to ask the smallholder questions.

You haven't mentioned the specifics of the writing research you need to do, John, but maybe you could offer to be an expert's shadow for a day or a week and carry their bags for them (or whatever) in return. If that wouldn't be appropriate, how about taking them for a drink or buying them lunch.

I can't remember the details now, but I remember reading a book on writing research in which the author explained how most people are flattered to be approached for their expertise and are only too happy to be generous with their time - particularly to a novel writer, and particularly when you mention that you will give them full credit in the "Thanks to..." section of the novel. And this makes perfect sense when you think about it. Which of us isn't flattered when asked an opinion? Which of us wouldn't be proud to be credited in someone else's novel?

The only other thing to say about research is that you should probably be prepared to approach several experts before you find one who is happy to oblige. Don't be afraid to do the approaching, because they can always say no. And at the end of it buy them a decent bottle of wine - I bet they would appreciate that far more than the offer of payment.

Sorry for not being able to provide a more authoritative answer, John, but I hope it helps nonetheless.

Harvey