Investigative Reporters Handbook (2020)

Sixth edition, by Brant Houston and Mark Horvit for Investigative Reporters and Editors (2020) The closest thing the trade has to a standard reference, and the one to keep on the desk. Its 23 chapters cover data, documents and writing up the finished investigation, along with a wide range of specific beats, so a reporter can turn straight to the part that matches the story in hand. The sixth edition was thoroughly rewritten and adds chapters on working in news collaborations and on investigating social justice issues. It is a textbook with a textbook price, so check for a library copy or a used one before buying new.