6 Tips for Taking Notes While Reading

Yesterday's post: Why Note Taking While You Read is a Good Habit.

Since I covered a lot of the benefits of note taking while reading yesterday, I'll get right to the tips for today.

Tip 1: Be consistent.

Being consistent while taking notes while you read is the best thing you can do. Consistency comes in many forms: how you take your notes, what you take notes on, where you take notes, and much more. Consistency will help you instill this as a habit.

Tip 2: Have your notes easily and readily accessible as you read.

If you're taking notes on a book, have your notes easily and readily accessible as you read. Whether it's a physical notebook or electronic document, having it accessible will make it easier and quicker for you to take notes while reading. And you won't have to pull out your notes while you're reading.

Tip 3: Include page numbers and partial quotes in your notes.

Including page numbers and partial quotes will help you know what your notes are talking about. You don't have to get too detailed about the actual quote or scene unless it helps you.

Tip 3-A: If you're taking notes on an audiobook, include the time stamp rather than page numbers or quotes.

Tip 4: Always have post-it notes on hand.

If you're out and about and have a moment to read, it may be awkward to carry around a notebook or electronic device for your notes. Using post-it notes to mark specific quotes and briefly write down your thoughts on the post-it. But remember to write them down in where the rest of your notes are - this way, there isn't an awkward break in your notes.

Tip 5: Have your notes all in one place.

Whether it's a notebook, electronic document (Word, Google, etc.), or even loose leaf paper, keep your notes together and in one place. You can have different documents or notebooks for each book, but keep them in one place so you have easy access to them.

Tip 6: Don't be afraid to write in your books.

If you really don't want to do this, okay then. That's fine. But don't completely discount it. Writing your notes in the book itself takes out the need for post-it notes, having to write page numbers/partial quotes, and having to set up a notebook or word document for your notes. All you need is a pencil.