Before we discuss searching databases and journals in the following sections, let's review the importance of strategic keywords to help you get the most out of your research. Databases are built around keywords, so it's important to be mindful of your search terms. Avoid long queries by focusing on strategic keywords. Expect some trial and error with this process, and note that article records will include a list of keywords and subject terms to help guide your searching. For this reason, it is advisable to keep a list of keywords and synonyms as your search.
Here is a sample list related to professional writing: