To create an English Wikipedia article effectively, first check whether the subject already has an article or draft, then confirm that independent reliable sources cover it in depth. Build a neutral, cited draft in Draft space, disclose any connection to the subject, and use the appropriate review route. Publication is not guaranteed: Wikipedia editors assess drafts against its policies and guidance.
This guide covers English Wikipedia; other language editions may have different policies, account requirements, and review processes. Wikipedia’s interfaces and guidance can change, so use its current help pages for the latest instructions.
Check whether an article or draft already exists
Search Wikipedia for the subject before starting. Try alternate names, spellings, abbreviations, and former names. Check both published articles and Draft space so you do not create a duplicate or overlook a draft that could be improved. Wikipedia’s first-article guide explains the current starting process.
Decide whether the subject is suitable
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a directory or a place to promote a person, organization, product, or idea. A subject generally needs significant coverage in multiple reliable, independent secondary sources. “Significant” means the sources discuss the subject in detail, not merely mention it in passing or include it in a list. Review the general notability guideline and any subject-specific guidance relevant to the topic.
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Ask what the sources establish, not whether the subject seems important to you. A company announcement, sponsored story, company website, social-media post, or brief directory entry does not provide the same evidence as substantive independent reporting or analysis. Notability is evaluated from the available sources; meeting a guideline does not guarantee that a draft will be accepted.
Find sources before writing
Gather the strongest published sources first. Look for material produced with editorial oversight and a reputation for accuracy, such as respected newspapers, reputable books, and peer-reviewed academic or scientific journals. Use the reliable-sources guidance to assess whether a source is suitable for a particular claim.
- Prefer independent secondary sources: they analyze or report on the subject rather than simply repeating what the subject says about itself.
- Use primary sources sparingly and carefully: they may support straightforward facts, but they do not establish notability and should not be used to draw conclusions that the source itself does not make.
- Do not treat personal expertise as a citation: Wikipedia articles should reflect published sources, not original research or private knowledge.
- Check coverage, not just source count: several brief mentions may still fail to show the substantial discussion needed.
Plan to cite the sources inline as you draft. Each citation should support the nearby claim, and the source should say what the article attributes to it.
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Disclose a connection to the subject
If you are writing about yourself, an employer, a client, a family member, or another subject with which you have a personal or professional connection, you have a conflict of interest. Wikipedia recommends that connected people not create the article themselves. A safer route is to suggest improvements on the article’s talk page or request that an independent editor consider them.
If you contribute despite the conflict, disclose the relationship and ask for independent review rather than writing promotional copy directly into the article. Paid editors must also comply with Wikipedia’s paid-contribution disclosure requirements. Disclosure is not permission to advertise or to relax the standards for sourcing and neutrality.
Choose where and how to draft
The Article Wizard provides a guided way to start an article draft in Draft space. You can also work in a sandbox or user subpage. The right choice depends on whether you want a guided process, a space others can find and review, or a less public place to experiment.
| Route | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Article Wizard / Draft space | New contributors who want guidance and a draft suitable for review. | Other editors can find the draft and offer help. |
| Sandbox or user subpage | Experimenting or developing text in a personal workspace. | Less discoverable to other editors than a Draft-space page. |
| Direct publication | Eligible confirmed editors without a conflict who believe the article is ready. | Consider getting another editor to check it first; direct publication is not suitable for every account or situation. |
| Articles for Creation (AfC) | Writers who need or want an experienced editor to review a draft. | A reviewer may publish the draft or give feedback; review can take time. |
For editing, VisualEditor offers a word-processor-like interface, while source editing lets you work directly with wikitext. You do not need to learn code to contribute using VisualEditor. Wikipedia’s editing help describes the available approaches.
Write a neutral, source-led draft
Start with a plain-language opening that identifies the subject and explains what it is. Organize the rest around information supported by reliable sources. Summarize those sources in your own words, add citations as you write, and represent significant viewpoints fairly. Avoid claims that the sources do not support, as well as praise, advocacy, marketing language, and unsupported superlatives.
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Review the draft and select a publication route
Before submitting or publishing, check that the opening clearly defines the subject, the sources establish substantial independent coverage, and factual claims have relevant citations. Read the draft for neutrality and make sure it does not rely on original research. Claims about living people require especially careful sourcing and wording.
New or unconfirmed accounts and editors with a conflict of interest are directed to request review rather than publish directly. Eligible experienced editors without a conflict may publish a ready article themselves, but an independent check can catch problems before publication. Through Articles for Creation, a reviewer can publish the draft or provide feedback. You can keep editing while it is waiting; reviewers are volunteers, and Wikipedia cautions that review may take time, potentially weeks. No review period or publication outcome is guaranteed.
Maintain the article after publication
An article needs continued care as its subject and the available sourcing change. Make improvements supported by reliable sources, explain substantial edits in edit summaries, and follow discussion on the article’s talk page. If you are unsure how to handle a policy question or proposed change, ask for help through Wikipedia’s Teahouse or help desk rather than repeatedly reverting or adding unsourced claims.
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