> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.deepwriter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.deepwriter.com/tips-tricks-and-hacks/prompt-elements/data-sources.md).

# Data sources

***

Guide DeepWriter on which data sources to prioritize and how to format citations. This ensures both credibility and consistency.

> <mark style="color:purple;">"When researching market trends, prioritize data from reputable sources like Statista, Gartner, and industry reports from major consulting firms."</mark>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro tip:** If you have specific, non-public data (e.g., internal company reports), upload them using the **Upload Documents** feature. This ensures DeepWriter references your proprietary information correctly, supplementing its web search capabilities. More on this in the [Using your files](/tips-tricks-and-hacks/using-your-files.md) section.
{% endhint %}

You can also define what *not* to use. For example:

> <mark style="color:purple;">“Avoid referencing personal blogs or opinion pieces.”</mark>

> <mark style="color:purple;">“Exclude sources dated before 2018 unless they are foundational studies.”</mark>

Telling DeepWriter which sources to use—and how to cite them—helps it build content that’s accurate, trustworthy, and ready to use. A few clear instructions can make a big difference in the quality of the final result.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.deepwriter.com/tips-tricks-and-hacks/prompt-elements/data-sources.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.