The publication summarizes the experience of preparing for writing a historical project - a complex and creative essay included in the set of tasks of a number of Olympiads. The specifics of the genre are explained, detailed evaluation criteria are given, practical recommendations are given on organizing preparation for writing a project. The Appendices contain the texts of more than 30 real works performed by schoolchildren at various stages of the Olympiad and published in this manual in the form in which they were written. Their careful analysis and assessments are presented. The book is addressed to secondary school students, teachers, methodologists, teachers of the additional education system, organizers of olympiads of various levels.