Kathryn A. Frazier
COPYEDITOR ~ WRITER ~ MERRYMAKER
Tag: copy editing
When and When Not to Hyphenate
Do you know why high-heeled shoes get a hyphen, but running shoes do not? Why the president-elect gets a hyphen, but the vice president elect does not? What if I told you that the white-and-gold dress was also blue and black? Some people think hyphenating is random, that whatever looks right is right. Sorry, but no. We have rules. We can’t just let people hyphenate all over the place, willy-nilly. But I’ve got your back. I’ll walk you through this.
Quick Reference Guide to Punctuating Dialogue in Fiction
For those of you who find yourselves either without a style guide, or too busy writing the next great American novel to get bogged down in the nit-picky details, I made you a handy-dandy, quick-reference chart for punctuating dialogue in fiction. Since most fiction is written in Chicago style (CMOS), that’s the style I used.
To cut or not to cut? Use this editing trick to decide.
I learned this editing trick years ago, and still use it today to help me decide whether or not to cut a line, a scene, or whatever. In your manuscript, mouse over and highlight the text in question. Then . . .
Avoid these 7 writing mistakes by listening.
We writers refer to our writing personalities as voice, because readers “hear” us when they read our words. For the same reason, many of our writing mistakes can be corrected by simply listening to our own voices. With our ears. You can write every word,…
More tips for flat-broke indie authors
You know you need these professional services, but you’re broke. Never fear; I’m here for you. If you can’t afford to pay for professional services, consider the following.
Free Online Courses for Serious Writers
Dear Writers: I know you’re broke. Ain’t no shame. And I know you have to write. It’s in your bones. If you can’t afford any fancy-shmancy writing seminar or college classes, how will you ever write well enough to sell anything? I’m here for you with a list of free, online, university-level writing courses.
FAQs on Punctuating Dialogue in Fiction
If you write fiction, you want to bookmark this blog for reference. And if you don’t find the answers you need here, feel free to ask your questions in the comment section, and I will answer.
How to Write Better Dialogue
Each of your characters should say what only that particular character would say, if he had all day to think about it first. A great example of this rule is the TV show M*A*S*H…
Self-editing Your Novel, Part 5: Timeline
Yes, readers will notice timeline issues. And they will look things up for accuracy. They’ll either be impressed with your attention to details, or impressed by their own ability to prove the writer made mistakes. Your choice.
Some deadlines are more important than others.
Writing is art. As Stephen King wrote in his book, On Writing, “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.” Since I first started writing professionally in 2007, I’ve taken pride in the fact that I’d never missed a deadline….
