re: Is Past Tense Safe for Synopses?
posted 8/16/10Dear Editor…
I am working on a synopsis for my MG novel. It is written in present tense, except for a few sentences (in past tense) that provide background material explaining why a character did something. Is that okay?
Sincerely,
Theresa
Click here to read the answer...re: Help for Em-Dashaholics
posted 8/4/10Dear Editor…
You recently answered a question about seeing spots (ellipses). I’m wallowing in dashes, like these: —. Can you explain why dashes are different lengths and when to use which?
Sincerely,
Randalf
Click here to read the answer...re: How Many Dots for Ellipses?
posted 7/22/10Dear Editor…
I use ellipses a lot in my current manuscript. But how do I know when to use three dots and when to use four? And someone told me I’m spacing them incorrectly. Huh?
Sincerely,
Seeing Spots in San Diego
Click here to read the answer...re: Giving Editors Their (Line)Space
posted 5/9/10Dear Editor…
I know the correct format for a novel is to begin Chapter One two-thirds down the page. Once, I read that other chapters should begin 1/3 down the page. This looks really weird to me, like I made a mistake in spacing. Do editors expect or desire to see manuscripts with successive chapters spaced 1/3 down the page?
Sincerely,
Carol
Click here to read the answer...re: Thinking about Direct Thoughts
posted 3/9/10Dear Editor…
I’m reading more novels, especially YA, where direct thoughts are put in italics. It’s clearer, and obviously editors are accepting/using the style. I’d prefer to use it in my YA novel. Advice?
Sincerely,
Karen
Click here to read the answer...