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Question
Hi. Is it necessary for every writer or editor to read all of the style guides, e.g. Chicago Manual of Style, The Elements of Style, etc. or are these guides just for people who are newspaper/magazine editors or reporters? Thanks
Hi, Danielle!
It's certainly necessary for every writer, because most every publisher uses the Chicago Manual as their "house style." Those who don't will accept a book/article written in the style and will simply inform you of their preferences. For example, nearly every editor I've met has a strong opinion on the use of serial commas. But it's at least known by everyone in the American industry. I've read it cover to cover several times (dry as toast, but informative!) and still refer to it for problem punctuation areas. I always struggle with when to use an ellipse and when to use an em-dash. Sigh...
You can also refer to Strunk & White for some things. They handle the same issues slightly differently because of the nature of business writing--so which one applies depends on whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction.
Hope that helps! Good luck.
Cathy
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Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
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