AboutWilliam Sternman Expertise My short stories have been published in the U.S., England, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, South Africa, Japan, and Pakistan. My essays, movie and book reviews have appeared in the Houston Chronicle, Boston Herald, St. Petersburg Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, The Drummer, Films in Review. I took courses in creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania and copyediting at Temple University.
Question Hello Mr. Sternman, (or may I call you Bill, William?)
I am finalizing my editing of a short story I intend on submitting for possible publication. My story is told in first person from the main character's point of view. Throughout the piece he quotes partial passages from both personal letters he has received and from newspaper articles. My question is this: What is the proper form for doing this? So far, I've just used the same double quotation marks used for speaking but it doesn't look right. Italics maybe? Please advise.
Sincerely,
Michele
Answer I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.
If your character is quoting a letter or newspaper in a conversation, use single quotes (inside the double quotes).
E.g., John said, "My sister wrote me, 'George is a jerk.'"
If he is quoting as part of his narration, use double quotes.
John remembered what his sister had written: "George is a jerk."
