quotation marks Archives - Speakipedia

Book Design Basics: Quotation Marks and Primes

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:16 +0000

Writers often ask about the difference between “straight” or “dumb” quotation marks and traditional printers’ quotes, commonly referred to as “smart quotes” or “curly quotes.” Add in the need to distinguish between left single quotes and apostrophes, and the primes … More ☛

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A Manuscript is Not a Book: Ten Tips for Manuscript Preparation

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:09 +0000

In my work with writers, I come across many common technical problems with manuscripts. These usually spring from the best of intentions as the writer attempts to create the feel of the finished book within the manuscript. Though they’re trying … More ☛

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Writing is Design – Writing Dialogue: He Said. She Said.

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:07 +0000

Dialogue presents challenges for writers. Some prefer to simply declare what was “said.” Many authors feel that “said” is both traditional and invisible: “I’m going to write some dialogue,” said Bill. “I look forward to reading it, ”said Helene. But … More ☛

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Why You Need a Professional Editor

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:59 +0000

After completing the final draft of a manuscript for my fifth book, I wanted a reality check. I hired a professional editor and learned something important about self-publishing. No matter how capable you are as a writer and proofreader, you … More ☛

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Proposed Standards for Book Typography

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:59 +0000

The word processor has placed new burdens on writers to understand how to use italics, big and small capitals, dashes, hyphens, initials, etc. Writers who do their own typesetting often produce mediocre results. Likewise, trade publishers sacrifice typographic aesthetics when … More ☛

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Book Design Basics – Drop Caps and Initial Impressions

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:56 +0000

NITIAL CAPITALS have historical roots in the early days of book design; their use predates the printing press and the invention of moveable type. Today’s initial caps are not as fancy as those carefully rendered in gold leaf in ancient … More ☛

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Book Design Basics Part 2: Optical Margins, Indents and Periods

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:50 +0000

Part 2 of Fundamentals of Book Design explores optical margins, paragraph formatting and spaces. Read about margins, layout and leading in Part 1. The self-publishing revolution is (aside from the Internet) the greatest thing ever to happen to freedom of … More ☛

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