tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post7450866229686390327..comments2024-03-29T07:29:32.276-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Format guidelines were not instituted to drive you crazy. That's just a perk.Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-18901778820017271872017-12-12T00:53:50.943-05:002017-12-12T00:53:50.943-05:00For those who are reading this very late, who are ...For those who are reading this very late, who are fretting over the thought that they're going to have to go line-by-line through their MS to change five spaces to tabs, or even tabs to indents, Search n Replace is your friend. Ctrl-H.<br /><br />Not only will it allow you to replace a character with another, but it will also search and replace formatting.<br /><br />^t represents a tab character. ^p represents a hard return (paragraph mark).<br /><br />Search for five spaces, replace with a tab. Save yourself hours and tears.Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31039937807505424972017-12-11T07:14:58.167-05:002017-12-11T07:14:58.167-05:00I haven’t used Scrivener in some years - not its f...I haven’t used Scrivener in some years - not its fault: it’s on a dead computer and I never upgraded, for various reasons that don’t reflect badly on that programme. But even then, they had a very useful novel template, complete with headers and the third-of-the-way-down-the-page chapter openers, plus a whole lot more. And it seamlessly integrates with Word (dunno about .odt docs). Also the guy that invented it is very nice and helpful (I was one of the first users, when nobody had heard of it.) So I’d say Yes, go for it.<br /><br />I second (or third, or fourth, of wherever we’re up to) the YAYYY KD JAMES :-) Bonnie Shaljeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13067442140631504611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34014815705792046982017-12-11T06:13:21.055-05:002017-12-11T06:13:21.055-05:00Emerging from my 'not enough time to comment&#...Emerging from my 'not enough time to comment' status to say thanks QOTKU for your explanations and I'm with the 'hamster wheel exploded' scenario over here. Thanks Colin for all the tips - I'm going to need to print out this post and comments, so I can go through it in more detail! And a quick question for any Scrivener writers out there - does Scrivener do this for you?<br />And finally YAY at KDJames - I'm with John and excited about Zoey the novel! I'd offer to beta-read but I really, really shouldn't :(Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41064830146986762342017-12-11T02:29:08.052-05:002017-12-11T02:29:08.052-05:00Casey Karp
I haven't progressed to a laptop q...Casey Karp<br /><br />I haven't progressed to a laptop quite yet. But I'm a whiz at crashing desk tops. Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2213875788520229762017-12-10T11:45:48.510-05:002017-12-10T11:45:48.510-05:00Phew. At least I'm doing something right in e...Phew. At least I'm doing something right in editing... Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-5241931298650275842017-12-10T11:29:31.817-05:002017-12-10T11:29:31.817-05:00Joseph, how much that helps depends on whether I&#...<b>Joseph</b>, how much that helps depends on whether I'm at my desktop or my laptop. It makes a big difference in the first case, not so much in the second.<br /><br />Besides, if I use magnification tricks like that, my eyes won't be forced to improve themselves in self-defense.<br /><br />What do you mean, "It doesn't work that way"?Casey Karphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10592351859886981726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-91303309650684959392017-12-10T09:01:42.123-05:002017-12-10T09:01:42.123-05:00LOL! Or drowning her sharkly sorrows with Verdana ...LOL! Or drowning her sharkly sorrows with Verdana and Lucida.Bonnie Shaljeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13067442140631504611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20702801350786645102017-12-10T08:53:18.525-05:002017-12-10T08:53:18.525-05:00I picture Janet holding her head in her hands and ...I picture <b>Janet</b> holding her head in her hands and groaning OH NO.Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09868642232827730189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-63176000327545916362017-12-10T08:45:53.467-05:002017-12-10T08:45:53.467-05:00Janet - when you get a (hahahahahaha) spare minute...Janet - when you get a (hahahahahaha) spare minute - could we have a WIR on this blog post? Loads of helpful info in the comments, but no clear consensus on what we're actually supposed to DO about that wretched tab situation. Hit the tab key manually every time? Set it up globally as an auto-command? Leave a blank line-space between paras or not? Run and hide under the nearest rock?<br /><br />Also an updated clue as to acceptable word processor programmes (if we get a choice) would be much appreciated, because it's relevant to the tab situation (not to mention our wallets). Is the open-source .odt format still a no-no?Bonnie Shaljeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13067442140631504611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-50079593661646654102017-12-10T07:28:34.779-05:002017-12-10T07:28:34.779-05:00Another vote for setting up auto-indent in Word wi...Another vote for setting up auto-indent in Word with the ruler. Also, when I set up double spacing, I check the "Don't add extra space between paragraphs of the same style." I have a template, too.<br /><br />I think Gary Corby had a novel template he shared at one point, but Google is failing me, so maybe I imagined it.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03365582623380288038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-23795164390602251372017-12-09T22:18:31.008-05:002017-12-09T22:18:31.008-05:00Casey Karp, You may know this but just in case:
I...<br /><b>Casey Karp</b>, You may know this but just in case:<br /><br />In Word, clicking on 'VIEW' and 'Page Width' should solve your TNR size issue.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-83716130525995279692017-12-09T21:47:25.243-05:002017-12-09T21:47:25.243-05:00Late to the game today. I live by TNR 12. Have bee...Late to the game today. I live by TNR 12. Have been for almost 40 years. If you want to be a pro, format per Janet. Nuff said. Nike.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-83578231492912987082017-12-09T21:29:09.249-05:002017-12-09T21:29:09.249-05:00Craig, I don't think you were "wrong"...Craig, I don't think you were "wrong" so much as you were just overthinking things. I'm surprised it wasn't ME doing it, for a change. :)<br /><br />John, I'm flattered you remember it! I've been working on expanding it into something resembling a novel and finally figured out just a week or so ago how it ends. I know, I'm pathetically slow (plus, this past year has been hell on my creativity). But now that I have an actual (non-tragic) ending to work toward, it's moving pretty quickly. Thanks for asking!<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-7578431759879982022017-12-09T19:18:19.890-05:002017-12-09T19:18:19.890-05:00Hey, hey, kdjames! Blast from the past there ... B...Hey, hey, <b>kdjames</b>! Blast from the past there ... Blogging challenge from 2016 maybe? I remember that fun story. At least, that's how I remember it. Maybe there was a tragic ending I'm blocking. Anyway, where sits it now? the hopeful reader asked.John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52311116603788721442017-12-09T19:03:03.689-05:002017-12-09T19:03:03.689-05:00Yes, thank you. I stand corrected. I was wrong. I ...Yes, thank you. I stand corrected. I was wrong. I looked at several books I have on a TBR pile and saw that I was wrong.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78859031241314798962017-12-09T17:44:49.167-05:002017-12-09T17:44:49.167-05:00Craig, re indented dialog, it only gets indented/t...<b>Craig, re indented dialog</b>, it only gets indented/tabbed if it's the first line of a new paragraph. Not ALL dialog (for instance, not if it's embedded in a paragraph). See below. Blogger won't let me actually indent, but the places I've marked with > there should be an indent. Notice in the last para, the dialog is just part of the paragraph, no special indent.<br /><br />>And somehow not as mind-numbingly terrifying now that she could see it. But maybe that was because she was already dead. It seemed likely. <br /><br />>"I've died and gone to hell," she mumbled.<br /><br />>"Don't be insulting," said the dragon.<br /><br />>Zoey drew in a sharp breath. She knew dragons were dangerously unpredictable, but had never heard of one that could speak. <br /><br />>It spoke again, sounding oddly bored. "So, what's your treasure? Where is it?"<br /><br />Hope that helps!<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42297846391863975032017-12-09T16:45:59.418-05:002017-12-09T16:45:59.418-05:00Here's another tip that might be helpful. Don...Here's another tip that might be helpful. Don't write your drafts in TNR. Use other fonts and change to a new one for every read through. It's amazing how different the MS looks in a different font, and you can often pick up mistakes you've missed on previous passes. <br /><br />Save TNR for your final, final draft. The one you're sending out.Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-31970485174244894942017-12-09T16:43:17.759-05:002017-12-09T16:43:17.759-05:00John: II think it's good to remember that we&#...<b>John</b>: II think it's good to remember that we're talking about manuscript formats for agent/editor submissions, which don't necessarily correspond to how the final book will be formatted. I'm glad you raised the point about not indenting the first paragraph. We should look to the guidelines given by agents/editors, not how we think our text will look when it's published.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19298494249473071652017-12-09T16:23:28.817-05:002017-12-09T16:23:28.817-05:00"I believe the very first paragraph is not in..."I believe the very first paragraph is not indented?"<br /><br />I used to think this too, because it matches the format of novels that you read. But I have learned it's NOT the way to submit. Make an agent happy and indent each paragraph.<br /><br />Wow, leave it to a group of writers to take a straight line and turn it into complex origami.John Davis Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020019400599228492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-32953511444785544262017-12-09T16:14:48.377-05:002017-12-09T16:14:48.377-05:00I think that if I hit the right agent during the r...I think that if I hit the right agent during the right phase of the moon something as simple as indented dialogue is not going to make a big difference.<br /><br />If they see commercial appeal a lot can be overlooked.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34544845999136045182017-12-09T16:12:45.914-05:002017-12-09T16:12:45.914-05:00My question about italics is really whether *any* ...My question about italics is really whether *any* format commands are acceptable for them, be it underlining or italicising - because I don’t know which commands screw things up in transit and which don’t. I seem to recall that they’re frowned on in some submission circles, but I really need them, and do know the obvious things, like not to over-use. So can I just stick with the normal word-processor commands, or is there some other requirement regarding this issue?Bonnie Shaljeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13067442140631504611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-89699735126195266372017-12-09T16:10:14.169-05:002017-12-09T16:10:14.169-05:00If this is a confessional I will admit to using th...If this is a confessional I will admit to using the tab key. I do this because it is much easier to edit using it.<br /><br />I really didn't want to move past Word 03. It was simple, straightforward and didn't toss you a curve every three pages. With this computer I got stuck with Word 16. It is not simple, straightforward and it does throw you a curve every three pages.<br /><br />I got stuck a few times when auto indent came on. It was hard for me to get out of it or edit it. I'll keep it as simple as I can.<br /><br />I still am thrown by the indented dialogue.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-12369709515595044822017-12-09T16:03:27.802-05:002017-12-09T16:03:27.802-05:00Janet, thank you for the explanation of why this m...Janet, thank you for the explanation of why this matters! Never occurred to me it was to assess pacing.<br /><br />For anyone confused about how to use "styles" to format docs in Word, I highly recommend this Smashwords Style Guide. It's free, so I'm not helping line anyone's pockets with filthy lucre. ;)<br /><br />https://www.amazon.com/Smashwords-Style-Guide-Format-Guides-ebook/dp/B004XWJ7UK<br /><br />Really, the step-by-step instructions are detailed and clear, and there are even screenshots of some steps. It will take a while to go through it if you're not familiar with the concept, but this is time well spent. <br /><br /><br /><br />Off topic: After a day/night of cold rain and sleet, it's finally snowing here too. Big fat lazy flakes. So beautiful and peaceful to watch it fall. Bonus: it's melting as soon as it hits the ground.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54283267685906511732017-12-09T15:09:59.453-05:002017-12-09T15:09:59.453-05:00i'm with Collin. I hit the "enter" k...i'm with Collin. I hit the "enter" key for a new paragraph. I never use the tab key. It maybe too late to change my muscle memory on this.<br /><br />(I just tried to use the tab key. Hit the Caps Lock key instead. What a mess. I think I'll stick with the tried and true method.)<br /><br />Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-10712192746284889492017-12-09T15:08:55.054-05:002017-12-09T15:08:55.054-05:00Colin,
I will probably set auto-indent. I've ...Colin,<br /><br />I will probably set auto-indent. I've seen agents suggest both page numbers at the top and bottom right, but most don't seem to care as long as they are in a header or footer and pages are numbered. Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.com