Indenting speech and when to start speech on a new line. Help please.

[mattrjones1979]

Hi All,

I have finally written my first novel and have got to the super fun part of formatting the whole thing for ebook and print. I have trawled through the forum on interior formatting but haven't been able to find an answer to my query.

It is this: Is it standard for a line of speech to be indented when its ona new line as a new person is speaking? Or should the line be justified?

Secondly, I tend to write things like: 'He answers without looking back'. Now, should the speech following this be on a new line if it is a new speaker or should there be a comma and then the speech?

I do apologise if this seems like a silly question but it is the final hurdle before publishing.

Thanks,

Matt.

[Maggie]

Yes to both.

Indent speech of another character, and indent at ``He answers...``

Comma before speech: ``He says,`` or ``He answers...``

At end of speech, place period or comma before quotes.

[chastity]

If in doubt, just pick up any novel you own and see how that author handles speech - that will give you all the answers you need  8o)