Indenting speech and when to start speech on a new line. Help please.
in Print Books
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.
Comments
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.
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)
Dave-Holland, hope you do not have any "Cormac McCarthy" books lying around
Perhaps after three years Dave Holland is still on the forum?
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kevinlomas