Mini Style Guide
An Introduction to Good Writing and Manuscript Presentation
by Denise O'Hagan
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Oct 15 2018 | Archive Date May 10 2019
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Description
An easy-to-use guide for writers, editors and students
The Mini Style Guide covers the fundamentals of good writing and explains how to present a manuscript for publication. It is written in a direct and accessible manner suitable for all ages and backgrounds, and assumes no prior knowledge of the writing trade or the publishing industry. Explanations are accompanied by ‘real life’ examples, and each chapter opens with a humorous quotation.
The book consists of three parts.
Part 1 covers the essence of good writing, both factual and non-factual. It covers the principles of Plain English; words that are often misused or misspelled; and common grammatical and punctuation errors. Differences between Australian, British and American English are explored; inclusive writing is defined; and copyright law as it applies to writers is clarified.
Part 2 explains the technicalities of how to present a manuscript. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of working exclusively on computer and working partly on hard copy; outlines the structure of a manuscript and the order of its various components; and explains how to compile a contents page to reflect the heading hierarchy. It explains how to treat quotations, lists, abbreviations and numbers; offers advice on presenting illustrations, tables, charts and graphs; and discusses bibliographical material and indexes.
Part 3 explores possible publishing avenues; that is, commercial publishers, literary agents and self-publishing. It defines the role of each; explains which one is best suited to which type of writing; and includes advice on how to write a synopsis, select sample chapters and draft a covering letter.
The Appendix contains templates of standard forms and letters that can be photocopied and tailored to suit individual needs.
Mini Style Guide is available for purchase in print and ebook formats.
Advance Praise
‘With the Mini Style Guide on your desk, you can be a good writer and a good editor!’ Robert Fairhead, book reviewer at Writing NSW
‘This is the first style guide aimed specifically at the independent or self-published author. It’s a joy to read and will give writers the confidence needed to produce and publish their own books.’ YoubyYou Books, Biddenden, UK
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9780648002055 |
| PRICE | |
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Featured Reviews
Melissa B, Reviewer
I enjoyed this quick, useful guide that covers the fundamentals of good writing and the different ways your writing may appeal to publishers and agents. Also, good tips for self-publishing.
janet k, Librarian
This book is billed as a mini guide, and it was that. This guide covers a lot of ground, and it's a handy quick reference to have around. It doesnt replace the Chicago Manual of Style, but it will complement it. I was both confused and amused by the section comparing American writing to British, there are regional differences within the US that could also qualify for this section! I appreciated the conversational tone of the author and the non-lecture style of her writing. I'm happy to recommend this Mini Guide to Style.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
Diah R, Reviewer
(Review also posted on my Goodreads account!)
THANK THE DEITIES ABOVE FOR THIS BOOK!
Mini Style Guide: An Introduction to Good Writing and Manuscript Presentation truly lived up to its name. If you're a struggling writers, do pick up a copy of this book. If you're working in a writing world, do pick up a copy of this book. And I can't stress it enough. Although nearing the end it focuses for writers (what's with all inquiring letters and presentations), I reckon anyone mentioned above would benefit from reading it.
I know I am. And in the future, I might come back, rereading it again, and be enlightened again.
Create With Joy *, Reviewer
If you are looking for a clear and concise style manual that will refresh you on the trickier aspects of the English language, clear up any confusion you have over the muddier points of grammar once and for all, help you to stylistically present your manuscripts in the most professional manner, and offer you options on where and how to publish your finished pieces, don't hesitate to add Denise O'Hagan's Mini Style Guide to your writer's reference shelf!
Written by a seasoned publishing industry professional, Denise offers an easy-to-read, practical and inspiring alternative to weighty tomes like the Chicago Manual of Style!
The Mini Style Guide is a welcome resource for independent and self-published writers who need editorial advice before they publish their work.
HIghly recommended!
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