Is there any difference between illegal and unlawful?
OTT Revisions
I know you folks are big fans of revising a piece of writing, but it can go too far, right?
In Style
How do I go about developing my own unique style of writing?
Commonality
What is “common sense” when it comes to writing? When teachers, colleagues or friends critique my work—subject, length, dialogue, title, believability of characters, etc., etc.—they often advise me to “use my common sense” in resolving the problem.
Editor, heal thyself
My publisher hired a freelance editor to work with me on revisions for my collection of essays, to be published in a few months. The editor seems good and comes highly recommended, but sometimes there are typos in his email messages to me. Bad sign?
Up front
What exactly is a preface? How long should it be? My editor has asked me to write one for my first book of non-fiction—a collection of essays, coming out in a few months—and I’m too embarrassed to admit my ignorance. Is it like an introduction?
Science, yet
Which is right: “Science is yet to find out why” (as it is worded in a reputable political/business magazine), or “Science has yet to find out why” (as I think it should be worded)?
Covered
I’m trying to apply for fellowships (internships) for some magazines to get my foot in the door, but I have no idea how to write my cover letter for these applications! Do you know where I can find some examples of cover letters?
The special-interest book
How can I find a literary agent, and information on publishers of illustrated novels, for my illustrated book about Amazonian myths and folklore?
Kids with hyphens
Does "three year old" have hyphens in it, or not?
Strung up
What is the past tense of hang, in the sense of a person being hung (or hanged)? It would be grand if we never had occasion to use the term again, but meanwhile...
Book written, now what?
I belong to no writers’ groups or clubs or anything, and I’d like to find someone to do a first read of my finished novel to provide some advice. How can I find someone to read my book?
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
What is your advice on how to approach the problem of building a credible publishing record and avoiding the ridicule of being featured in a publication of questionable repute?
Brushwork
Which is correct: “painted with the same brush,” “tainted with the same brush” or “tarnished with the same brush”?
Presentability
Should I hire an editor before submitting my novel manuscript to an agent or a publisher? I can’t afford a big overhaul but I assume it will get a more serious reading if it is polished up.
