One of my favorite discussions among writers (to watch unfold) is one about continuity or style. Writers disagree about how to write numbers, capitalize titles, and more within their own manuscripts. For instance, one camp believes all numbers should be spelled out until 100. Others believe numbers zero through nine should be spelled out. Anything larger — use the number.
I don’t disagree with either in the same way I have no preference for use of an Apple computer over a PC. It just doesn’t matter to me. However, I do want to be consistent with the usage throughout the manuscript. So if I start out by writing out numbers, then I need to write all of them out. If I use metric measurements to start with, I use them throughout. And so on.
For style and continuity, I use the Associated Press Stylebook. I use it because nearly every piece of writing I’ve done professionally has used AP style. It’s my own guide when preparing a manuscript to send to an agent, publisher or turn in professional writing (my employer also uses AP style). Personally sticking with the AP style takes another burden off the creative process for me. There are others out there like the Chicago Manual of Style. Either way, its important to keep the wallpaper matching the drapes.
Writers are not alone in this regard. In films, there’s someone who’s sole job is to follow continuity in costumes, props, placement of actors, dialogue and so on. An art director or production manager provides the emphasis and keeps track of the film’s style in keeping the mood, colors, tones, sounds and feel in place. You get the idea (and I’ll address the writer’s job as art director in another post).
AP, however, is my personal style. When the manuscript is accepted, I’ll change to whatever the publisher dictates as style. The publisher may say to change ‘fifteen’ to ’15′ and provide a litany of other changes that all go toward being line with the publisher’s own brand of continuity. My friend Adam actually talks about his publisher’s style changes here.
They are easy changes, but I’m always surprised by the numbers of actual heated discussion that can break out over whether or not to spell out numbers. And, I’m always a bit fascinated when people step up and say they have the Holy Grail answer on the subject. I feel a little for these folks. This nitpicking usually happens while a manuscript is being made and not after. Worries like these shouldn’t surface until a manuscript is finished. For my own sake, if I’m using my own continuity, then few continuity/style changes will surface. If I’m in conflict about whether or not I should use ‘fifteen’ or ’15′ midway through a manuscript, I probably shouldn’t be writing that day, or maybe at all.
What matters is — over the course of 60,000 to 80,000 words, I consistent use that style so the agent, editor, and reader do not get confused. Writing ‘fifteen’ as ’15′ or vice versa won’t get a manuscript or story rejected. Neither will capitalization. But doing it different ways throughout could. Pair that up with some mispellings and grammar flaws, and then it’s a recipe for disaster.
If it helps, I usually perform my style check on the second read through (I’ll walk through my read-through process in another post). This is usually the fastest read through, because my sense of continuity/style is pretty tight.
So, how do you keep continuity tight? Do you have your own style manual? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Thanks for the mention, Jason! :)
I agree that it’s nothing to particularly worry about (if you use the “wrong” one, your editor will point it out for you to fix), and I always boggle at the arguments that spring from something so unimportant.
That and serial commas. ;)
I’ve never read a grammar book in my life, nor a style manual. Most of my knowledge is taken directly from reading other people’s writing.
Adam
I’m pretty much in the same boat with you. Getting through my first draft is my highest priority, but I will keep continuity tucked away in the back of my mind as I get through the WIP, then I will go back and fine tune continuity during editing.
I also agree with you and Adam, some writers spend too much time haggling when they could be spending that time writing. I also follow Adam’s example of reading other people’s writings. I majored in English and I STILL need to double check guidelines. :D
Great post! I agree completely about continuity — pick something and stick with it. That’s how I ended up adoptin the serial comma. Then I started writing for an online site that doesn’t use the serial and it’s gotten me all screwed up again.
But I’d never ARGUE with someone over it. Sheesh.
These debates are not only left with the print folks. One of the biggest friction points on the broadcast side is past or present tense? Most of us use present tense to make the story seem current, relevant, and active. (Opposite point of view left out on purpose…active is my style!)