Tag: getting published

Punctuating dialogue: the ultimate guide for authors

Guide to punctuating dialogue

Have you forgotten all the grammar you learnt in school? If so, this guide is for you! My aim is to keep it simple and free from technical terms, so that it's a practical guide for writers. Boring? Trust me, it's worth spending a bit of time learning this stuff now - you'll save yourself so many hours when it comes to editing! The Basics Every time a different person speaks, start on a new line. Double or single speech marks? It's more common to use single in Britain and double in the U.S. It's up to you, though: no...

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How to write a synopsis

One thing I've noticed from the submissions we receive here at UpLit Press is that there is a lot of confusion about what is meant by a synopsis. A synopsis isn't the same as the back cover blurb. A synopsis is a summary of all the main plot points in your book, from beginning to end, including spoilers. The function of a synopsis is to let an agent or publisher know if the initial promise in your first three chapters is supported by the rest of the book. So, there's no point holding back: it has to summarise everything. And...

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