[Clough]

Hi, All!

The title is my question. Further, is the use of the hyphen or hyphens really needed at all where they would normally be placed?

Thanks!

[Eileen G]

It's a judgment call. Personally, I'm not a fan of hyphenation. You are better using one word or two words, not a hyphen.

I do know that a lot of hyphens is one of the red flags that editors use to reject a manuscript.

[Clough]

I do know that a lot of hyphens is one of the red flags that editors use to reject a manuscript.

Hi, Eileen G!

That's interesting! I didn't know that.

Thanks!

[Eileen G]

Hi, Eileen G!

That's interesting! I didn't know that.

Thanks!

I met the man who founded one of the main Irish publishing houses recently. He said that while editors are supposed to read the first three chapters of anything in the slush pile, in reality, they often have a book rejected within three paragraphs.

Strange punctuation, overuse of adjectives and adverbs, typos, bad spelling will all do it. But the fastest way is to have a boring opening.

Think of American Idol. You can usually tell if someone is good or bad in the first five notes.

[Clough]

Originally Posted by Clough
Hi, Eileen G!

That's interesting! I didn't know that.

Thanks!

I met the man who founded one of the main Irish publishing houses recently. He said that while editors are supposed to read the first three chapters of anything in the slush pile, in reality, they often have a book rejected within three paragraphs.

Strange punctuation, overuse of adjectives and adverbs, typos, bad spelling will all do it. But the fastest way is to have a boring opening.

Think of American Idol. You can usually tell if someone is good or bad in the first five notes.

That reminds me of what it's like for someone to audition for a major symphony orchestra.

There is usually a statement that goes something like this, "The auditioners reserve the right to reject immediately anyone not meeting the highest professional standards".

[Eileen G]

And I bet you still get people who say "What if I do a different piece? The other one is really good."

[Clough]

Probably not, because the rules are so strict and the competition is incredible. In those types of orchestras, if you make a mistake, they will dock your pay and if you make a lot of mistakes, you'll be dismissed.