Say What?: The Fiction Writer's Handy Guide to Grammar, Punctuation, and Word Usage

Finally! A grammar guide specifically designed for fiction writers! Introducing the second edition, with more than fifty new entries!

WRITING CORRECTLY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD

Great writers write well. Grammatical errors mark a manuscript as unprofessional and the author as sloppy or an amateur. But you don’t have to memorize the myriad of grammar, punctuation, and usage rules to have a well-written book. If you’re a novelist or write creative nonfiction, this handy guide is essential—giving you the most common and applicable rules and tips to make your book shine—minus the pain!

Inside you’ll find

• Short, concise, and often humorous explanations of important grammar, punctuation, and word usage rules as featured on the award-winning blog Live Write Thrive.
• Bonus fiction-writing tips to help you tighten your prose and say what you mean in fewer, more appropriate words.
• Easy-to-navigate sections and a comprehensive index so you can find the answer to your grammar question right away.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced writer, you’ll benefit from these clear and helpful explanations of grammar and usage based on The Chicago Manual of Style—the US book publishing industry’s authoritative reference guide. You no longer need to search the web or thumb through a stack of grammar books to find simple answers to your grammar questions. With Say What? at your fingertips, you’ll spend less time fretting over grammar and more time writing. And you’ll become a better writer in the process!

Here's what writing instructors say about this handy grammar book:“Good, concise and easily accessible reference books on grammar and usage is hard to find. I mean, are hard to find. This is one of them.”—James Scott Bell, bestselling novelist, writing coach, and author of Revision and Self-Editing for Publication

“This handy, user-friendly reference book, presented with style and humor, is a must for any writer serious about honing their craft and garnering respect for their works. An essential resource, the e-book will save you time with all its quick links to the short, snappy topics, and the print version is small enough to stay within reach beside your computer, so I highly recommend getting both. Respected editor and writer Susanne Lakin succeeds in making a dry topic interesting and meaningful! And using this book will also help you reduce your editing costs.”—Jodie Renner, editor and author of Style That Sizzles

“As a self-professed grammar nerd, let me just say this: The world needs more grammar nerds. Editor Lakin is doing her part to make this happen with her pithy, fun, and supremely useful guide to the everyday writing mistakes most of us don't even realize we're making. Her book is conversational and approachable enough to make for enjoyable reading. But its true value is in its ‘lookupability.’ This is the perfect guide to keep on your desk, next to your computer, for those moments when you're just not sure which word is right.”—K. M. Weiland, author of Structuring Your Novel and Outlining Your Novel

C. S. Lakin is a professional copyeditor, writing coach, and novelist. She's the author of books in The Writer's Toolbox series, and does more than two hundred manuscript critiques a year. In addition to critiquing and editing for authors, she also provides these services for literary agents and publishers. Her award-winning blog Live Write Thrive helps writers learn to write well, and shares tips and advice for the writing journey. Check out www.livewritethrive.com. Her critique site gives detailed insight into why writers needs critiques and what elements are examined in a critique.