Some Grammar Questions

[ravendta]

Just finished writing my sixth novel. Although it is my sixth, I have only now reached a point where I feel I may be worthy of being published. But first, I have to go through the book and perform the necessary edits, and I have a few questions regarding grammar. Any answers would be extremely helpful, as I haven't been able to find specific answers to these in my Chicago Manual of Style.

1: In a novel, should titles such as Doctor and Mister be typed out? Or should they be abbreviated (Dr. Mr. etc)? If typed out, then how does one type out Mrs.? Is it Misses?

2: When dealing with a fictional race, does their name require capitalization? I wouldn't think so, because "human" isn't capitalized normally, but in some books I've read, certain races get capitalized and others don't. Is it up to the writer? Or is there a set rule?

3: Can anyone tell me where I might find an official list of order-rank for military titles? For example, does Sergeant come before Lieutenant, and so forth? I want to be sure I'm not placing someone above or below where they should be in relevance to the story.

Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

1. Use whichever works. "Mrs." and such titles aren't often read as words, much like the verb "said" isn't. The mind sees them as tokens and kinda skips over them without pulling the reader out of the story. If the cadence and rhythm of your writing style requires the whole word, use it. Otherwise, I'd generally stick to the token forms, much like it's often better to write "Joe said" than "Joe retorted". It keeps the reader in the story. Of course, in dialogue, spelling out the titles may be helpful for showing regional pronunciation.


2. Some do, some don't. Up to you, really.


3. This seems to be comprehensive,

http://www.21stcenturypaladin.com/extras/insignias/

though I haven't checked it for accuracy.

Also, it should be noted that different branches use the same names for different ranks. For instance, a Navy Lieutenant (O3) outranks a Lieutenant from any of the other branches (O1 or O2). A Navy Captain (O6) far outranks an Army Captain (O3). A Navy Captain is equal to an Army Colonel.

The easiest way to keep them straight is to use the E / W / O designations (Enlisted / Warrant Officer / Officer), with 1 being the lowest rank.

Oh, and one more thing--and if I recall correctly--there is only one person in each branch of rank E9, so having two Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy in a meeting would be unrealistic.

 

[ravendta]

1. Use whichever works. "Mrs." and such titles aren't often read as words, much like the verb "said" isn't. The mind sees them as tokens and kinda skips over them without pulling the reader out of the story. If the cadence and rhythm of your writing style requires the whole word, use it. Otherwise, I'd generally stick to the token forms, much like it's often better to write "Joe said" than "Joe retorted". It keeps the reader in the story. Of course, in dialogue, spelling out the titles may be helpful for showing regional pronunciation.


2. Some do, some don't. Up to you, really.


3. This seems to be comprehensive,

http://www.21stcenturypaladin.com/extras/insignias/

though I haven't checked it for accuracy.

Also, it should be noted that different branches use the same names for different ranks. For instance, a Navy Lieutenant (O3) outranks a Lieutenant from any of the other branches (O1 or O2). A Navy Captain (O6) far outranks an Army Captain (O3). A Navy Captain is equal to an Army Colonel.

The easiest way to keep them straight is to use the E / W / O designations (Enlisted / Warrant Officer / Officer), with 1 being the lowest rank.

Oh, and one more thing--and if I recall correctly--there is only one person in each branch of rank E9, so having two Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy in a meeting would be unrealistic.

Awesome info! Thank you very very much!

 

[shui]

Keeping you in my prayers for much success in your writings friend

Gbu

 

[LadyMarion52]

Just finished writing my sixth novel. Although it is my sixth, I have only now reached a point where I feel I may be worthy of being published. But first, I have to go through the book and perform the necessary edits, and I have a few questions regarding grammar. Any answers would be extremely helpful, as I haven't been able to find specific answers to these in my Chicago Manual of Style.

1: In a novel, should titles such as Doctor and Mister be typed out? Or should they be abbreviated (Dr. Mr. etc)? If typed out, then how does one type out Mrs.? Is it Misses?

2: When dealing with a fictional race, does their name require capitalization? I wouldn't think so, because "human" isn't capitalized normally, but in some books I've read, certain races get capitalized and others don't. Is it up to the writer? Or is there a set rule?

3: Can anyone tell me where I might find an official list of order-rank for military titles? For example, does Sergeant come before Lieutenant, and so forth? I want to be sure I'm not placing someone above or below where they should be in relevance to the story.

Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Hi I use Word Perfect and it has grammar correction on it. It's a wonderful help. ALso if I need an answer to a question about grammar I do a search on Ask.com I've found so many good things that help. Also there are tons of writing helps on the net for writers that can give you the information you need. I have a proper grammer book that I used in college also and I go to that for answers. I am hoping that my drafting and editing has been done right. I do capatilize the names of races.....I write fantasy and I use Men, Drawves, Elves, Trolls, etc........ I don't know but I think its' up to the writer but I know some editors change things when they are editing your final draft.... I hope you have a wonderful book experience and get published right off. God bless LadyMarion