Do you need to know . . .
· What information to include on your copyright page and how to format it
· How to number the pages of your book
· Rules for hyphenating compound words
· Whether or not to italicize the name of a ship or train
· How to express percentages in nonscientific text
· Detailed rules for proper use of the semicolon
· How to place and number illustrations in your book
· How to abbreviate geographical and technological terms
· How to cite sources for quotations
These and other mysteries of the publishing universe are explained in excruciating detail in The Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago, as it's affectionately known in the business, is my indispensible reference whether I'm writing my own work or editing other people's writing.
Editing clients (perhaps growing weary of repeated references to "Chicago 11.55") occasionally ask me whether I keep it right next to my computer. You'd better believe I do! I refer to it far too often to have to walk across the room to consult it.
If you're serious about the business of writing, Chicago is a must for your reference shelf.
Mary Jo Tate