Hi everyone!

I've just joined, and I'm busy attempting to write my first novel. So far, my only experience has been in writing rejected TV / radio scripts and stage plays - which brings me around to my little question!

When submitting a manuscript, is it OK to use italics to indicate 'thought', etc?

The only reason I ask, is that I've just read a piece which states that you should 'indicate italics by underlining', when submitting your work.

I've never heard of this before. Does anyone know if it's true?

All the best!

Dave

Dave, the 'indicate italics by underlining' is a hangover from typewriter and handwriting days, when that was all you could do if you wanted italics. I don't think anyone receiving a novel manuscript would turn a hair at italics that were italics; I've certainly never heard of it being a problem, and if anything, I think they'd be surprised if they weren't. Indeed, in a couple of places my novel has underlining that is underlining, and that came through all right!

I know scriptwriting has strict and different rules about layout, and it may be that underlining has stuck there - there'll be someone on the site who knows.

Emma

I submit work with italics in all the time and no one has ever complained. My italics have been honoured by editors when I've been published, so Emma is right - this is not a problem.

JB

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

You really know how to make a guy feel welcome. (I've gone all warm and fluffy inside!)