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How many spaces after a full stop
I just read a piece about someone ranting about how there should always be one space after a full stop and not two. I have always put two spaces after a full stop, but according to this person and those who agree with them, the 2 spaces hark back to the days of typewriters. When I started writing it was typewriters we used - showing my age now.
Would be interested in anyone's POV as I am starting to think that I am a dinosaur who has been getting it wrong all these years.
Comments
Conventionally this is required by most publishing houses in the UK, and some agents can be soooo picky, although you may want to check with the targeted publisher for their preferred guidelines, as some UK magazines and American markets prefer single spaces. There may be ones in Europe that differ too, so it's always best to check out the in-house submission guidelines.
I did two RSA's, and it's two, never one. If sending your MSS, I can't shout loud enough about this: Presentation, presentation, presentation.
Red, don't you mean the full stop, then two spaces?
Red, have you tried Feverfew? My boyfriend has stonking migraines and has started using it in a supplement to see if it helps. For meds his GP gave him Immigran, which is only effective when he takes it before the migraine takes hold.
Hope your feeling better soon.
Thanks for the concern about the migraine, Jenthom. Had them since I was 13, I use a mixture of pills that sometimes work, and sometimes don't, but maybe I shall try Feverfew and see.
Otherwise I use one space.
No, because they all used typewriters.
A computer is not a typewriter; this is the 21st century, one space only.
The typefaces on computers are proportionally spaced so this practice is no longer needed. Professional typesetters, designers, and desktop publishers use one space only.
One person on the course was a qualified typist; she was the first person to finish; unfortunately the lecturer down-marked her for double spacing after a full stop.
I think it is a coincidence that this subject has been brought up, because I am planning to use it as a thought piece at the writers group I attend. The age range is from teenagers to, what can I say, mature. It is going to be a lively debate and I just know I am going to be outnumbered.
I was also given a 'distinction' and an outstanding achievement award, but I still know I will be shouted down at the writers' group.
Is a publisher or agent going to refuse a great book that has earning potential just because you use one or two spaces after a full stop?
I wouldn't think so.
We also submit electronically these days and our work is not copied as it used to be but pasted onto the editor's system so any extra spaces make a mess of their layout and have to be changed.
These days I only use single space and am known to batter any of my students that double space.
As Scrooge said "Humbug" (and other rude words, to them)
For printed documents, two is easier on the eye (hence agents and the RSA's insistence!), but as long as you are consistent it shouldn't matter too much. It never hurts to ask for official guidance on manuscript layout, but it's only really an issue once your manuscript has been accepted (assuming you're submitting on paper in the first instance, then electronically for publication. And to my mind it's a trifling five second task for an editor to find and replace " " with " ", but if they are fussy about it, respect their wishes.)
For print publications, a single space is more common these days. We always use a single space after a full stop, but the visual size of it can vary, depending on kerning, justification, etc.
[quote=Carol]I know I've seen some magazines that specify not to use Tabs.[/quote]
I definitely agree here, Carol. Again, individual guidelines may vary, but I'd wager those magazines that don't outright specify "no tabs" still prefer subs without them!
that MUST include the one empty space inside my head between my ears then
yippee - I'm normal . note, space before the full stop is the new trend, didn't any of YOU know that? Tsk
[quote=kado]When I gently pointed this out, I was confronted with, I learned how to type long before you were even born! [/quote]
:)
[quote=Webbo]find and replace " " with " "[/quote]
Well look at that. Talkback does it automatically!
I will start to ask agents, when I attend their talks as to their preferred amount of spaces. I've never heard them ask for two spaces and I've spoken to many over the years. I was at the RNA talk this afternoon, should have asked then as the room was full of novelists.
I always put two spaces after a full stop. I can't stop myself - it's how I learned to touch-type and I can't break the habit. However - if I know an editor wants copy with one space I just do the 'find' and 'replace' thingy to get rid of all the double spaces - it's really very simple.
We`re alaways being told that they`re all looking for the next JKR, and things like spacing aren`t going to be such an issue at first reading. It can all be changed so easily electronically these days.
As long as we stick to the crisp white paaper/black ink/ TNR/12 with margins, or the electronic equvalent, I think we`re in with a fighting chance over the people who send stuff in handwritten in green felt pen on loo paper.
Don´t forget, lassies and lads, there are people reading this who have never ever sent anything in and who are riddled with self-douibt. They may be the next JKRs so let`s not put them off with nit-picking rules.