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Questions and Quandaries
Questions & Quandaries Blog
Online editor Brian A. Klems has been writing for Writer’s Digest since 2003. He covers the most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions—and often does it with a bit of humor.
Are Online Images Fair Game to Use On Your Blog?
Q: Recently someone informed me that I violated copyright [by posting] one of his cartoons on my blog. I apologized and removed the image. Now I’m worried about other images I’ve used. … Read more
What Can You Do if a Publisher Prints Your Work Without Permission?
Q: I submitted a piece on spec to a community newspaper and received no response from the editor. With the next publication, however, the manuscript was published in full without permission and … Read more
More Than vs. Over: Which is Correct?
Q: I have an editor that’s always changing “over” to “more than” in my articles. For example, if I write “The baseball player received an endorsement deal for over $10 million,” she … Read more
Winner Winner! 8th ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest Winners Chosen
Agent judge Lindsey Clemons of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents recently wrapped up the eighth “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the GLA blog and has picked her three winners. The winners (listed below) receive … Read more
Can I Resell an Article That's Already Been Published?
Q: When submitting an already published article—which carried one-time rights—what information do I owe the new editor?—Jack C. A: You need to tell the new editor the name of the publication and … Read more
I Could Care Less or I Couldn't Care Less?
Q: Every time I say, “I could care less,” my husband stops me and says, “It’s ‘I couldn’t care less.’” But everyone I know says it the same way I do. Which … Read more
How do you Represent the Deceased in Fiction?
Q: In a work of fiction, what restrictions exist on using the names of the dead, e.g., JFK, J. Edgar Hoover, etc.? —Thomas W. A: When writing fiction, it’s generally OK to … Read more
8th "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest: Literary Fiction
This contest is closed as of the end of Sunday,Jan. 23, 2011. Winners announced in threeweeks or less. Thanks for entering! ——————— Welcome to the eighth (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on … Read more
Is it "Can I" or "May I"?
Q: I still occasionally have to stop and think about the “can” and “may” conundrum. Could you explain the differences once and for all? —Marcus W. A: This question takes me back … Read more
Can You Publish Letters From Other People in Your Work?
Q: I plan to write a series of prank letters to politicians, celebrities and manufacturing firms, and then publish my letters and the replies in a book of humor. Do the replies … Read more
Understanding ISBNs and What They Mean for Your Book
Q: What is an ISBN, and what’s its purpose? Can I apply for one without being a company/publisher? —Kathryn N. A: An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a 13-digit number that … Read more
What Should a "Short Bio" Include?
Q: I have an article being published in a magazine and the editor e-mailed me asking for a short bio. This is my first time being published. How long is “short” and … Read more
Should You Grant an Exclusive Read to an Agent?
Q: I recently had an agent respond to one of my queries and request my full manuscript. More interesting, he wants a six-week exclusive read on my book. I don’t want to … Read more
Question Mark Placement in Dialogue
Q: When writing dialog where one character poses a question to another, where do you place the question mark? Does it go inside the quote mark or at the end of the … Read more
May vs. Might
Q: “I may go to the store.” “I might go to the store.” Is there a difference between these two sentences? I’ve always been confused as to when to use “may” and … Read more
7th ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Young Adult
This contest is now closed. The three lucky winnerswere notified via email on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010.Thanks to all who entered! New contests soon! ————- Welcome to the seventh (free!) “Dear Lucky … Read more
Are Government Docs in the Public Domain?
Q: Am I allowed to use text from a government document in my manuscript? —Amy V. A: The short answer is yes. Nearly all documents published by the government are part of … Read more
Peak vs. Peek (vs. Pique)
Q: For some reason I confuse “peak” and “peek” all the time. Is there a simple way to help differentiate the two so I can get it correct in the future? –Brian … Read more
Sixth ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
As of Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 this contest is now closed. Winners notified within three weeks. Thanks to all participants. ——————- Welcome to the sixth (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the … Read more
Does Selling All Rights Mean I Can't Use the Same Topic Again?
Q: If a magazine buys all rights to a non-fiction article I wrote about my granddaughters’ medical problems, can I have other articles or a book published which would include the same … Read more
My Gnome Attack Book Lands Mention in Reader's Digest; Good News Has Inspired Another Free Giveaway to Commenters
(Update: Notified winners are Tom F & Eliza C. Congrats you two!) In appreciation of the extreme good news that How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack got a nice mention in … Read more
Can You "Graduate College"? (Grammar Lesson)
Q: I love the English language and hope to master it some day, but I need help with the word “graduate.” I hear people say (and see them write) “I graduated high … Read more
When Do I Spell Out Numbers?
Q: Sometimes I see numbers spelled out (nine) and at other times I see them in numeric form (9). Which is correct?—Kevin T. A: Most writers—including me—took on this artistic profession for … Read more
How Long Until You Can Follow Up on an e-Query?
Q: I e-mailed a query to a magazine editor three weeks ago and haven’t heard from him. The writer’s guidelines state, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you if we want to use … Read more
How to Handle Animal Pronouns: He, She or It?
Q: When I write stories that include horses, is it grammatically correct for me to say “he” or “she” when I write about a horse? Also when referring to a horse in … Read more
