As we see more and more authors and influencers called out or “canceled” for using ableist language, we thought we’d produce a resource for authors on the subject. Words matter, and the way we use them and the order in which they appear in a sentence can elicit different reactions from readers, ranging from being perceived as ableist to being perceived as respectful. What one person considers unacceptable may be acceptable to another. It’s a complex subject. We acknowledge th

When writing dialogue, it’s not just what characters say that matters—it’s how you present it. Dialogue tags and action beats do similar jobs, but choosing between them (and punctuating correctly) can subtly change the reader’s experience. The following principles of punctuation are true for both American and British English following the Chicago Manual of Style and Oxford Style Guide (New Hart's Rules) respectively. Dialogue tags A dialogue tag identifies the speaker, typica

Pronouns are among the most fundamental tools in an author’s kit. Used well, they keep prose clean and fluid; used poorly, they cause confusion, ambiguity, and unintended shifts in point of view. One of the most common trouble spots is the difference between subject pronouns and object pronouns—small distinctions that can make a big difference in clarity and correctness. The following rules apply to American English and follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), and to Britis