These rules apply to American English and follow the Chicago Manual of Style, and in British English, according to New Hart’s Rules, the Oxford Style Guide. If you’re writing fiction and following the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), the general rule is simple: Spell out whole numbers from zero through one hundred and use numerals for larger numbers. If you’re writing fiction and following the Oxford Style Guide, New Hart’s Rules (NHR), the general rule is a little more detail

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

Conjunctions are among the smallest words in English, yet for authors, they can shape everything from pacing and tone to clarity and emotional impact. Learning the rules first can help you break them with intent, shaping prose that reflects your story’s rhythm and your characters’ internal worlds. What is a conjunction? A conjunction is a word that links words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions help you show relationships, connect actions, and guide readers through moments—bi

When we talk about improving clarity, rhythm, and flow in writing, clauses often sit at the heart of the discussion. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or content pieces, understanding what clauses are—and how they function—gives you control over pacing, emphasis, and tone. What is a clause? A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. It can function as a complete idea or serve as part of a larger sentence. · Independent clause: Can stand alone as a sent

The following information is correct for both American and British English. When you’re writing, consistency is everything—especially when it comes to verb tenses. Shifting between past, present, and future tenses within the same sentence or paragraph can confuse readers, so clarity is key. Verb tenses show when an action happens—present, past, or future. But it doesn’t stop there. Each of these time frames can also take different forms: simple, perfect, or progressive. Here’

While this rule isn’t specifically dictated by The Chicago Manual of Style or New Hart’s Rules, the Oxford Style Guide, it is widely recognized as a key aspect of effective writing. Good writing is not only about correct grammar and punctuation—it’s also about rhythm. The Chicago Manual of Style states that varying sentence structure is key to achieving clarity and maintaining a reader’s attention. Rather than building a series of sentences in the same way, which can feel mec

This rule applies to American English and follows the Chicago Manual of Style. Though not explicitly mentioned in the New Hart’s Rules, Oxford Style Guide, British English generally follows this rule too. If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence, wondering whether you should use “had walked” or simply “walked,” you’re not alone. Past perfect and simple past can look similar at first glance, but choosing the right one helps your reader understand the timeline better. According to Th

This is our belief here at KLS. Our goal is not to stifle your voice but to enhance and refine it. Every author has a different voice and style, and we strive to learn each of our authors’ voices over time. At the beginning of a project, we ask each author to fill out a style sheet so that we can understand your particular style preferences and any grammar rules you want to bend. Your creativity and style are what make you and your book unique, and we are here to support you.