As a bestselling author spanning both fiction and non-fiction genres, I’ve spent years honing the craft of storytelling. Beyond compelling narratives and engaging characters, the often-underestimated power of punctuation plays a crucial role in impactful writing.
Recently, a curious claim has emerged: the suggestion that frequent use of the em dash (—) is a hallmark of AI-generated writing. As a veteran author of eight books and contributor to several international publications, I want to address this directly. This notion is a significant oversimplification that fails to recognize the deliberate and nuanced application of this versatile punctuation mark in professional writing and publishing.
For aspiring authors aiming for publication, understanding the proper use of the em dash is essential. In our publishing style guide, the em dash is a strategic tool used to:
Enhance Sentence Structure
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Effectively demarcate parenthetical elements or digressions, seamlessly inserting extra information or a fleeting thought without the softer separation of commas or the more formal enclosure of parentheses. This is a key writing tip for adding depth.
- Example: The old house—with its peeling paint and overgrown garden—still held a certain charm.
Create Dialogue Impact
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Skillfully indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech within dialogue, conveying hesitation, interruption, or a trailing off of words for added realism and emotional depth. This punctuationnuance is vital for compelling characters.
- Example: ‘I believe this is the correct approach—’ Father Simon paused, looking thoughtful.
- Example: ‘But what if—?’ Anahita interrupted, her voice filled with concern.
Clarify Narrative Flow
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Understand the specific placement of em dashes in relation to quotation marks during dialogue. When the interruption belongs to the narrator, the em dashes go outside the quotes. This is a crucial aspect of grammar in book writing.
- Example: ‘Shera assured us he’d be on time, but—’ Tara glanced at her watch with a sigh—’it seems we’ll be waiting longer.’
Key Takeaway about em dash for Authors
Mastering the correct em dash usage is not a sign of artificial intelligence; it’s a hallmark of polished writing, demonstrating your attention to detail, understanding of pacing, and commitment to clear communication – crucial elements for getting published. This aligns with established publishing standards.
You can check out my latest book, DAKINI – a novel, here.
For Aspiring Writers: As you navigate the journey of how to get published, what other punctuation rules do you find particularly nuanced or challenging? Are there specific writing tips or conventions that consistently confuse you? Let’s learn from actual professionals and strive for professional writing that meets the rigorous standards of the publishing industry.
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