Q: I want to ask about the TM symbol you use after your Find & Refine Method. How do I get this symbol high up in the copy? When typing in Word, when I add this to my copy, the TM symbol hits in the middle of the last letter of what I'm trying to indicate is trademarked, not at the top of the letter, like yours. I'm not computer savvy, so I can't figure it out.
A: I have several answers. On my Mac, I have to go to “insert symbol” and select TM, and it automatically is raised on the line when it appears. On my PC in Word, I type (TM) and when I type the second parenthesis, the computer automatically deletes the parentheses and changes the TM into the smaller superscript mark. I myself was shocked when it did it the first time. Yet another way on a PC is to type TM, highlight it, right click on it, go to Font, and choose Superscript. There may be other ways as well.
Q: When I first started on a novel in 1995, publishers wanted italicized words to be underlined instead, even though we had the capability of changing the font on our computers. Is this still the case? Can we now use the appropriate font, or must we inquire from each publisher? I have visions of having two manuscripts, one with and one without italics.
A: It’s always best to check with the publisher, but The Chicago Manual of Style says to use italics. If you do use underlines, tell the publisher your intent that underlined items are to be set in italics in the printed version.
Q: I plan to self-publish my book. Do you have a simple work-for-hire contract I can use with my illustrator?
A: The following Web site has a simple work-for-hire contract. It may be exactly what you need: http://www.aw-wrdsmth.com/FAQ/work_for_hire.html
Q: In Write In Style I did not see anywhere you may have addressed this directly, but when writing internal dialogue, I take it from your book that you would never say he told himself or I told myself something. Is that correct?
A: This conclusion might be drawn from the fact that in my book I say “thought to himself” is redundant, because we cannot think to anyone but ourselves. We can, however, tell other people things, just as we can tell ourselves things, so I have no problem with saying he told himself, she told herself, or I told myself.
What’s your question about writing or publishing? Bobbie Christmas, book doctor, author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), and owner of Zebra Communications, will answer your questions, too. Send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Read more “Ask the Book Doctor” questions and answers at www.zebraeditor.com.
