i.e.

Abbreviation for the Latin phrase id'est, which translates as “that is to say.” We use it in a sentence when we have made a statement, but then want to further clarify what we mean. Here is an example: “To hide your identity, use a pseudonym, i.e., a pen name.” Be sure you recognize the difference between “i.e.,” and “e.g.,” which means “for example.” These two are often confused or misused. When using, you can either enclose in parentheses, or with a comma before and after. For a humorous lesson on the use of “i.e.,” go to: http://www.theoatmeal.com/comics/ie.

HEAD SHOT

Professional publicity photo. Some guidelines to follow when getting such a photo taken: (1) Find a photographer who takes head shots. (2) Check out the photographer's Website or visit their studio to be sure you like their work. (3) Get recommendations from other professional writers or speakers. (4) Let them know exactly the persona you wish to convey. (5) There are copyright issues, so be sure the photographer knows that you plan to use the photographs for publicity purposes and that you get permission to do so. (6) Wear neutrals (black, gray, or white) or dark colors; avoid busy patterns, red, and bright colors that draw attention away from your face. (7) Smile with your eyes, not just your teeth. (8) You want your hair style to be the same as when you speak. (9) Men, get a hair cut at least a week before the photo shoot to avoid the just-cut look. (10) Your make-up needs to be heavier and more defined than you would normally wear. For more on good head shots, go to: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Good-Headshots.

GRAMMAR

Proper use of the language. If you have been away from school for some time, or know you are weak in this area, it's a good idea to find a grammar book and bone up on the basic rules of grammar, punctuation, and style issues. Many writers make it a habit to reread The Elements of Style, by Strunk & White, every year as a refresher. Although publications and book publishers have editors who will likely catch any errors in your manuscript, these days editors are looking for print-ready manuscripts that require little or no editing. Some authors are going so far as to have their book manuscript edited by a professional freelance editor before submitting it. For a listing of grammar terms, go to: http://grammar.about.com/od/terms/a/topgramterms.htm.

STEVE LAUBE BUYS MARKET GUIDE

Contact: Steve Laube Phone: 602-336-8910 e-mail: krichards@stevelaube.com   (Phoenix, AZ) The owner and president of the Steve Laube Agency has announced his purchase of the rights to The Christian Writer’s Market Guide from bestselling author Jerry Jenkins. Laube will become Publisher of the 2017 edition.   The Guide has been used as a resource in the inspirational market for over 30 years. It was created by writer Sally Stuart, who published it until 2012 when Jenkins took over. Laube says he plans to not only publish print and ebook editions, but he will also post the content online for subscribers.    “Publishing the Guide has been a privilege,” Jenkins says, “but also a ton of work. I’m eager to get back to writing and running my new Writers Guild (JerrysGuild.com), which has skyrocketed beyond my fondest dreams. I’m thrilled to see Steve Laube continue the legacy of this amazing resource. He’s been a leader in the publishing industry for years and has a unique heart for budding writers.”   Laube says, “Our agency has long advocated educating writers and providing them the tools they need for success. The Christian Writer’s Market Guide becomes part of our larger educational initiative under a division we call The Christian Writers Institute (christianwritersinstitute.com). I'm pleased that Jerry has agreed to remain associated with the Guide as a contributor and consultant.”

TIM LAHAYE DIES

 Tim LaHaye, the best-selling author best known for the Left Behind series, “graduated to heaven” early this morning after suffering a stroke at age 90. His family announced the news of his passing at a San Diego hospital on his ministry Facebook page. On the eve of his death, ministry partners, fans, and friends urgently asked for prayer on social media this weekend, offering a wave of early tributes that spread through end-times prophecy circles and chapters of Concerned Women for America (CWA), the 600,000-member public policy organization founded by LaHaye’s wife, Beverly. Some circulated a statement by LaHaye’s daughter Linda: “He will not recover from this, he will soon be graduated to heaven."

FICTITIOUS NAMES

Any time you base your fiction on actual events, it is best to rename the characters and change the location to avoid a lawsuit for invasion of privacy by the actual participants. These kind of changes need to be substantial so the persons tied to the actual event are not easily recognizable. If the event or person you are writing about is unique or it's an extreme situation, there may not be a way to disguise it enough that people wouldn't be able to tell what or who you are talking about. In that case it would be best to delete that incident.

There may also be occasions when you are sharing personal experiences or writing your own story that it will be necessary to change the names of the other people involved. Be sure that the identity of the person is not obvious to that person or to those who know him. For information on the legal ramifications, go to: http://www.rightsofwriters.com/2010/12/could-i-be-liable-for-libel-in-fiction.html.

EDITING

A process which is much more than checking for incorrect grammar or misspelled words. It begins with the reading of a query or book proposal to determine if it is publishable and fits the needs of the publication or book publisher. If the proposed material looks promising, they will ask for and review the full manuscript, either decide to accept or reject it, or even ask for needed changes before deciding to buy it. If the material is purchased, the editor will handle the contract (if there is one) and may ask for changes at this point. With books, the editor is responsible to recognize any potentially libelous material and send it to the publisher's lawyer for verification or release.

A good editor is one who can readily recognize what material fits the publications focus and audience, or if a book editor, which books and authors will help build the publisher's line. There are different types of editors—each responsible for specific duties, which may vary from publication to publication, or publisher to publisher. An editor usually becomes a liaison between the publisher and the author. Some are responsible to find and correct any errors in a manuscript, while other oversee the bigger picture and carry the manuscript to publication. For an interesting look at editing, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/31/opinion/31shipley.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0.