Chicago Manual of Style question

nccreative · Aug 18, 2008

Any Chicago Manual of Style experts on hand?

I am trying to edit a novel based on CMOS guidelines, specifically with regard to dates. Either there's conflicting information, or I'm interpreting things wrong.

Is it correct that, for example, a sentence should read: She decided to leave on May fifteenth, after the wedding.

Wow, that just feels so odd.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

CaroGirl · Aug 18, 2008

IMO, and that's just what it is, MY opinion, fiction doesn't need - and often should not - adhere to the rules presented in the Chicago Manual of Style. This guide is for scholarly works, journalistic articles, term papers and other formal writing. Fiction is a different creature altogether. Some of the best works of fiction work because they follow no rules.

Learn the rules, for sure, and then know when to break them.

Regarding your example, the date format depends on whether it appears in narrative or dialogue, first or third person, formal or informal, the U.S. or elsewhere.

nccreative · Aug 18, 2008

That's what I thought! That CMOS doesn't apply to fiction...thanks for confirming that, even if it is simply another opinion.

Quite frankly, I don't find nearly as much consistency in any of the style guides nowadays, including for nonfiction.

nccreative · Aug 18, 2008

I neglected to clarify.

It's within the narrative, third person, informal.

Deleted member 42 · Aug 18, 2008

Nccreative until you have a publisher, which means you have an editor and a "house" style, don't worry about stuff like this. Just be consistent.

nccreative · Aug 19, 2008

Thanks. It's the agent who is being insistent about this and driving me (and the credited author) rather insane.

And, before you ask, the answer is no...this agent has no experience with fiction. I understand the danger there, but it isn't up to me.

:Shrug:

Chicago Manual of Style question

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