1. ThenColmSaid

    ThenColmSaid New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2016
    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Ireland

    Writing signs in novel

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by ThenColmSaid, Dec 12, 2017.

    I was wondering if someone could tell me the correct format for writing signs in the work?

    I noticed that Stephen King capitalises his signs (e.g: KEEP OUT!) but the font seems to be slightly smaller, and I can't tell if its a completely different font from the main body.

    Thanks so much
     
  2. BayView

    BayView Huh. Interesting. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Messages:
    10,462
    Likes Received:
    11,689
    I'm not sure there is a "correct" format - just whatever will make it clear that you're writing a sign.

    I'd be careful about playing around with fonts - if you're self-publishing you'll be looking mostly at electronic sales and e-readers are not known for their ability to accurately reproduce subtleties (they're more about customizing the display to reader preferences). And if you're looking for a publisher they'll have their own ways of handling things and you don't need to worry about it.

    I'd say all caps seems effective, unless the sign is super-long, in which case maybe you'd want to use some sort of indent or other block quote feature.
     
    ThenColmSaid likes this.
  3. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2016
    Messages:
    22,566
    Likes Received:
    25,882
    Location:
    East devon/somerset border
    I'd be inclined to just interpret it in speech

    'Bob looked at the sign "Beware of the leopard" he said "that's welcoming" '
     
  4. LostThePlot

    LostThePlot Naysmith Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2015
    Messages:
    2,398
    Likes Received:
    2,026
    That's a reasonable enough way to do it.

    Honestly you can do this stuff however you want; all caps, no caps, in speech, or treating signs as more generic (ie "a keep out sign" instead of "the said said KEEP OUT"). If you have a specific way that you like to do it then that's probably fine and it's not really a contortion of your writing to put signs in whatever way you feels works best. Just as long as you are consistent in style then it's not something to worry about.
     
    ThenColmSaid likes this.
  5. newjerseyrunner

    newjerseyrunner Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2022

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2016
    Messages:
    1,462
    Likes Received:
    1,432
    Personally, I'd italicize it. If you make the call that you capitalize signs, then you have to maintain that all the way through, even if the sign itself is not capitalized. This allows you to have the context the sign is trying to present too.

    To me there is a huge difference between

    Stop here!

    and

    STOP HERE!
     
  6. ThenColmSaid

    ThenColmSaid New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2016
    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Ireland
    Thanks very much, you're all heroes
     
  7. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2013
    Messages:
    17,674
    Likes Received:
    19,889
    Location:
    Scotland
    Just for a chuckle. I did just see a sign that read:

    THIS SIGN
    IS NOT
    IN USE

    It was sitting beside the motorway—nothing else around. I think I know what it's for, but seeing it sitting there on its own did make me laugh.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice