Editorial Tip of the Week: Introductory Commas

Commas are often used after introductory phrases or words, especially to indicate pause. This can be very useful to help develop the way your piece reads and flows. Use of the comma is frequently a matter of preference and good judgement. However, there are certain instances with introductory phrases and words where a comma is specifically necessary. We'll just run through how the comma can (and sometimes should) be used here.

i. Introductory Phrase with Comma

A comma is used to indicate slight pause following an introductory phrase at the beginning of a sentence, with the exception of very short introductory phrases. In this case, the comma is also useful to prevent misreading of the sentence, so be sure you are not muddling a sentence by omitting a comma.

Examples: On the other hand, her favorite dinner wasn't exactly easy to prepare.

On Tuesday he tried to see the optometrist.

ii. Introductory Phrase without Comma

If the introductory phrase immediately precedes the verb it modifies, a comma is not used.

Example: Running along behind the car was her neighbor's new dog.

iii. Direct Address

Use a comma following names or words used in direct address and correspondence.

Examples: Friends, I will be selling my car soon.

Mr. Fry, please report back to me as soon as possible.

iv. "Yes," "no," etc.

Use a comma following yes, no, well then, and the like, at the beginning of a sentence when a slight pause is desired.

Examples: Yes, I admit he defeated me.

Well then, we should look into the matter.

Spotlighted Literary Events

October 9th & 10th
Wordstock! Wordstock is an annual festival of books, writer, and storytelling in Portland, Oregon. A full schedule of events is available here. Wordstock features nine author stages, a book fair, a children's activity and literature stage, a series of workshops for writers, day-long professional development workshops for K-12 teachers, and more.
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
When: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: varies

Saturday, October 9th
The IPRC presents the 5th annual Text Ball at p:ear. The Text Ball is Portland's unique celebration of all things text, where attendees are encouraged to come dressed with text as part of your evening attire. Along with live music, dancing, and text-based refreshments, attendees can enjoy word games and a costume parade.
Where: p:ear, 338 NW 6th Ave
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: $8-$15 at iprc.org

Tuesday, October 12th
Zinesters talking: Know Your City. Examining Portland's forgotten history through zines. The Dill Pickle Club, a civic organization that organizes education project on local history, culture, and civics, talks about Oregon History Comics, with author and Portland Mercury reporter Sarah Mirk.
Where: Central Library, US Bank Room, 801 SW 10th Ave
When: 6:30 pm
Cost: Free

Photo Story Prompt: Commodore Record Shop

Portrait of Milt Gabler, Herbie Hill, Lou Blum, and Jack Crystal, Commodore Record Shop, New York, NY, ca. Aug. 1947. William P. Gottlieb.

Write whatever comes to you! Share your fiction, non-fiction, prose, or what have you with us. Leave it as a comment, or email it to us at photostory@indigoediting.com.

Editorial Tip of the Week: Compounds and Hyphens

Hyphens and deciding when to hyphenate words are things that confuse me to this day. There's a lot to hyphenation rules, and all different kinds of them. To break it down to easier to understand parts, I wanted to take a look at hyphenating compounds. The first place to look to decide whether or not to hyphenate a word is the dictionary. But after that, here are some things to consider:

i. Readability

Hyphens are used to show structure and pronunciation to enhance readability and comprehension. Hyphens can help out with words that may otherwise be misread; for example, you would want to re-press your shirt, not repress it. And to eliminate ambiguity: decision making is understandable enough, but fast decision-making shows that you are making decisions and not just quick judgements. Something like graduate student housing is not ambiguous, but it is still perfectly acceptable to hyphenate.

ii. Compound Modifiers

When compound modifiers (like well-lit or open-mouthed) precede a noun, hyphenation makes for easier reading and comprehension. When they follow a noun, hyphens are generally not needed (although that is not always the case). The Chicago Manual of Style offers a hyphenation guide for more specifics.

iii. Multiple Hyphens

Standard multiple hyphen phrases like matter-of-fact approach and over-the-counter drug are often written with two hyphens. Other phrases have no real general consensus, but consistency should be maintained throughout a piece. Therefore, early nineteenth-century music or early-nineteenth-century music are both acceptable. The use of one hyphen versus two does not make a difference in the understanding of the phrase.

Spotlighted Literary Events

Sunday, October 3rd

Michele Glazer's poems take on questions of being and value, exploring not just "what" is, but "how" it is. The poems in her new collection, "On Tact, and the Made Up World," are drawn to missteps in perception and language.

Where: Powell's on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne

When: 4:00 pm

Cost: Free

Monday, October 4th

Write Around Portland 10-week workshop begins tonight. Based on their acclaimed community writing model, this generative workshop incorporates favorite exercises to inspire the writing life. Workshop fee ($285) includes free parking and snacks, and helps to fund workshops for low-income youth and adults. To register, of for more information, visit www.writearound.org.

Where: Powell's, 1005 West Burnside

When: 6:15 pm

Cost: $285 for 10 weeks

Tuesday, October 5th

Join Wordstock and the Multnomah County Library for this special "sneak-peak" at the Young Adult literature that will be featured at this year's festival, with readings from Heather Vogel Frederick, Amanda Howells, and Nancy Coffelt.

Where: Central Library, 810 SW 10th Ave.

When: 6:00 pm

Cost: Free

Thursday, October 7th

Join us to meet Johnny Ryan and celebrate the release of his latest book, Prison Pit 2. Ryan will sign books and present an exhibition of his original artwork, comix, colorful silkscreen prints, and sculpted figures. Also the main character from Prison Pit, Cannibal Fuckface, will make a special appearance, performing a heavy metal set while covered in blood.

Where: Floating World Comics, 20 NW 5th Ave #101

When: 6:00 pm

Cost: Free