Butterfly
Auror
I am at the stage where I am thinking about the overall style and presentation of my WIP. There are a couple of issues that I am indecisive on, for some reason that I haven't managed to identify yet.
Chapter Headings... are the main choice problem.
I am currently using this format — Chapter Number Worded: Title (POV character) =
Chapter Twenty-One: Retribution (Dan)
All the chapters one word summaries of what happens in each chapter, or where it is taking place, who it is about, or what the conflict is ultimately about. (Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to work all this out).
The issues are:—
Should the O in One be capitalised or not?
But, I can’t decide if it’s better to use numerals instead of the words. (By better, I mean easier on the eyes).
Which would make it...
Chapter 21: Retribution (Dan)
Also, I can’t decide whether or not to drop the POV character from the headings. I initially put them in in brackets to help with the structuring of the novel. The plan was to delete them when I came to the end of it. Now that I’m getting close, I’m wondering if it’s worth keeping them or deleting them and leaving the reader work out who the POV is. They are all named pretty close to the beginning so context should not be a problem, but I am thinking that perhaps it’s a little extra help, or is too much help?
This would reduce it to...
Chapter 21: Retribution
I am actually veering towards the second option at the moment. But I’d be grateful for outside opinions on the issues.
I also can’t decide on whether one word chapter titles are useful. I’ve tried to remain consistent, but I don’t like some of them, so they need rethinking on occasion. Would it be better to be inconsistent and to have 2 or 3 word titles scattered throughout it, or try to expand them to all 2 or 3 worders?
Or does none of this really matter in the end? (I haven’t decided if I’m going to go the trad or self-pub route yet).
Also, what about dropping the Chapter and making it...
21: Retribution
Or do I not even need numbers..?
Retribution
So many choices.... and only one edition...
Chapter Headings... are the main choice problem.
I am currently using this format — Chapter Number Worded: Title (POV character) =
Chapter Twenty-One: Retribution (Dan)
All the chapters one word summaries of what happens in each chapter, or where it is taking place, who it is about, or what the conflict is ultimately about. (Sometimes it’s a bit difficult to work all this out).
The issues are:—
Should the O in One be capitalised or not?
But, I can’t decide if it’s better to use numerals instead of the words. (By better, I mean easier on the eyes).
Which would make it...
Chapter 21: Retribution (Dan)
Also, I can’t decide whether or not to drop the POV character from the headings. I initially put them in in brackets to help with the structuring of the novel. The plan was to delete them when I came to the end of it. Now that I’m getting close, I’m wondering if it’s worth keeping them or deleting them and leaving the reader work out who the POV is. They are all named pretty close to the beginning so context should not be a problem, but I am thinking that perhaps it’s a little extra help, or is too much help?
This would reduce it to...
Chapter 21: Retribution
I am actually veering towards the second option at the moment. But I’d be grateful for outside opinions on the issues.
I also can’t decide on whether one word chapter titles are useful. I’ve tried to remain consistent, but I don’t like some of them, so they need rethinking on occasion. Would it be better to be inconsistent and to have 2 or 3 word titles scattered throughout it, or try to expand them to all 2 or 3 worders?
Or does none of this really matter in the end? (I haven’t decided if I’m going to go the trad or self-pub route yet).
Also, what about dropping the Chapter and making it...
21: Retribution
Or do I not even need numbers..?
Retribution
So many choices.... and only one edition...