Paragraphs

[MatterSack]

Put in "LemonChiffon" dashes.

------ Like this.

 

[tinkerdan]

That looks like about a 5pt indent or more try a 3pt indent it will look more urg 'organic' <-I hate that word.

I will say that it looks somewhat weird (not necessarily the excerpt above, but when applied to the entire page). Oh well.

Smashwords formating suggest a 3pt I believe.
If you don't indent I would suggest a space between paragraphs.
I just recently read a whole book with no indents or spaces and it was mind boggling to say the least.

 

[Mr Orange]

if you have set the main body text as the same type (such as "normal"), you can quite easily modify the settings for that style which include font size, indent and spacing. this will automatically change everything.Right click on the style tab at the top for later versions of word, or go to format>style for older versions

 

[The Storyteller]

I have no comment on formatting that hasn't already been said, but as to how long or short a paragraph should be, I think that this is something to be more aware of in editing. For example, when I started writing my book, apparently I was very fond of page long paragraphs! But then, when I'm reading over it, it becomes very apparent to me where natural breaks in the ideas are happening, and I can split the humunga-para into two or even three or four smaller paragraphs.

I think that a paragraph can feel too long; when I see a page in a book that is one solid paragraph I tend to get a little overwhelmed. One solid block of text is intimidating! But I also find in books where ever para is super short that it feels choppy. I think that, like with sentences, a mix of longer and shorter paragraphs reads the best, and that they shouldn't run too long unless it is for a very good reason!


But that is JMO. Whatever style works for you is what you should go with. Write naturally and then when you edit see how it flows and if paras should be split of merged.


Best of luck!

 

[Venusian Broon]

I think that, like with sentences, a mix of longer and shorter paragraphs reads the best

+1 Completely agree on the above Just like to add as well that this also applies IMO to chapters and their lengths too.

 

[MatterSack]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Jimmo Jam]

I don't think I've ever read a book without a first line indent. It makes it a lot easier to differentiate between paragraphs.

 

[BelgarionOz]

Yes first line should always be indented, unless you're writing a letter. The size of the indent should be given some consideration thought. You don't want it too big, nor too small. i normally use about 1cm.

 

[FibonacciEddie]

Right then. I haven't been indenting anything.

... I didn't either on my first run through of my manuscript ... I sent it to a reviewer and got slammed! ...