Many colleges use the MLA (Modern Language Association) Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, also known as the MLA Style book. However, the style book used by most major publishing houses is the Chicago Manual of Style.
Fiction authors should be aware that there are differences between them.
The Chicago Manual of Style Is the Industry Standard
While the MLA Style book is a good resource, most major publishing houses adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) instead. There are some differences in terms of punctuation, grammar, and word usage.
Fiction authors submitting to literary agents or editors should make sure their manuscript adheres to the CMS. Otherwise, differences in punctuation and grammar will make the manuscript look unprofessional, even though it adheres to the MLA.
Writers should strive to submit their best and most professional work, because a manuscript’s unprofessional appearance can adversely affect the agent or editor’s impression of the writer and the quality of the work. “Incorrect” grammar can negatively color the agent or editor’s impression of the story.
Each Publishing House Has Its Own Style Sheets
While major publishing houses adhere to the CMS, they will often have their own “in-house” style sheets that indicate where their grammar, punctuation, and/or word usage will differ from the CMS.
Most the time, these style sheets are not available to unpublished authors.
The writer’s best bet is to simply adhere to the CMS. Editors realize that an outside writer would not know the in-house style sheets, and therefore, they will not reject a manuscript for not adhering to it. However, they will expect the manuscript to adhere to the CMS.
One Exception Is the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style
Many major publishing houses who publish exclusively in the Christian market will adhere to the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style in addition to the CMS. Where the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style differs from the CMS, the houses will usually go with the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.
Writers submitting to Christian market publishing houses may want to make sure their work adheres to the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style as well as the CMS. Most of the differences between the Christian Writer’s Manual and the CMS lie in how religious terms are used and punctuated.
Know Your Grammar
Writers should have a strong grasp of grammar and punctuation, regardless of whether they adhere to the MLA or the CMS. If your grammar and punctuation is a bit weak, it will be worth it to spend some time brushing up.
A cheap and easy way is to get a middle school grammar book from a family member and study it. There are also good resources online like www.dailygrammar.com and www.grammarcheck.com.
Join the Conversation