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When writing limericks, don’t forget that titles deserve just as much attention as the verses themselves. Whether you’re jotting down something silly for fun or publishing your work, knowing how to format your limerick’s title keeps your writing looking polished and professional.
Normal Capitalization Rules Apply to Limerick Titles
All Caps or Sentence Case? You can certainly choose a different style, like ALL CAPS or sentence case, for artistic or comedic effect. That’s purely stylistic—there’s no special rule unique to limericks demanding one capitalization style over another. Pro Recommendation: If you’re giving your limerick a title, treat it like you would any poem or short work: stick with standard title case unless you’re intentionally going for a different look. Pro Tip: For a quick way to check how to capitalize your title, visit Capitalizemytitle.com, click on the “Chicago” tab, and type in your title. It takes the guesswork out of knowing what to capitalize for different style guides. I use the Chicago Manual of Style for most of my writing.
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Writing limericks is all about rhythm, rhyme, and a touch of humor—but don’t forget punctuation plays an important role, too. While limericks don’t follow any special punctuation rules unique to the form, knowing how (and when) to use commas, periods, and other marks can make your verses clearer, funnier, and easier to read.
Standard Grammar Applies
Example Showing Typical Limerick Punctuation: There once was a man from Peru, Who dreamt he was eating his shoe. He awoke with a fright-- In the midst of the night-- To discover his dream had come true! By Yvonne DiVita
of Master Book Builders If you're thinking about publishing your book but overwhelmed by all the options? Print-on-Demand (POD) might be your perfect solution. Here are the top 5 things you absolutely need to know: 1. POD Is Self-Publishing, Not Magic POD is the 21st-century version of self-publishing. The author—not the publisher—is in control. That means you make the decisions, keep the rights, and steer your publishing journey. But remember—with great power comes great responsibility. 2. “On Demand” Means Exactly That Books are only printed when someone buys them. If a company tries to make you buy hundreds or thousands of copies upfront, that’s a vanity press—not true POD. Stick with reputable POD providers who print as orders come in. 3. Many POD Publishers Are Just Printer Here’s the deal: some POD companies simply print your files. Everything else--cover design, page layout, editing, proofreading, paper choices, back cover copy, testimonials, and the index—is your job. Pro Tip: Invest in a professional book designer for your cover and layout—it’s worth every penny. 4. Don’t Expect to See Your Book in Barnes & Noble Most physical bookstores don’t stock POD books because they’re non-returnable. However, if you have a relationship with a local store manager, you might persuade them to carry a few copies. The good news? Tip: Your POD book can still be listed online through Barnes & Noble and other retailers. 5. POD Is the Way to Go Today Here’s the truth: Readers don’t buy books because of the publisher’s name. They buy because of a compelling cover, great content, and sometimes the author’s reputation. POD gives you the flexibility and tools to make that happen without waiting for traditional gatekeepers. Other important tips:
If you’re wondering whether Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the right fit for your book, check out this handy flowchart to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your publishing journey.
Do you want to self-publish your book? ↓ ┌──────────Yes──────────┐ ↓ ↓ Do you want global distribution No and access to Amazon readers? ↓ ↓ ↓ Yes ↓ ↓ ↓ Are you okay with →→→→→→→→→→→→No – Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing Amazon controlling the sales platform? ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ No ↓ ↓ Do you want to Consider publish eBook + using a combo paperback easily of KDP (eBook) and IngramSpark (print) and for free? Yes ↓ Are you able to (or willing to hire help to): • Edit • Design a cover • Format your book • Market your work? ↓ Yes ↓ Do you want access to Kindle Unlimited readers? ↓ Yes ↓ Are you okay with Amazon having exclusive rights if your book? (KDP Select 90-day exclusivity) ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→ No ↓ ↓ Use KDP eBook Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing + KDP Select ↓ Publish with KDP Deciding how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. Should you go the traditional route, or explore hybrid publishing for more control and speed? Let’s break down the key differences so you can choose the best path for your publishing goals.
Do you want to publish a high-quality book but don’t want to do it all yourself? ↓ ┌───────Yes───────┐ ↓ ↓ Do you have a strong platform, No large audience, or media exposure? ↓ ↓ ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→No - Consider self-publishing or KDP ↓ Are you willing to wait 12–24 months for a deal and give up most rights? ↓ Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→No ↓ ↓ Submit to agents Are you open to investing your own money and traditional (2K-15K) for expert help? publishers ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Do you want to retain some ↓ ↓ rights or control over cover, ↓ ↓ timeline, and pricing? ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ No →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→Yes→→→→→→→→No ↓ ↓ ↓ Traditional publishing Use a vetted Consider self-publishing or KDP Hybrid press They do professional editing, design, distribution and give you higher royalties Using Lulu to print a single proof copy is a great option for authors who want to review their book, mark edits, and check formatting, cover, and overall print quality before moving to full production or sending it to their publisher.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it confidently: 1. Create a Lulu Account
4. Upload Your Interior File
7. Preview and Approve
9. Wait for Shipping
Writing a fiction book in the first person can create an intimate, engaging narrative that lets readers deeply connect with the protagonist's inner world. Here are some tips to help you effectively write in this point of view: 1. Establish a Distinct Voice
The difference between active and passive voice lies in who performs the action in a sentence. Active Voice
In filmmaking, the term "jeopardy shot" typically refers to a shot that emphasizes danger, tension, or high stakes within a scene. It’s often used to visually communicate that a character is in peril, or a situation is about to take a turn for the worse. In writing, the "jeopardy shot" concept translates to heightening stakes and tension in a scene that makes the reader feel the character’s danger, urgency, or emotional turmoil. Instead of using a camera, you achieve this with word choice, pacing, perspective, and sensory details. A "jeopardy shot" in writing is about immersing the reader in a moment of high stakes, making them feel the tension rather than just telling them it exists. Ways to Apply a "Jeopardy Shot" in Writing:
Ellipses can be a useful tool in fiction writing, but they should be used sparingly and deliberately to avoid overuse or confusion. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to use them effectively: When to Use Ellipses in Fiction:
Rules for Using Ellipses:
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