It is strictly a matter of style. Nothing else. In some cases, where text is packed with non-texts (such as magazine ads) it is a visual cue to where an article begins. In other contexts, such as a printed novel, it is merely a way to focus the reader’s attention.

Why do authors capitalize certain words?

They have three main purposes: to let the reader know a sentence is beginning, to show important words in a title, and to signal proper names and official titles.

Why is the first line of a chapter a different font?

When printing first began in the 15th century, early typographers wanted to imitate the manuscripts of the day. They adapted this practice of using a large initial capital letter at the beginning of a chapter as a way of making their books acceptable to a public accustomed to buying illuminated manuscripts.

Why do you capitalize the first letter of a word?

You should always capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence, no matter what the word is. Take, for example, the following sentences: The weather was beautiful. It was sunny all day. Even though the and it aren’t proper nouns, they’re capitalized here because they’re the first words in their sentences.

Do you capitalize every word in a chapter title?

According to most style guides, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs are capitalized in titles of books, articles, and songs. You’d also capitalize the first word and (according to most guides) the last word of a title, regardless of what part of speech they are.

How do you format a new chapter in a manuscript?

#3 – Formatting chapters

1. New chapter page break–always start a new chapter on a new page.
2. Chapter title page. #1 – Center-align justify the title of the chapter, even if it’s just a chapter number. #2 – One-third to one-half way down the page. #3 – Start the chapter one double-spaced down from the title.

What is the fancy letter in the beginning of a chapter?

initial capital

In a written or published work, an initial capital, also referred to as a drop capital or simply an initial cap, initial, initcapital, initcap or init or a drop cap or drop, is a letter at the beginning of a word, a chapter, or a paragraph that is larger than the rest of the text.

What is the rule for capitalization?

In general, you should capitalize the first word, all nouns, all verbs (even short ones, like is), all adjectives, and all proper nouns. That means you should lowercase articles, conjunctions, and prepositions—however, some style guides say to capitalize conjunctions and prepositions that are longer than five letters.

Why should I always be capitalized?

An uppercase I symbolizes importance of the writer: The I has retained the capitalization because it also gives added weight to this pronoun used to describe the individual writer. Some languages do capitalize different pronouns, such as the German formal you (Sie).

What three words should be capitalized?

There are three main types of words that need to be capitalized: (1) the first word of a sentence, (2) titles of books and other works, and (3) proper nouns and adjectives. Incorrect: writing is so much fun.

When should chapter be capitalized?

Capitalize “Chapter,” “Unit,” and “Exercise”



The title is written out (e.g., Chapter 1), and titles should be capitalized. However, even if the chapter has a name (e.g., Gerunds), we commonly keep the capitalization (e.g., Open your books to Chapter 1, Gerunds) because it still represents the title.

Do I capitalize the name of a chapter?

When referring to a chapter in a book, the chapter and number should be lowercase. However, Chapter 11 bankruptcy refers to a specific law, and laws and ordinances are typically capped (according to examples I’ve found in CMOS and online).

Should chapter 1 be capitalized?

Chapters, Figures (in a document)



Capitalize references to specific chapters, figures, etc., in a book, but lowercase words referring to a general part of the book.

Are novels justified or left aligned?

As a general rule the text in printed books should always be Justified so that it aligns with both the left and right margins (like this paragraph and the two that follow).

Why is text in books justified?

Justified text looks nicer. Readers are used to reading justified text, so justified text is easier to read. “Ragged right” text improves retention.

How do you justify a novel?

How to Write a Justification Narrative

1. State Your Claim. A strong justification narrative begins with a brief statement of your claim, which will be the focus of your piece. …
2. Establish Reasons. Once you state your claim, begin providing the reasoning. …
3. Provide Support. …
4. Discuss Budgetary Issues.

What is the best line spacing for a novel?

double spaced

Line spacing: All lines should be double spaced. Double-spacing your lines makes the manuscript easier to read and mark up. Do not add an extra space between paragraphs.

How do I layout my book?

Use them yourself, and your book will belong with the best.

1. Keep the Margins Roomy. …
2. Choose Readable Fonts. …
3. Use a Comfortable Type Size and Leading. …
4. Justify your Text. …
5. Indent the First Lines of Paragraphs. …
6. Use Running Heads (And/Or Footers) …
7. Give Chapter Openings Special Treatment. …
8. Mark Scene Breaks With a Blank Line.