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Widows
and Orphans
Everyone
talks the talk and walks the walk. There seems to be an unspoken
language among those that know. You can even hear a hushed, “Tsk,
tsk,” from a person who is perusing a book in a bookstore or at
a library. Two or three Widows and Orphans in the first few pages is
a definite sign of a first-time or self-published author.
OK.
You’ve heard the terms Widows and Orphans. What do they mean?
A
widow is when the first line (or last line) of a paragraph is left
on the bottom (or top) of the page.
An
orphan is when one word is carried over to the top of the next page.
Why
fix them? The Orphan: This is probably a left-over thing of
yester-year when an orphan would waste space...a whole line could be
printed for one word. The cost of that line is spent all on one word.
The Widow may be an ease of reading thing and just looks bad to some
people. If you’re limited in space i.e., a writing contest, and
need to tighten a paragraph to meet requirements, then this would be
a reason to shorten the paragraph.
Today
it’s a little thing that says you know the rules of
yester-year, you’ve been around the pro’s, you’re well
read, you care enough to fix it and you know how to fix it.
Yes,
in short, you’re published.
Disclaimer: Not
responsible for advice, ideas, suggestions and/or
programs. By
mentioning these programs or any other program, I’m in no way
endorsing these or any other programs for you and/or your project.
Any advice, ideas or suggestions and/or programs mentioned are
considered my opinion only and am considered not liable. Not
responsible for sales or lack of sales of your project.
Brian@SunriseBooks.com
SunrisePublishing@gmail.com |
