I don't get it...

[rosalinda-143.livejournal.com]

How do I know when to use:

These ---> ()
These ---> -
These ---> ,

What's the difference? Well I mean, I know the difference but I mean like in writing? Could you go into detail and give me examples?

Also, I hear that if you want to publish a book you send out a manuscript to the publishing companies. What's a manuscript?

Much appreciated!

Thanks in advanced!

peace.love.happiness.

~ Rosie

Comments

[nozomi-chan.livejournal.com]

Assuming you're referring to the uses for them that I think you are (and as someone who tends to use them a lot for purposes like these), here's a few links that help me remember when to use them and why.

Rules and examples for:
Parenthases (http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/parens.asp)
Commas (http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/commas.asp) — Rules 8, 11, and 20
Dashes (http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/dashes.asp) — em dash is the one you want, though it's good to know the difference between the two kinds.

Also, a manuscript is the book you want published. Once you've written your book and are satisfied with it, you print it out and mail the printed pages to the publishers. That's your manuscript. If you want a more...dictionary-type definition, Merriam-Webster's site has this to say:

1 : a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from a printed copy; also : a document submitted for publication
2 : writing as opposed to print

[starlight83.livejournal.com]

Second caveat on manuscripts: they have a particular format. You can't just print it out willy-nilly however you formatted it as you wrote it and expect anyone to read it.

http://www.sfwa.org/archive/writing/format_betancourt.htm