He said, said he

Said he: I'm reading an old book that bothers me. In every bit of dialogue, the writer uses said Tom or said Helen or said Mom.

"We're doing OK," said Tom. "I knew we would," said Helen. "But I worry enough for all of us," said Mom.

It's a small distinction, but I like Tom said or Helen said or Mom said. It's tough to read a book with something small like that irritating you.

Oh, one other thing: The writer keeps writing postoffice. I prefer post office.

More editing from the same book:

"Of course you did," said Mrs. Blair. "It was dangerous but I'm proud of you Helen."

Here's an edit:

"Of course you did," Mrs. Blair said. "It was dangerous, but I'm proud of you, Helen."

* * *

EMAIL: tgilli52@gmail.com  TWITTER: EDITORatWORK

MORE EDITOR@WORK BLOG ENTRIES

• You really DO need an editor

• Reminders for would-be novelists

• What I do when I'm editing

• What I charge (it's a deal) and what I edit

• Slogging through the Internet

• J-school: More eyes on your stories

• J-school: Go out and learn

• Rookie mistakes for magazine writers

BLOG ENTRIES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Resume for a writer and editor

• An editor's views on powerful writing

• Advice for be and would-be novelists

• Links to TG's stories online

• Favorite quotes

• What I do when I'm editing

ANECDOTES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Wipeout at Death Valley

• Days with rainbows

• A desperate writer working in the dark

• Yer OUTTA there!

ENTRIES FROM THE DOG BLOG

• Katie cried

• Growl and pull

• 13-plus years with my dog Lady

• ... said the spider to ...

• The Dog Diary (2014)

• YIP! YIP! The stereo-sound huskies

• What Lady and Michael Jackson had in common

BLOG ENTRIES FROM THE AUTO RACING JOURNAL

• Angel in Black: Remembering Dale Earnhardt Sr.

(a book of great stories about the Intimidator)

• Then Junior Said to Jeff...

(the book of great NASCAR stories)

• My best day as a sports writer

• Jeff Gordon's milk toast to Dale Earnhardt

• Wayne Auton: A life in racing