The Colon ( : ) - Editing Tips

Basic Punctuation for Fiction Writers - The Colon ( : )

Everything that follows a colon should be directly related to the topic in the introductory clause. The first word following a colon, even if it is the beginning of a complete sentence, should NOT be capitalized unless it is a proper noun.

There is no space before a colon, only after it. 

Usage
1. Time - It's 9:50. The train leaves at 11:45

2. Headings - Roses for sale: Yellow or pink and thornless

3. Title + subtitle - Wildflower: The deadly nightshade 

4. Introduction of a series or list - To do: write, make breakfast, do the laundry, workout.

5. Use a colon after the terms “as follows” and “the following” -

My morning routine is as follows: get up at 6:30 am, drink my coffee, and write. 

6. Do NOT use a colon if a list is introduced with the phrase “such as”, instead use a comma ( , )

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, are high in vitamin C.

7. A colon points the way to a revelation (the colon adds emphasis to the final clause)

Martha put on her hat, slid her knife back into her pocket, and picked up the phone: it was time to show him who's the boss. 

8. A colon points to an explanation. (Answers the question “why?”)

Martha yelled at her husband: she couldn't talk to him nicely after all the bull$hit he had said. 

9. When answering the question “what?” - I have a special gift: I talk to dead people. 

10. A colon can point to an elaboration

He was cautious with the people he made business with: he hired a private investigator to look into their backgrounds before agreeing to anything.

Hey guys, 

I'm gathering all these to self-edit my stories and I hope you'll find them useful as well. 

Let me know in the comments if anything is missing. 

Thank you so much for your time and have a nice day.

Take care.