Genealogical Writing in the 21st Century: A Guide to Register Style and More

Leclerc, Michael J. and Henry B. Hoff, editors. Genealogical Writing in the 21st Century: A Guide to Register Style and More. Second Edition. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society. 2006.

In writing from the genealogical perspective, the family historian has many options. The author decides on the content, such as fiction or non-fiction; the media, such as magazine, book, or web; the length of the material, such as an article or book. The media may determine the length.

 
Family lore or historical facts may be the basis for fiction writing. The author will provide a disclaimer stating the work is fiction with imaginary names, places, and incidents. Non-fiction offers the family historian a wide variety of formats such as personal journeys, research books and workbooks. The web offers opportunities for genealogical articles from blogs to newsletters.

The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the book. "It is most appropriate that the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) publish a guide to writing. . . because historically so much of American genealogical writing has been shaped and influenced by NEHGS," page XI. The authors and editors have put together an excellent resource in a small easy to use book. These 135 pages offer the reader everything from how to write for your family or a national magazine to styles, abbreviations and bibliography. 

Do you have this on your bookshelf? I do!