How do you properly format your dialogue tags? Not the sexiest topic but super relevant! I see a lot of people get this wrong, especially newer/more novice writers.

I'm talking about the literal grammar dos & don't of dialogue, as well as best practices for dialogue tags & action tags. Hint: you should use "said" 90% of the time! Please!

I should mention! I only mentioned "he/she/I said" but of course often you'll use character names. I neglected to mention you should be careful of using character names in dialogue tags *too* much: everything in moderation!

As promised, here are some additional concrete examples:

INCORRECT (comma placement):
“That’s not fair”, George said, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
CORRECT:
“That’s not fair,” George said, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

INCORRECT (action tag):
“Maybe I’ll confiscate your stash,” Jatinder waggled his eyebrows.
CORRECT:
“Maybe I’ll confiscate your stash.” Jatinder waggled his eyebrows.

Example of longer section of text with variation of dialogue tags & action (not that not every line has a tag):
“You’re the one who wanted to come to this thing,” I said, snatching the flask away so he would take a break.
“My uncle made me.” He leaned into me, body warm against mine. “That Mason guy is here for an inspection. He wants to ground us, which I’m all for, but the Captain insists on playing nice and begging for a few more years’ reprieve.”
“Maybe your uncle is right,” I said.
“You’re my date. You should agree with me.” He pouted, a bit drunk.
“We’re here as friends, remember? And if I were your date? I wouldn’t agree with you just to make you feel better.”
I was rewarded with a smile. “That’s why I like you, Stella.”

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