[Nidhi Posts: 49 Status: Offline WWW]

If a kid gulps something down, or slurps spaghetti, is it incorrect to put the words in quotes...e.g.

"Gulp!"
or "Slurp!"

Should they be without quotes?
Gulp!

[olmue Posts: 3,586 Status: Offline WWW]

Without quotes. The quotes make it look like he's literally saying the word "gulp."

[DianaM Posts: 969 Status: Offline Writer, rhymer, runner, punner. WWW]

No quotes, and I think you're supposed to italicize sound words. At least, that's how I do it.

[Whizbee Posts: 265 Status: Offline WWW]

I also vote for italicizing. Unless the character is making some sort of commentary on his bad manners.

[Nidhi Posts: 49 Status: Offline WWW]

I thought italicizing was a big no-no. But if that's convention, I will use italics. I've had a manuscript for six years, and revised it over a hundred times, yet, last night was the first time I noticed I used "Gulp!" (in quotes). I'm horrified...missed it over re-reads and revisions over six years! I better fix that before I send the manuscript out again. 

[Whizbee Posts: 265 Status: Offline WWW]

I thought italicizing was a big no-no.

Why is that? I've never heard that.

[Christy Posts: 615 Status: Offline Luck= preparation + opportunity WWW]

Yes, italicized sound words. I think overusing italics can be disruptive to the  reader so it's often recommended to use them sparingly.