Direct Quotations:
* Yes, always use quotation marks for direct quotes. Whether it's a person's spoken words, a written document, or a published source, any exact words reproduced must be in quotation marks. This applies to both fiction and nonfiction.
* Example: "I'm so excited to start this new chapter," said the author, "and I hope my readers will join me on this journey."
Indirect Quotations:
* No, don't use quotation marks for indirect quotes. These paraphrase or summarize someone's words without using their exact language.
* Example: The author said she was excited about starting a new chapter and hoped her readers would join her on the journey.
Dialogue in Nonfiction:
* Sometimes, nonfiction uses dialogue for dramatic effect or to give a voice to the people involved.
* Example: A biography might include a conversation between the subject and their close friend, using quotation marks to represent their actual dialogue.
Literary Nonfiction:
* Literary nonfiction often uses more stylistic techniques, including dialogue and vivid descriptions, blurring the lines between fiction and nonfiction.
* Example: A memoir might include imagined conversations or internal monologues, using quotation marks to represent the author's thoughts or feelings.
Important Considerations:
* Always accurately attribute the source of your quotes.
* Be careful not to misrepresent the source material.
* If you're unsure about whether to use quotation marks, err on the side of caution and include them.
Ultimately, using quotation marks correctly in nonfiction is about maintaining accuracy and transparency while also engaging the reader in a compelling way.