English grammar
Books and writing: memoirs, publisher, draft, chapter three, ghostwriter
Talk about writing a book: memoirs, publishers, drafts, chapters and ghostwriters.
From the scene I want to write my memoirs
In short
Book words: your memoirs, a publisher, a draft (first version), a ghostwriter. Say chapter three, never the chapter three.
Your turn
Which one goes with the company that publishes books?
Options: a draft of the first chapter · a publisher in Barcelona · my memoirs
Show answer
the company that publishes books → a publisher in Barcelona
How it works
A book about your own life is your memoirs (or a memoir).
Good to know
The company is a publisher; an editor is the person who corrects the text, and an editorial is a newspaper's opinion piece.
Good to know
A first version is a draft (not a draught, which is cold air or beer from the tap). Say chapter three or the third chapter, never 'the chapter three'.
Good to know
Someone who writes your book for you without signing it is a ghostwriter.
the story of your own life my memoirs
Elena
A publisher in Barcelona. They've seen the film and they want my memoirs.
Una editorial de Barcelona. Han visto la película y quieren mis memorias.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
A publisher in Barcelona. They've seen the film and they want (blank).
Options: a draft of the first chapter · they're offering me a ghostwriter · my memoirs
Show answer
Elena
A publisher in Barcelona. They've seen the film and they want my memoirs.
Una editorial de Barcelona. Han visto la película y quieren mis memorias.
the company that publishes books a publisher in Barcelona
Elena
A publisher in Barcelona. They've seen the film and they want my memoirs.
Una editorial de Barcelona. Han visto la película y quieren mis memorias.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). They've seen the film and they want my memoirs.
Options: A draft of the first chapter · They're offering me a ghostwriter · A publisher in Barcelona
Show answer
Elena
A publisher in Barcelona. They've seen the film and they want my memoirs.
Una editorial de Barcelona. Han visto la película y quieren mis memorias.
a first version a draft of the first chapter
Elena
They want a draft of the first chapter by the end of the month.
Quieren un borrador del primer capítulo antes de fin de mes.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
They want (blank) by the end of the month.
Options: my memoirs · a publisher in Barcelona · a draft of the first chapter
Show answer
Elena
They want a draft of the first chapter by the end of the month.
Quieren un borrador del primer capítulo antes de fin de mes.
someone who writes it, unnamed they're offering me a ghostwriter
Elena
They're offering me a ghostwriter.
Me ofrecen un negro literario.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: My memoirs · A publisher in Barcelona · They're offering me a ghostwriter
Show answer
Elena
They're offering me a ghostwriter.
Me ofrecen un negro literario.
chapter + number, no 'the' in chapter three (= the third chapter)
Elena
In chapter three, Ramón. The whole thing.
En el tercero, Ramón. Entero.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), Ramón. The whole thing.
Options: In chapter three · My memoirs · A publisher in Barcelona
Show answer
Elena
In chapter three, Ramón. The whole thing.
En el tercero, Ramón. Entero.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| the story of your own life | my memoirs |
|---|---|
| the company that publishes books | a publisher in Barcelona |
| a first version | a draft of the first chapter |
| someone who writes it, unnamed | they're offering me a ghostwriter |
| chapter + number, no 'the' | in chapter three (= the third chapter) |
More lines from the story
- ElenaIt's called: "The landlord who climbed the stairs asleep."Se titula: "El casero que subía dormido la escalera."
- NuriaSo soon? And who is going to write it?¿Tan pronto? ¿Y quién lo va a escribir?