A book should have an intellectual shape and a heft that comes with dealing with a primary subject.

On the analogy of 'Dictionary Johnson,' we call Fred R. Shapiro, editor of the just-published Yale Book of Quotations (well worth the $50 price), 'Quotationeer Shapiro.' Shapiro does original research, earning his 1,067-page volume a place on the quotation shelf next to Bartlett's and Oxford's.

Give your main clause a little space. Prose is not like boxing; the skilled writer deliberately telegraphs his punch, knowing that the reader wants to take the message directly on the chin.

Do not be taken in by 'insiderisms.' Fledgling columnists, eager to impress readers with their grasp of journalistic jargon, are drawn to such arcane spellings as 'lede.' Where they lede, do not follow.

It behooves us to avoid archaisms. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

Cast aside any column about two subjects. It means the pundit chickened out on the hard decision about what to write about that day.

Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.