Exclamation points are a big problem for most editors. So, to make sure you don't overdo the exclamation point, do a search on your manuscript. Every time one shows up in your work, try to describe the action instead of using it. My editor suggested only one per chapter, if that many. I had a gazillion. So, once again it was back to the drawing board, or in this case, the computer. This mistake falls into the show, don't tell, category. You will get sooooo tired of hearing that, but I am still making the same mistakes.
Try to show that your character is excited, shouting, angry or happy by the way they act, react or move.
example: "Don't slam the door!" his mom said.
Try: His mother put her hands over her ears as the door swung shut. "Don't slam the door," she demanded as the noise made her jump.
Example: "We need to run!" Bob shouted.
Try: The bombs were dropping fast all around them. Bob ducked his head at the last impact."We need to run," he said, jumping up and streaking away.
Now to me, that still doesn't have the impact of the exclamation point, but, I'm not an editor or publisher so if that's what they say, I'll do it. I think sometimes you will have to use an exclamation point, but try to keep them minimal as possible.
More telling not showing mistakes coming soon to a blog near you.
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