OnlineBookClub.org

In a review I submitted a few weeks ago, there was this line:
As the hypothesis of Many Worlds is yet to be proved in real life, the readers will find themselves torn between facts and wanting to believe that it is real even though the book is a work of the science-fiction/fantasy genre.

The editor scorecard for this review mentioned that 'science-fiction' should have been 'science fiction.'

Keeping this in mind, in another recent review, I wrote:
Teenagers and adult readers of the science fiction genre can select this book and follow Andreas in a world where he is surrounded by betrayals and doubts.

Here, the editor scorecard pointed out that 'science fiction' should have been 'science-fiction.'

Now I am confused as to which one is right. I am unable to find any site that clears this out. But I personally think that 'science fiction' is correct as in the given contexts, it isn't a compound adjective.

As I lost points on both of the reviews, I want to try requesting for recheck but am again confused as to which one I should send.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Stay safe

I feel 'science-fiction' is correct since it forms a compound adjective that qualifies the noun 'genre'.

I would request a recheck for the science fiction one... include a website with information that shows you are correct.

CatInTheHat wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:36 I would request a recheck for the science fiction one... include a website with information that shows you are correct.

Oh okay then...I ll try scouring through the internet some more.
If you know of any such site, please let me know.
Thank you

Mulebooks wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:32 I feel 'science-fiction' is correct since it forms a compound adjective that qualifies the noun 'genre'.

Well, thank you for answering

CatInTheHat wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:36 I would request a recheck for the science fiction one... include a website with information that shows you are correct.

Oh really, we can do this? Good to know!

Mulebooks wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:32 I feel 'science-fiction' is correct since it forms a compound adjective that qualifies the noun 'genre'.

I usually hyphenate such words because I feel that they convey the intended meaning only when put together.

I'll be waiting to read Scott's take on this.

Anngladys wrote: ↑23 Jul 2020, 12:26

CatInTheHat wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:36 I would request a recheck for the science fiction one... include a website with information that shows you are correct.

Oh really, we can do this? Good to know!

Your review scorecard has a button where you can request a recheck. You must specifically state why the editor was wrong, with support (such as a website). You get 3 lifetime rechecks, but if the editor agrees with you then you get the recheck back. In other words, be sure you are right when requesting a recheck.

Anngladys wrote: ↑23 Jul 2020, 12:28

Mulebooks wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:32 I feel 'science-fiction' is correct since it forms a compound adjective that qualifies the noun 'genre'.

I usually hyphenate such words because I feel that they convey the intended meaning only when put together.

I'll be waiting to read Scott's take on this.

I wouldn't expect Scott to check and answer all messages in a forum. He doesn't read them all. Editors can give support within review scorecards. One can easily google this for a quick answer.

MrsCatInTheHat wrote: ↑23 Jul 2020, 12:31

Anngladys wrote: ↑23 Jul 2020, 12:28

Mulebooks wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 09:32 I feel 'science-fiction' is correct since it forms a compound adjective that qualifies the noun 'genre'.

I usually hyphenate such words because I feel that they convey the intended meaning only when put together.

I'll be waiting to read Scott's take on this.

I wouldn't expect Scott to check and answer all messages in a forum. He doesn't read them all. Editors can give support within review scorecards. One can easily google this for a quick answer.

I don't think Google can help, though. I usually use the dictionary websites provided by Google to research (Macmillan, Cambridge, Thefreedictionary, Thesaurus, etc.), but my review's grammars still got marked off sometimes. We can't just send the editor the site's link and tell them 'Hey, this one says otherwise'. We don't know which rule the editors are using anyway. I wish they have a guidance topic for common grammar like this hyphen issue, so that we can know which one to use without debating.

I always get confused with hyphenated words too

I think that if the first editor stated that the term should be science fiction and not science-fiction, then you should ask for a recheck on your second review. Because you followed the editor's advice and used the term as science fiction, your support is that you followed the OBC editor's guidelines. This should get your points back on the second review, and you will not have used one of your three opportunities.
Good Luck!