Apostrophes in contractions in FRONT of a word

[celiayeary@yahoo.com]

Which is correct?
I cannot give an example because the apostrophes are vertical in this software. So, I will explain. In contractions, such as can't, don't, etc., the "tail" of the apostrophe turns to the left. Every one. BUT--if the apostrophe replaces the first letter of a word, which way does it go? To the left, or to the right? I cannot find this answer in any grammar/punctuation text I've read.
Why do I ask this? I've seen it both ways in recent paperbacks. And I know one is correct, the other is not. For example, if the word should be THEM, but is contracted, it will be 'em. same for except--'cept.
I believe the apostrophe should turn the exact same way as the other examples--always to the left.
This seems to be a recent phenomenum, because I've searched through older paperbacks and have not found any turned to the right.
I hope this is clear.
I write Western historical romance novels, and have two contracts. One will be released soon.
Celia Yeary www.celiayeary.com

[ADSET]

Celia

You are correct. The single, tail to the left like a comma in the air, apostrophe is the one to use to indicate that a letter or letters is missing from a word or phrase. It matters not whether the missing letter is at the beginning as in 'twas for "it was" or in the middle as in don't for "do not".

Of course, you can't see what I'm on about with this font which is great for the Internet but not good for explaining about apostrophes.

Good luck with the book.

Hazel

[celiayeary@yahoo.com]

Thank you, Hazel. Now, I feel better. You're right; the font used here could not show the problem, since they're all vertical. Thank you for taking the time to give me an answer. Celia Yeary

[Alex]

I think it also comes from using word processors that also correct style, so that apostrophes are automatically changed to left or right tilted. Most WP wont recognize 'em as a short form for them, but instead as a part of a sentence like 'em...', where the first apostrophe tilts to the right.

[Maeve]

I hate those so called "smart quotes." First thing I do with a word processing program is disable 'em!