This article provides titles and descriptions of key writing style manuals, valuable references for writers and editors looking for careers in the publishing industry.
Whether you're writing a book, an article or a research paper or applying for a job as an editor, standard writing and publishing style will be an issue. Many publications will have a house style, but those are normally a variation of one of the standard publishing styles. Numerous style guides exist for new writers and editors to consult. However, which one you need will depend on the type of writing you're doing. This article provides descriptions of the most commonly used style manuals as well as a few specialized guides.
The Chicago Manual of Style (15th edition)
The Chicago Manual of Style has been a staple in the book and academic publishing industries since 1906. This guide not only outlines the rules of grammar and usage but also provides specifications for preparing an formatting of electronic manuscripts. Citing sources (including online and electronic sources) and documentation guidelines also assist the writer in assembling a quality manuscript. The Chicago Manual of Style is a comprehensive reference for clear, concise writing and preparation for publication, and authors, editors, proofreaders, and anyone working with manuscripts will find it indispensable. In addition to the hard copy, The Chicago Manual of Style is also available online by subscription.
The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law
The Associated Press Stylebook is a valuable reference for journalists, public relations writers, copywriters, and editors working for newspapers, magazines and other print and online media. This book provides information necessary for journalists today including more than 5,000 A to Z entries with rules grammar, punctuation, spelling and abbreviation. Along with these entries, the AP Stylebook offers a section on avoiding libel and copyright infringement. The Associated Press Stylebook is also available online by subscription.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
and MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing
The MLA Handbook is the standard for academic writing, providing a reference for college students for years. Those learning to write research papers will consider this a necessity. The MLA Style Manual, on the other hand, is the more advanced of the MLA's guides, providing guidelines for those who continue academic research as well as academic publishing.
Specialized Guides
While the style manuals described above can apply to a variety of writing, some genres require more specialized guidelines. Those looking to write in the psychological, medical, or scientific fields will need to consult one of the following guides.
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
- ASA Style Guide/American Sociological Association
- American Medical Association Manual of Style
- Scientific Style and Format
