A Guide to Today’s Top 5 Writing Style Guides
Every writer has their own style. From the personality behind the words written, to technical details such as comma placement, consistency is essential to good writing. Fortunately, writers can rely on several well-trusted style guides which have aided writers and editors for decades.
To assist with your next writing or editing venture, let’s review today’s top five style guides along with useful resources and links to help you use them effectively.
1. The Chicago Manual of Style
Currently in its 16th version, The Chicago Manual of Style has become a trusted resource within the book publishing industry. It’s the guide used for all trade and general market writing. CMS or CMOS, as it’s commonly called, was first published by the University of Chicago Press in 1906.
The Chicago Manual of Style by The University of Chicago
Tools and Resources
The Chicago Manual of Style Online
With state-of-the-art recommendations on editorial style and publishing practices in the digital age, The Chicago Manual of Style is the must-have reference for everyone who works with words.
Common Q&A’s About CMOS
Common questions and answers about The Chicago Manual of Style.
Proofreaders’ Marks
A set of proofreaders’ marks taken directly from The CMOS.
Sample Correspondence
Here we include PDF samples of letters that the Books and Journals Divisions of the University of Chicago Press send to their authors with various types and stages of edited manuscript and proof. Adapt these letters to suit the content and work-flow of your own projects.
The Journals Division Manuscript Submission Guidelines
Cited by The Chicago Manual of Style Online, this useful resource gives insight into proper manuscript styling.
How to Use The Chicago Manual of Style
Complete with detailed screen-shots, this site offers a step-by-step guide to using The Chicago Manual of Style.
Further Study
To learn more about The Chicago Manual of Style, check out these useful resources:
- About The Chicago Manual of Style – Wikipedia
- University of Chicago Press – Wikipedia
- Follow The Chicago Manual of Style on Twitter
2. The Associated Press Stylebook
Known formally as The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law, the AP Stylebook is the essential tool for journalists. Authored by Norm Goldstein in 1979, this stylebook remains the standard for newspapers, magazines, and a variety of other mediums. Often writers confuse rules from this guide with those from the CMOS since we tend to see this style daily. For instance, the AP does not place a comma before the and in a sequence while the CMOS does. Since we read magazines and newspapers regularly it’s easy to pick up AP rules and mix them with CMOS when writing a book.
AP Stylebook by The Associated Press
Tools and Resources
AP Stylebook Online Subscription
AP Stylebook Online takes everything you love about the Stylebook — A-Z guide to usage, spelling and punctuation – and adds Internet functionality to make it an even more convenient tool.
AP Stylebook for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad
Bookmark your favorites and leave notes within this useful AP Stylebook app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
AP Stylebook Extras
Down-loadable tip sheets, guides, and resources for using this stylebook.
Further Study
To learn more about the AP Stylebook, check out these useful resources:
3. APA Style Handbook
Containing rules for every aspect of writing, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (or APA Style) covers topics from reference citations, to avoiding plagiarism. Primarily used within the subject of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the APA Style remains a trusted source since its original publication in 1929.
APA Style by the American Psychological Association
Tools and Resources
The Basics of APA Style
The perfect tutorial for anyone looking to start with APA Style.
The APA Style Blog
Read what writing experts say each week about all aspects of writing and style—from publication ethics to precision in reporting research to reference style and the clear expression of ideas.
APA Style FAQ’s
Find answers to common questions about the APA Style.
APA Style Products
Useful products and resources for everything APA Style.
Further Study
To learn more about the APA Style, check out these useful resources:
4. MLA Handbook
The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is for simply that, research papers. Originally printed in 1977, the MLA Handbook is an in-depth resource produced by the Modern Language Association of America.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers by the MLA
Tools and Resources
MLA Handbook Online
Order a copy of the book and receive instant access to the handbook online.
MLA Citation Style
A resource for using the MLA style for citations and references.
MLA Style for Electronic Resources
Examples and guides for referencing sources using the MLA style.
Further Study
To learn more about the MLA Handbook, check out these useful resources:
5. The Elements of Style
Originally published in 1918 by William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White—this time-honored resource has guided many a writer to proper styling and usage. Among styling techniques, this book also details topics such as common misspellings and advice for good writing. No matter which style you use, Strunk and White offers an invaluable resource for writers.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White
Tools and Resources
Search The Elements of Style Online – Bartleby.com
Search the 1918 Strunk-only edition of this stylebook online along with a vast collection of other useful resources.
The Elements of Style Online Resource
Reference and read this resource freely online.
Further Study
To learn more about the The Elements of Style, check out these useful resources:
Which Style Guide Do You Use?
Which style guide do you reference most for your work? Do you ever feel confused between the AP and the CMOS? Feel free to leave us a comment with answers to these questions, as well as your thoughts on the article. We would love to hear from you!
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A few of my larger clients have their own style guides. A very few express a preference for Chicago, APA or MLA. My preference is for AP and Elements of Style.
I use CMS often, but I use the AMA [American Medical Association] Manual of Style much more often, given that I edit medical textbooks and monographs and articles for medical journals. I’ve come to love both CMS and AMA Manual.
I am trying to learn more about Chicago Manual of Style and Elements of Style for now. That is what we use for my current job. CMOS is so thick though. I have been looking for guides online. Thanks for sharing this post; I am now able to find a way to navigate through the thick CMOS book that I have here.
I guess finding useful, reliable ifnormaoitn on the internet isn’t hopeless after all.