How To: Choose a Style Guide

A style guide or manual of style is a set of standards for how writing and the design of documents must meet within a field of study. A style guide creates consistency for all writing, such as spelling and language. The benefit of adopting a style guide is that it puts guidelines in place to ensure consistency across all documents that go out the door.

Types of Style Guides

• Most non-journalistic professional writing follows The Chicago Manual of Style
• Scholarly writing may follow the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing
• A classic style guide for the general public is The Elements of Style
• Journalism generally follows the Associated Press Stylebook

What to Consider

• Know the audience who will be reading the final draft. How much technical jargon and how formal or informal the writing style is will change the style guide used.
• The readership for the piece will be a determining factor – if your readers are regular subscribers or if the document is a press release or a help manual.
• Your personal preference will also determine the style guide to use if one is not recommended. Use one that is organized and you one you are familiar.

Resources

http://www.klariti.com/technical-writing/style-guide-technical-writers/