Developing style guides
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Not all elements of spelling, grammar, punctuation and so on are governed by cast-iron ‘rules’. Some are less well defined, and are subject to editorial style choices. For example:
- Spelling conventions: UK vs US, ‘-ise’ vs ‘-ize’ endings, ‘adviser’ vs ‘advisor’ etc.
- When to use capitals, hyphens and italics
- Single vs double quotes
- Numbers – for example: whether to use words or numerals; ‘£2m’ vs ‘£2 million’
- Date formats: ‘1 August 2023’, ‘August 1st, 2023’, or something else.
Why would you need one?
A style guide can help an organisation to project a coherent identity and professional image. It helps to make sure your written material, such as website content, brochures and newsletters, has a consistent ‘look and feel’.
When a number of people are involved in the writing and editing, or if it’s done over a long period, inconsistencies are especially likely to creep in. A documented house style, with someone to enforce it, can help you to avoid this.
When a number of people are involved in the writing and editing, or if it’s done over a long period, inconsistencies are especially likely to creep in. A documented house style, with someone to enforce it, can help you to avoid this.
How I can help you
With my experience in working with style guides as a copy-editor and proofreader, and in developing style guides, I can help you by writing a new one or enhancing an existing one.
To create a new style guide, I’ll first analyse some of your written material, looking for trends and variations. If something is already being done consistently and seems to work well, I’ll simply document it as part of your style. When I find an inconsistency or other problem, I’ll make a recommendation in the guide. Lastly, I’ll send you a draft of the style guide, and ask for your feedback before finalising it.
To review and revise an existing style guide, first I’ll look at some of your written material and check whether the guide reflects it. I’ll consider whether any changes or additions would be useful. Finally, I’ll produce a draft revision for your approval.
To create a new style guide, I’ll first analyse some of your written material, looking for trends and variations. If something is already being done consistently and seems to work well, I’ll simply document it as part of your style. When I find an inconsistency or other problem, I’ll make a recommendation in the guide. Lastly, I’ll send you a draft of the style guide, and ask for your feedback before finalising it.
To review and revise an existing style guide, first I’ll look at some of your written material and check whether the guide reflects it. I’ll consider whether any changes or additions would be useful. Finally, I’ll produce a draft revision for your approval.
Get in touch to ask me about helping you with a style guide.
