Style guides help you write papers, articles, manuals, and other works according to a generally-accepted style for a specific industry or discipline. Your organization may have its own style guide, and it’s a good bet that many of the rules and standards were derived from one or more of the style guides listed on this page, as well as from learning theory and other sources. In other words, they didn’t make all of it up. Style guides exist to provide consistency in the way information is presented to the intended audience. Learn the styles, and use them correctly.
Don’t see your style guide? Send an email to lhodson@about.me requesting that I add your guide, and tell me how it helps you.
(Click a style guide heading to learn more.)
American Psychology Association
The APA style is used largely for educational materials but can be applied to other disciplines. If you were educated in the United States as a child, you learned APA style. Thinking about becoming a teacher? Start learning APA style. The manual is a bit pricey; however, there are several resources on the apastyle.org website and in several online forums.
Associated Press Style Book
Largely considered a journalist’s Bible, the Associated Press Style Book is used primarily in the news and publishing industries. The cost is reasonable, and often cheaper for AP members and students. If you just need an overview of AP style, the Purdue Online Writing Lab at Purdue University provides the basics.
Chicago Manual of Style
This guide is used by technical writers and other professionals in many industries, especially in the Defense industry. The online version of the Chicago Manual of Style is available as a 30-day free trial. If you are pursuing a career as a technical writer, you should consider buying this guide or purchasing a subscription to the online version.
Gregg Reference Manual
I’ve not used this one much over the years; however, the Gregg Reference Manual might be of use for writers who want to improve their writing style.
Microsoft Manual of Style
The 4th Edition was recently published, and whether you love or hate Microsoft, if you’re a technical writer, you’ve most likely used or heard of this style guide. Technical writers who document hardware and software in the IT industry will use the Microsoft Manual of Style. This guide is by no means the only one I use, but it is my primary go-to reference. It was recently updated to include documenting the mobile user interface and cloud computing terminology, and is available in print or as an e-book.
Modern Language Association
I will go on record as saying the MLA style was the bane of my existence in my undergraduate and graduate college studies. I’m not sure why I disliked it so much, but there it is. Nonetheless, if you plan to attend university or college, you’ll need to know how to apply MLA style when writing your research papers . If you don’t want to buy the MLA Style Guide, check out the Purdue Online Writing Lab, which I still use as a reference for some of my professional documentation.
The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing
I’ve not used the CSG professionally; however, I do have professional and personal connections to a few Canadians. The CSG is an invaluable resource for them, especially those who work in a public service capacity. Additionally, it addresses the differences among Canadian, American, and British usage.
The Canadian Press Stylebook
The CPSG is used primarily by the Canadian news industry. I’ve not used this guide professionally, as much of my writing is for American and, sometimes, UK audiences. I do, however, know a few Canadians for whom this stylebook would be useful.
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