A style guide is a document that is created by editors, managers, or producers to define how they want writers to write. It prescribes how employees should use grammar, tone, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. All of these define your company’s writing style which, in turn, influences the way customers perceive you.
A style guide usually covers things like:
- Grammar
- Formatting
- Spelling
- General recommendations
For example, a grammar concern could be whether or not you use the Oxford comma. Formatting includes fonts, bullet points, and margins. Do you use American or British spelling? General writing recommendations could include rules for the usage of acronyms and jargon. Read our comprehensive post about this: 10 Things You Should Not Exclude From Your Company’s Style Guide
Why do I need one?
Style guides are vital if you want to present a polished and professional image. They also help staff members who may struggle to understand your company’s writing rules. Read this post to see what I mean: 4 Ways A Style Guide Will Revolutionise Your Organisation’s Communication
Seven examples of online style guides
These companies and institutions use their own style guides for their employees and writers to follow. The rules change depending on the guide.
Online UK Style Guides:
- The Guardian Style Guide
- The Economist Style Guide
- The Telegraph Style Guide
- The Modern Humanities Research Association Style Guide (mainly for writing theses)
Online US Style Guides:
Compiling a style guide can be hard work, but it can be made easier if you choose the correct person to do it for you. You also need to consider how you will share it with your employees and how you will update it. If you want suggestions on how to do this, you could follow these steps: Create a Style Guide for your Company in 10 Steps
If you want to improve your business writing, join us for The Plain Language Programme. Please email news@writerswrite.co.za for details.
