.: Reference Books Reviewed: Associated Press Stylebook
When you write, you likely find yourself wrestling with questions. I certainly do, everything from the proper form of abbreviations to the placement of apostrophes. Ideally, you want to get past those questions quickly, so you can focus on the message, not the writing.
Among the tools that helps us answer questions quickly and consistently are stylebooks: those manuals that recommend certain styles or usage. They come in a number of flavors and you may wish to have all of them on hand. But, more importantly, select one and use its recommendations consistently.
This week we look at the Associated Press Stylebook, a useful and frequently-cited reference work for writers.
As the title suggests, it comes from the people at the Associated Press (AP) wireservice, and serves journalists and mass-media writers. By way contrast, the Chicago Manual of Style (to cite another important reference book) serves academics and others who write formally, as well as book writers, editors, and publishers.
The AP Stylebook emphasizes usage of commonly cited names, events, and language. For example, under the listing for assassin, it explains the proper use of three similar concepts: 'assassin,' 'killer,' and 'murderer' (in case you were wondering, the AP book defines an assassin as a politically motivated killer, a killer as anyone who kills with any motive, and a murderer as a killer who has been convicted in a court of law).
Since journalists must contend with the pressure of deadlines, this book is laid out like a dictionary, with the entries in alphabetical order. Each entry is brief and deals with issues that journalists would face in everyday writing.
Many entries provide a standard for capitalization, spelling, use of abbreviations, and other useful information. Rules for grammar can be found under headings such as 'Possessives'.
Incidentally, many other news organizations, in the U.S. and other countries, have their own style guides. In Canada, for example, there's the Canadian Press stylebook. So, if you're writing for a particular wire-service or news organization, check to see if they have their own style guide.
The Associated Press Stylebook comes in two flavors: 'The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law,' and 'The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Law.' The latter is as readily available as the former. Check your bookstore for details.
Article keywords: writing, writing style, Associated Press, AP Stylebook, AP Style Book
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Robert F. Abbott offers three free chapters from his book, A Manager's Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results at www.managersguide.com/free-sample.html . He also offers free subscriptions to Abbott’s Communication Letter, a free newsletter that helps you enhance your career through improved business communication, at www.abbottletter.com .
.: New Writing Articles
1). The Secret Behind Ghost Writers
Ghost writers perform a valuable service to busy writers as well as use the opportunity to get their own works published.
2). Proofing - A Critical Function Not to be Overlooked
Business people universally agree that mechanical mistakes detract from the professionalism of communications.
3). Tidbits On Monetizing Blogs
Blogging for profit has increased in popularity since its inception. The irony is that the original blogs were not at all designed with profit in mind.
4). Blogging Communities Bring Benefits To Bloggers
Blogging communities can be extremely difficult to understand.
5). A High Percentage Method to Get Published
One way of getting your written word published is to be a contract writer.
6). How To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
Whether you are a seasoned writer or an aspiring writer freelance writing is a great way to get more writing work. Find out how you can go about getting freelance writing jobs.
7). Techniques For Writing A Great Eulogy
Before you start to write the eulogy, think about the person and their life. You might want to include a memorable event you shared or mention their passions in life - or not...
.: Top Writing Articles
1). Letters of Recommendation – Writing Tips and Strategies
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
In addition to standard letter-writing dos and don'ts, there are a number of basic guidelines that apply specifically to most situations related to the writing of letters of recommendation. These are usually more "situational" than "how-to" in nature.
These recommendation letter guidelines are important to both note and apply, since writing letters of recommendation is always a somewhat tricky and delicate matter.
2). Go With the Flow: Write With Transition Words and Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day writing is poor logical flow from one idea or point to the next. This usually takes the form of a bunch of seemingly unrelated phrases thrown together with little or no sense of sequence, continuity, or relativity.
Although the overall subject may be obvious, the words to describe it seem to be scattered on the page like an almost random set of unconnected thoughts.
3). Letters of Recommendation Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my recommendation-reference-central.com Web site there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
4). Letters of Recommendation - Writing Power Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As a result of writing literally hundreds of letters of recommendation over the years, I have learned that there are certain common elements and approaches that are applicable to almost all such letters.
If you look closely at most recommendation and reference letters you will notice that there are certain "types" of phrases that recur over and over again, throughout the various letters.
5). Techniques For Writing A Great Eulogy
Before you start to write the eulogy, think about the person and their life. You might want to include a memorable event you shared or mention their passions in life - or not...
6). Letters of Reference Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my Web site, recommendation-reference-central.com, there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of reference and letters of recommendation. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
7). Improve Your Writing in Eight Simple Steps
This articles explains how a student can improve his or her writing by following eight simple steps.