Why do I need a style guide?

There is often more than one way to style specific words and phrases. For example, dates may be written, 23 June 2005, or 23rd June 2005, or June 23 2005. All are acceptable.

Likewise, some organisations like to capitalise job titles (Chief Executive, Manager), while others don't. The thing to remember here is that if you capitalise Chief Executive, you should make sure you capitalise all the posts in your organisation including Secretary and Janitor and so on.

A style guide helps you ensure consistency in all the documents coming out of your organisation. This gives a sense of unity and order and makes life easier for everyone in the organisation who produces written documentation.

Ideally you should develop a detailed style guide tailored to the needs of your organisation. To get you started download this free Editorial Solutions' starter style guide.

Style Guide file size: 151KB.

If you would like help to develop a detailed house style please contact us.

Terms of use
To view the file you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software (download here ).

The text of the style guide is the copyright of Editorial Solutions 2005.
You may download and make copies for personal use. Not for re-publishing either in part or in full, digitally or in print.

2005 © Editorial Solutions