Usually referred to as the AP Stylebook, “The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law” is a style and usage guide used by newspapers and in the news industry in the United States. It is updated annually by Associated Press editors, usually in June.
The AP Stylebook is used as a reference for grammar, punctuation and principles and practices of reporting. It is considered to be the newspaper industry standard and is also used by broadcasters, magazines and public relations firms. In it is an A-to-A listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, numerals and usage.
“The Associated Press Stylebook” strives to keep its writing style easy to read, concise and free of bias(Scribd). “Grammar usage and AP style are skills. They are habits. You need to be able to use them confidently, correctly, and without thinking. The only way to do this is with practice. The old adage, “Practice makes perfect” is especially true(Gerald Grow).
There are many other helps in the AP Stylebook. There is a reference section for reporters covering business and financial news under the section entitled, “Business Guidelines.” Some of the subjects covered are bankruptcy, international bureaus, mergers and accounting. There is also a section on “Sports Guidelines and Style,” “Guide to Punctuation,” “Briefing on Media Law,” “Photo Captions,” Editing Marks,” and “Bibliography.”
With the ever evolving development of the Internet comes competition in the field of newspaper writing and public relations writing. It is important for the public relations writer to get proficient in AP Style writing. It gives the writer a little edge. If the publication does not have to make corrections, the changes of your release getting picked up will increase. Correct copy can make all the difference.
It might interest you to know that AP Stylebook is on many of the social medias popular today. For more information check out Twitter and Facebook.
Leave a comment