v Style management - references

Style is largely a matter of personal preference, within obvious parameters, and style management the practice of ensuring compliance with the pre-determined style. However, in certain circumstances the style may be dictated by a client. It is always wise to check with a client if he has a preferred (or mandatory!) style, and to request a style sheet if applicable - for example, many magazines and newspapers have style sheets which they are happy to give out and to which contributors are expected to adhere.

In addition, be aware that there are certain style manuals in use in the United States which, while they started out as guidelines, have become all but mandatory.

• GPO style manual  (American Government documents)
• Chicago style manual  (Academic & old-established businesses)
• MLA style manual  (Hi-tech firms prefer this standard)
• ANSI standards (Not just the character set!)

For British clients, you may find yourself needing to meet:

• BS 5261 – copy preparation
• BS 1629 – bibliographical references
• BS 4148 – Abbreviations of titles of periodicals (Harvard standard for citations)
• BS 3700 – Preparing indexes
• BS 6529 – Examining documents
• ISO 999 – Documentation – index of a publication
• ANSI
• Plus dozens more!

We would ascertain on your behalf if any of the above (or any other) standards were required, and would ensure that the finished documents were fully compliant.