Have you ever wasted too much time that could have been spent writing looking back to see how you spelled “okay”? Or maybe you couldn’t quite remember whether Viktor’s last name was spelled Frankl or Frankel? Creating a style sheet can save you from hassles like these and thus save you precious time. The style sheet can also be shared with others collaborating with you on your manuscript, helping to maintain consistency.
Are Style Sheets Used for Fiction, Nonfiction, or Both?
Style sheets are useful no matter what genre you’re writing in; fiction or nonfiction, you’re likely to rely on a style guide or have preferences for how to spell certain words. Or maybe you’re largely basing the styling on a well-known style guide such as the Chicago Manual of Style but there a few areas where you have made a thoughtful decision to depart from their rules and suggestions. Some of these exceptions might include how you’ve chosen to write (or not write out) numbers, where and when to use italics, or how to format quoted text messages or letters.
In addition to detailing the minutiae that inevitably comes with formatting and style choices, characters and places can be listed on a style sheet. As an example, perhaps Sosnowiec plays a pivotal role in the narrative, and it may be important for the reader to know it’s in southern Poland. Depending on when the described events take place, additional details could be added, such as who is in control of the city, the population, and the major industries. All of this can be added to a style sheet to provide an easy to find reference.
Where and How Do I Start?
While finding a place to start may seem daunting, it can help to begin with the basics. Are you using American or British English? Which dictionary and style guide are you using? From there, additions can be made as you come across them in your work, such as how you’ve decided to spell “okay” or whether or not you’re using the Oxford comma. Did you notice John somehow became Jon in chapter fifteen? Adding his name and the correct spelling to the style sheet can not only help you if you have a moment of self-doubt, but it can also be shared with an editor and avoid them needing to query you about which spelling is preferred, saving time for both of you.
Where Can I Find an Example?
There are multiple free style sheet formats available online but its design does not need to be complicated. Some may list only the basics and not even use complete sentences while others will include illustrations and elaborate, color-coded formatting. Begin with whatever makes the most sense to you and feels the least overwhelming as ultimately the style sheet has to work for you. Further organization and additions can always come later.
What Are the Three Main Benefits?
As shown, style sheets come with many benefits, though there are three that can be used to summarize why an author should create and use one. A style sheet can:
- Maintain consistency throughout a manuscript
- Save time for the author and their editor/editing team
- Help the author stay organized