Organisational and journal style guides are often incomplete. While I recommend defaulting to a recent publication to guide you on the style requirements of a specific publication (see Style Guides (Part 1)), this does not always provide you with an understanding as to why one approach is used over another. If in doubt, I refer to the Australian Government Style Manual. While aimed at those writing for government, and more specifically Australian governments, it is a comprehensive resource and provides great explanation as to the why. When I started as an editor I read it cover to cover and I go back to it regularly.
The Style Manual is now available online at www.stylemanual.gov.au, is regularly updated, and captures the evolving nature of language. This is really helpful as I can now provide clients with links to a clear explanation as to why changes have been suggested – particularly when they are common errors. It helps me when I’m writing too. I always like to double check the conventions for legal references, and inclusive language, among other things. Language evolves, and it is important to stay up to date.
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