There’s no point in trying to memorize the AP Stylebook. Get in the habit of using it whenever you

write▪ To make sure your article follows proper AP

style. The more you use the book, the more

you’ll memorize certain points of AP style. ▪ Eventually you won’t have to refer to the

stylebook nearly as much.

The stylebook is a comprehensive catalog that ▪ Helps to ensure proper style usage▪ Has literally thousands of entries. ▪ Can be intimidating to the first-time user

However, the AP Stylebook is designed ▪ For use by reporters and editors working on

tight deadlines.▪ So generally it’s pretty easy to use.

The stylebook is an excellent reference work. It includes in-depth sections on ▪ Libel law, ▪ Business writing, ▪ Sports, ▪ Crime ▪ Firearms

Basic elements of AP style include Numbers Percentages Job Titles Dollar Amounts Street Addresses Dates Ages

Developing good copy Strong command of English language Enough attention to detail to catch ▪ Misspellings ▪ Improper word usage▪ Sentences that fail to conform to standards

Good copy editors must be inherently knowledgeable ▪ In general knowledge of expected news subjects ▪ Of specific information about recent news stories

Editors must be versed in current affairs▪ Plus have extensive knowledge about their smallest

details

▪ In this class ▪ You should read newspapers/magazines in order to review

articles about current news.

Government is among the most covered topics in journalism. A good editor should know the

government inside and out including ▪ Names and spellings of elected officials▪ How each governing body functions ▪ A basic history of each major institution or

position

With the nation currently involved in wars It is essential that copy editors have ▪ A sense of the military▪ Its operations▪ Its leaders

Good editors have a strong grasp of the news industry & its history As well as their peers in print, broadcast

and Internet journalism.

Good editors are expected to know about the business world. Especially during tough economic times.

Names of newsmakers change for a variety of reasons including▪ Marriage, ▪ Divorce, ▪ Adoption, ▪ The adoption of a stage name ▪ The adoption of a new position.

Good editors are able to recognize newsmakers over multiple names