What Style Manual Should I Use?

When a writer asks me this, my response is: “Write your own damn style manual.” (Sometimes I use more panache, but you get the idea.) You can, you know. Keep track of your grammar, punctuation, and spelling choices in Your Style Manual. You can build one in a spiral notebook or an online folder. Keep it accessible. If you want more of a jump start, look C-A-R-E-F-U-L-L-Y at the style manuals at your bookstore and choose one that comes close to your own preferences. None of the commercial books will be totally compatible. Take your favorite home and mark it up to suit your own writing style.