V.A. Editing

The short answer is an emphatic yes! To give a more complete answer, let’s first consider what a style guide is.

What is a style guide?

Style guides provide information about how to produce clear and consistent written material. They assist writers and editors in making informed choices about how to present text in a way that will not distract the reader from the message being conveyed.

Style guides typically cover aspects such as spelling, punctuation, capitalisation rules, how to present numbers, and how to format text. Of particular relevance to indie authors, style guides can bring clarity on important points such as how to format a manuscript and how to punctuate dialogue.

Formally published style guides such as New Hart’s Rules and The Chicago Manual of Style are available in print, and Chicago is also available as a comprehensive website. Many organisations have their own in-house style guides, which are more concise than the formal publications mentioned above, but which nonetheless spell out their key stylistic preferences.

Should indie authors use style guides?

As an indie author, you might feel that you don’t need a style guide in your life. However, I would recommend giving one a try, especially if you find yourself puzzling over some of the more mechanical aspects of writing, such as punctuation.

There is something quite satisfying about having a solid answer to a question that has been plaguing you for some time. And, once you have that answer it can reduce the amount of time you waste hovering over that particular point in the future, thus freeing up your valuable mental energy.

Also, the overall merits of your story might be judged more harshly by some readers if there are obvious errors. So, anything you can do to reduce the number of distracting errors or formatting inconsistencies is worth doing.

At the end of the day, your work will be judged against that of your peers. So, if other indie authors are busy refining their style, you don’t want to risk getting left behind.

Which style guide should I use?

When choosing a guide to follow, it is worth considering the market you are aiming to publish in. For example, New Hart’s Rules is a popular choice in the UK, and The Chicago Manual of Style is popular in the US. If you are self-publishing, then the choice lies with you. However, if you have your sights set on a particular competition, magazine, or publishing house then it’s worth checking their website to find out if they have a preference for a specific guide.

If you are interested in dipping your toes into a guide without making a financial commitment, The Chicago Manual of Style Online offers a free one-month trial, after which you need a subscription to access the site. In my opinion, it is definitely worth checking out that free trial, as the site is a mine of useful information.

It’s important to note that certain points covered in style guides are, as the name implies, stylistic preferences rather than hard and fast rules. Consequently, different guides might offer conflicting suggestions on the same point.

If you are an indie author looking for some style guidance, my advice would be to dip your toes into several guides, find one that works for you, and then engage with the advice contained within. Your writing should become clearer and more consistent as a result, and your editor will love you for it.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!