AP Style

AP style is a standard of journalism and a public relations writing style and format that is based on rules and guidelines established by the AP Stylebook. In June 1953 the Associated Press instituted something that would change the history of writing for journalists, editors, teachers, and students. This innovation was named the AP Stylebook, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in June 2003. The 1953 edition consisted of 12,000 terms and 100 pages. It was written as a substitution for the first “16-page AP Style Book and the AP Copy Book, known as the Red Book” (Moynihan, 2003, p. 11). Today, the AP Stylebook contains over 400 pages.

Although the 1953 edition was the foundation for future editions, Norm Goldstein, AP Stylebook editor for 14 years, stated that the 1977 edition marked the beginning of the newer, more precise versions. The structure was changed and entries were organized in alphabetical order so that users could find what they needed in a timely manner. Louis D. Boccardi, Associated Press president and CEO, stated in an article on AP style that “complication of style rules was accompanied by the accumulation of so much fact and information that the effort resulted in ‘a Stylebook,’ but also a reference work” (DiNicola, 1994, p. 64).

The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White is also an important book that writers use when dealing with style and word usage. This book, popularly called the “little” book, educates writers on how to use words in the proper manner, how to form meaningful paragraphs, and how to use expressions correctly. It also consists of a section that reminds writers of dos and don'ts in writing. For example, it explains the importance of rewriting and revising. It also encourages writers not to overstate their points and never to make the reader guess what you are stating. This is accomplished by clarifying what is meant in a simple, comprehensive way.

Many journalism teachers consider the AP Stylebook the most important tool for assisting students in their classes. It educates students on how to use certain writing techniques in different situations. For example, when using numbers, a student is taught to always spell out numbers one through nine and to use numerals for numbers 10 and above, with some exceptions, such as ages and percentages. If a student cites an address in a story, he or she must also use figures for the address number to represent the location.

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