A Guide to AP Style for Writers Who Don't Like Grammar Practice

By Angela Farrer

Angela Farrer provides some straightforward explanations about the use and importance of Associated Press writing standards and style. She covers AP style's origins and modern relevance for professional website writing. The book also gives a run-down on how to get the best use out of the Associated Press Style Book and Briefing on Media Law. It finally provides some practice exams on AP punctuation and word use as well as tips for succeeding at a proofreading exam.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Farrer
• Release date: Jul 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301534661

Book preview

Brief Author Autobiography

In 2010, I started cutting my teeth writing professionally after spending half my life doing the same as a spare-time hobby. It’s been part calling, part compulsion since I was about 14, and I decided to try it as a way of replacing income after being laid off from my job. I quickly discovered and learned the ropes of web content companies, also known as content brokers, AKA content farms or content mills for those who prefer those terms. I won’t take up your time listing them or going into unnecessary detail, but I’ll say they did provide some useful training for fulfilling client directions and meeting deadlines. The content companies also introduced me to Associated Press (AP) style writing. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time learning it, and I’ve found that it rests on a core set of writing principles that originated in the journalism field. The same principles have moved to the web and are quickly becoming a set of standards for creating the best possible online written content.

If you’ve discovered this guide, chances are good you want a quick-and-dirty method of learning AP style fundamentals so you can start or advance a career in online writing/journalism, website publication/promotion, online marketing or any combination of these. If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to do is read yet another writing style guide and practice yet another set of boring grammar/punctuation exercises. Time is money, and you're working on building a living and reputation as an online journalist/writer. I get it, believe me. Yet AP grammar and punctuation are essential tools of the trade, and none of us will get very far without a good grasp of them. For this reason, I've written this guide for you--a culmination of months' worth of studying the boring parts so you don't have to. I've cut out as much of the dry jargon and lengthy explanations as humanly possible. If the subject matter of my practice exercises happens to entertain you, that’s an added bonus.

For even more information about what’s going on in the field of online writing and reporting, I encourage visits to this book’s companion site: www.mediawriterhq.com. You are also welcome to visit its sister site, www.chroniclerwriting.com, which covers multiple topics on self-employment and being a productive virtual worker as well as a productive writer.

It may seem counterintuitive from this writing, but I’m the furthest thing from a Grammar Nazi. I never offer corrections or advice on spelling, punctuation, word use or anything related without first being asked for help in those matters. Giving unsolicited corrections does nothing but alienate and irritate the writers being corrected, so I don’t do it. Misspell something or leave out punctuation on a Facebook comment, text message or casual email? That’s fine; I really don’t care and will not say anything. Once someone asks me, I’m always happy to offer help with grammar, punctuation and common AP style questions. That’s the caveat: You need to ask first. Get stuck while you’re writing an important piece? You’re more than welcome to email me at [e-mail] with your questions.

Disclaimer:

The material in these pages is for informational purposes only. While I have made thorough attempts to verify the accuracy of all this book’s contents, the reader should keep in mind that every rule may not apply to every situation 100 percent of the time. Cases do arise when writers are asked to make different grammatical or stylistic choices due to editor or client preferences. I do not assume any responsibility for interpretations, losses, omissions or alternate uses of this book’s subject matter. I have written this eBook for your personal use only. It may not be resold or handed out for free. If you would like to share this book with others, please direct them to this book’s sales page on www.smashwords.com so they can purchase their own copy. Thank you for respecting the time and effort I have devoted to this eBook.

Copyright © 2012, 2013 by Angela Farrer

Introduction

Let’s face it, the mechanics of Associated Press style writing probably don’t comprise the number one topic many people would first consider for an eBook. My aim with this guide is to cut through the confusing terminology and illustrate in plain terms the conventions for writing good, readable, professional web content. In case it isn’t evident, I also don’t wax poetic about the writing profession; I tend to deal in plain-speak as well. It may sometime sound blunt, but it may just be the push you need to bring your A-game to this field you’ve chosen.

Any of us who choose to write and post content for our own enjoyment are free to write in whatever style we want. When the idea of earning money from your writing comes into question, that’s where this game gets interesting and the stakes