More people write for the Associated Press than for any newspaper in the world, and writers have bought more copies of "The AP Stylebook" than of a...
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reviews
Jan 08, 2008
Mark
rated it: 
Only a seriously obsessed copy editor or someone who had been asked to oversee a revision of his newspaper's stylebook (I plead guilty to the latter) would actually read this book.
Nevertheless, once you've learned to tolerate the taste of the medicine, you can actually start to enjoy it, or at least some of it. And there always the sorts of tidbits that can enlighten or amuse. Many people may know, for instance, that scuba stands for self contained underwater breathing apparatus, or More...
Nevertheless, once you've learned to tolerate the taste of the medicine, you can actually start to enjoy it, or at least some of it. And there always the sorts of tidbits that can enlighten or amuse. Many people may know, for instance, that scuba stands for self contained underwater breathing apparatus, or More...
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Oct 30, 2009
Daniel
rated it:
For a while there in college, I lived and breathed this book (or an earlier edition, actually). The parts I need the most are now burned into my brain, and I end up consulting it only once or twice a year these days. I actually don't know how you rate a book like the AP Stylebook, and the four stars I give it are for no defensible reason. If you're a reporter for a news organization that adheres to AP style, you either follow the rules and save yourself a lot of anguish, or you become the bane o
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Dec 15, 2010
Jessica
rated it: 
A useful resource at times, but do keep in mind that it tells you what is POPULAR usage, which is not always the same as what is CORRECT usage.
Dec 19, 2009
Theresa
rated it: 
If our house style guide doesn't cover it, we turn to the AP stylebook. Once you get the hang of the organization, it's very user-friendly.
Dec 19, 2008
Mfalco65
rated it:
Yeah, I have read it. Shakespeare it is not, but still a great examination of what style is and how we should tailor stories.
Jun 28, 2010
Dimitri
rated it:
Oh, AP Stylebook - I'm not sure if I like you, but I am positive that I should. And either way you are amazing.
Jun 18, 2011
Zachary
rated it:
easily the most comprehensive guide to "Ap Style" on the market today
Apr 28, 2009
Leland
rated it:
My copy got stolen from my car on Friday night. I now have a newer version.
Jul 29, 2009
Liza
rated it:
This book is always at hand. Everyone who writes ANYTHING should have a copy.
Dec 16, 2009
Beckie
rated it:
This book is the secular Bible.
I copy edit birthday cards. It's sick. But the people who recognize that you took the time and effort to say Web site rather than website are the ones who will appreciate the time you spent in writing a thoughtful and educated message for them. Because the sad truth is, they will call you on Christmas and make fun of other people's annual Christmas letters and tell you about all the incorrect AP mistakes they find.
I copy edit birthday cards. It's sick. But the people who recognize that you took the time and effort to say Web site rather than website are the ones who will appreciate the time you spent in writing a thoughtful and educated message for them. Because the sad truth is, they will call you on Christmas and make fun of other people's annual Christmas letters and tell you about all the incorrect AP mistakes they find.
Sep 06, 2011
Dave
rated it:
This is a poor reference book for journalists. Many words, phrases and terms simply don't exist in this book that are used in stories every day. It also leaves you guessing where to find a usage instructions for simple terms (e.g. seconds, length, etc.), greatly extending the length of time it takes you to write an article. Dictionaries and other reference material shouldn't have to be memorized to be useful.
Sep 18, 2007
Toni
rated it:
While, like any publication, we have our own house style that deviates from AP, it is the first and last resource we go to for any question of style. I've been forced to use both APA and MLA in school, but I always return to AP style for its simplicity and ease of use (although I'm willing to admit to a certain amount of bias there, since I've been using this one for years, making the others feel clunky to me.)
Oct 03, 2007
Amelia
rated it:
I was truly raised without religion, unless you count the AP Stylebook. I am so devoted to it that when the Internet revokes my right to italicize (like facebook - thanks, jerks), I refuse to italicize at all.
I recently lost my copy, and now every day is a blur of confusion, sorrow, and improper hyphen usage. (But mostly sorrow.)
I recently lost my copy, and now every day is a blur of confusion, sorrow, and improper hyphen usage. (But mostly sorrow.)
Jul 05, 2008
Nurkastelia
rated it:
call it Buku Ejaan Yang Disempurnakan versi englais.
basically, it's much like things my English professor taught us during my undergraduate years. So, you know, this vain self thought it really didn't need anything like this AGAIN...
but... yeah, i was wrong. it's highly helpful :D
basically, it's much like things my English professor taught us during my undergraduate years. So, you know, this vain self thought it really didn't need anything like this AGAIN...
but... yeah, i was wrong. it's highly helpful :D
Sep 06, 2011
Dave
rated it:
This might just be my favorite book. It's concise; you can pick it up and put it down; it's full of surprising and useful information; it's gravely underrated as a linear read; it helps you right wrongs; and it has been close to my side (updated editions notwithstanding) since September 2000.
Sep 06, 2011
Karen
rated it:
At this point in my career-life, I pretty much have this book memorized. It used to be a lifesaver, now it's an old friend. My only qualm with it is whatever I'm looking for that it doesn't have, and its preference for Web site (two words, cap W). I prefer website.
Aug 27, 2007
Jessica
rated it:
I probably use this book more than I should. My first job out of college had it practically strapped to my hip and I don't think the dependency has ever quite worn off. I still have my old dog-eared wirebound copy from school, but my newer edition is just so pretty. :)
Jun 16, 2008
Martha
rated it:
OK, so maybe a four-star rating is a bit much for a stylebook, but what can I say? It's very useful, easy to use, and I agree with most of their style decisions to boot. Plus, this one's more suited to periodicals and web sites than the Chicago Manual.
Dec 17, 2009
Ian
rated it:
Four stars because sometimes I disagree with it, and too many of its rules are still based on the limitations of telegraph technology. Seriously, 1890? I think we've advanced to the point where we can handle brackets and italics.
Sep 06, 2011
It's an absolute must for the newswriter. A majority of newspaper operate their typeediting with Associated Press style, so one must familiarize themselves with it in order to become an incredibly dry and boring writer.
Sep 06, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
Worst case scenario: Trying to captivate the minds of uneager journalists with Copy-Editing.
I have enudeavorued this nightmare, and came out a bloody mess.
Oh Orange Vice, why do you not love this?
I have enudeavorued this nightmare, and came out a bloody mess.
Oh Orange Vice, why do you not love this?
Jun 05, 2008
This is a great book for reference especially now that I'm writing more for Wired.com. Wired follows the AP style guide with their own modifications. I do need to get a more recent copy!
Aug 22, 2008
Michelle
rated it:
The book that no one might hand you if you're freelance; it will make your life easier and your work better. But be a slave to any style book and the language will never evolve.
May 10, 2007
DID YOU KNOW
It's "scotch" alone and "whiskey" alone. But together it is "Scotch whisky."
LIKE THIS
"Give me some scotch."
"Give me some whiskey."
"Give me some Scotch whisky."
It's "scotch" alone and "whiskey" alone. But together it is "Scotch whisky."
LIKE THIS
"Give me some scotch."
"Give me some whiskey."
"Give me some Scotch whisky."
Sep 06, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
This book is ridiculously handy to have around, for anyone, and not just journalism majors. You learn all kinds of things.
Sep 06, 2011
Thomas
rated it:
The most useful course I took in college was typing...similarly the most useful book I own is the AP Stylebook.
