When to spell out numbers in a book

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When to spell out numbers in a book

Grammar rules about when to spell out whole numbers (one, two, three) and when to use numerals (1, 2, 3) vary greatly from publishing house to publishing house. It��s really a matter of style.

Most do agree that we should spell out numbers zero through nine. Most also agree that all negative numbers should take numerals (-1, -2, -3).

The disagreement primarily is over numbers larger than nine. The Associated Press Stylebook calls for using numerals (10, 11, 12, 100) while The Chicago Manual of Style says to spelling out numbers up to and including 100 (ten, eleven, twelve, one hundred) also is fine, giving you the option to choose between two styles.

A number of exceptions exist to these basic rules, most obviously when a number starts a sentence (then always spell out the number) or when giving addresses (then always use numerals).

Your best option is to consult with your publishing house for a list of their style rules using numbers. If you��re self-publishing, adopt either AP or Chicago style and then be consistent in following it.

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