The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual: With Appendixes on Photo Captions, Filing the Wire

by Associated Press

The style of the Associated Press defines clear news writing. In fact, more people write for the AP news service than for any single newspaper or broadcaster in the world. The AP Stylebook is therefore ”the journalist's bible,” an essential handbook for all writers, editors, students, and public-relations specialists. The AP Stylebook contains over 5,000 entries laying out the AP's rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. It gives journalists the references they need to write about the world today: correct names of countries and organizations, language to avoid, common trademarks. Special sections cover business and sports reporting. This edition, published in the Associated Press's 150th year, also includes crucial advice on how writers can guard against libel and copyright infringement.An up-to-date AP Stylebook belongs on the desk of every working writer.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Language, Journalism, Business, Education

286 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1982

About the author

The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists. Many newspapers and broadcasters outside the United States are AP subscribers, paying a fee to use AP material without being contributing members of the cooperative.

As of 2005, the news collected by the AP is published and republished by more than 1,700 newspapers, in addition to more than 5,000 television and radio broadcasters. The photograph library of the AP consists of over 10 million images. The Associated Press operates 243 news bureaus, and it serves at least 120 countries, with an international staff located all over the world.

Associated Press also operates The Associated Press Radio Network, which provides newscasts twice hourly for broadcast and satellite radio and television stations. The AP Radio also offers news and public affairs features, feeds of news sound bites, and long form coverage of major events.

As part of their cooperative agreement with The Associated Press, most member news organizations grant automatic permission for the AP to distribute their local news reports. For example, on page two of every edition of The Washington Post, the newspaper's masthead includes the statement, "The Associated Press is entitled exclusively to use for re-publication of all news dispatches credited to it or not otherwise credited in this paper and all local news of spontaneous origin published herein."

The AP employs the "inverted pyramid formula" for writing that enables the news outlets to edit a story to fit its available publication area without losing the story's essential meaning and news information.

Cutbacks at longtime U.S. rival United Press International, most significantly in 1993, left the AP as the primary nationally oriented news service based in the United States, although United Press International still produces and distributes news stories daily. Other English-language news services, such as Reuters and the English-language service of Agence France-Presse, are based outside the United States. More recently launched internet news services, such as All Headline News (AHN) are becoming competitive to the traditional wire services like the AP.

Reviews

[Bridget Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book still haunts me, I probably haven't picked it up in a decade.

[CD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally found my copy of this and so it needed to be added to the 'Goodreads list!

An interesting and vital handbook and reference to any writer. Particularly of interest and worth to those writing for mass consumption and those keeping up with the world via journalistic sources.

Lots of information for the professional journalist as well as for those who may run across 'lingo' and euphemistic usage that occasionally leads to misinterpretation.

The newer version of this type of work add more resources that results from the spread and dominance of the World Wide Web. This is still an handy volume to have nearby when engaged in journalistic pursuits!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reference guide to help reporters to be accurate, consistent and clear -- and to help editors keep them that way, this book has no rival. You don't have to be a reporter to benefit from it, though. This book offers practical guidance in so many areas. If you do any kind of writing, you will benefit from having this book on your desk.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time I fancied myself a lexicographer. I still have a big interest in usage. To help me with that, I purchased this style guide. Of course, I learned from reading this that the AP does not necessarily follow its own book. With the dynamics of language, "the book" didn't have every reference I sought. Nevertheless, I find this an interesting reference.

[Wes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, I put this on my list. What are you gonna do about it?

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful for anyone in journalism as a reference book, but I wouldn't try and pick it up and read it cover to cover for entertainment.

[Doug Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Effect' as a verb means to cause.
"Effect" as a noun means result.
"Affect" as a verb means to influence.
"Affect" as a noun is best avoided.

[Melynda Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must-have reference book. i quiz my writing staff regularly.

[Mirvan. Ereon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful and comprehensive. I learned a lot of things using this book and its always a wonder reading it.

[Laura Shabott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a purist about grammar and spelling to the best of my ability. This helps me when I am writing.

[Jean Marie Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first manual most journalists use. I have read various editions multiple times.