Published on 11/30/2008

In writing or editing, many questions come up about words, spelling, and style. Having this stylebook handy will answer most of them for you, and enhance confidence in your work.

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As the longtime editor of ChronWatch, I always urge writers to own and use "The Associated Press Stylebook,'' which is considered the bible of the newspaper and publishing industry. In fact, rather than write our own Style Book or Style Sheet, we just recommend that all of our writers follow the ''AP Stylebook.''

The regular price for the latest edition (2007) is $18.95, but Amazon.com currently sells it for $12.89. Used copies are also available for less. The book is 420 pages of more than 3,000 A to Z entries detailing AP's rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviation, and word and numeral usage. The book includes a useful "Briefing on Media Law," as well as special sections on Sports Writing, Business Guidelines and Style, Guide to Punctuation, and Avoidance of Libel.

More people write for the Associated Press than for any other newspaper, and more writers take their style and word usage cues from this world famous institution than from any other journalism source. AP has 242 bureaus, more than 3,500 employees, and 15,000 news outlets worldwide, and its stylebook aides their writers--plus writers, editors, and students everywhere--in writing correctly and uniformly.

I urge all writers to obtain it, or even the earlier edition such as the 2002 version. And while you're ordering, consider also purchasing the companion volume, ''The Associated Press Guide to Punctuation" by Rene J. Cappon. This inexpensive little book is a quick reference guide, with a delightful sense of humor. Amazon.com has it new for $9.95, and used copies at $4.80.

In writing or editing, many questions come up about words, spelling, and style. Having this stylebook handy will answer most of them for you, and enhance confidence in your work.