Journalism: Stylebook Writing Rules (AP)

Associated Press Style (AP) Associated Press style provides guidelines for news writing. Many newspapers, magazines and public relations offices across the United States use AP style. Although some publications such as the New York Times have developed their own style guidelines, a basic knowledge of AP style is considered essential to those who want to work in print journalism. (Cited: Purdue Owl)

Numbers in AP When using AP style writing style, it is the rule thumb to spell out all numbers below 10. Any number, 10 or above, can be written as a figure. Ex: The average high school student in Michigan knows there are five great lakes. Ex: Mr. Pardi graduated from Dakota High School in 2012. His graduating class consisted of over 900 students.

Titles in AP You should use lowercase and spell out titles when they are not used with an individual’s name. For example: The congressman gave a speech. The school president held a press conference. When dealing with formal titles, you will use uppercase. For example: Governor Snyder, General George S. Patton, Dr. Moreau. When dealing with titles that involve common occupation only capitalize their name. For example: artist Taylor Swift, television star Donald Glover, astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

Entertainment and Quotations (AP) Any title in entertainment will be in quotations. ANY TITLE. Whether it be film, play, book, poem tv show, etc… Ex: “Paradise Lost” (Epic Poem), “Scrubs” (TV Series), “Titanic” (Film), “Hamlet” (Play), “The Illustrated Man” (book), etc….

Resource for AP Writing The most trustworthy resource for writing in AP style is through the Purdue Owl website. Here is a direct link to their page covering AP writing: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/735/02/