The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law

More people write for The Associated Press than for any newspaper in the world, and writers-nearly two million of them-have bought more copies of The AP Stylebook than of any other journalism reference. It provides facts and references for reporters, and defines usage, spelling, and grammar for editors. There are separate sections for journalists specializing in sports and business, and complete guidelines for how to write photo captions, file copy over the wire, proofread text, handle copyrights, and avoid libel. This edition of The AP Stylebook keeps pace with world events, common usage, and AP procedures.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Helpful
Comment: This was quite helpful while taking a journalism course. It takes a few minutes to understand the layout of the book to lookup things, but once you get it, it's easy.

I think this book helped raise me a letter grade in my course. Anyone taking a journalism course with a strict professor or planning on entering journalism should get a copy. My textbook had a reference in it, but it was quite small. With the low cost of this book, you can't go wrong.

If you're taking the course without an intent to go into journalism, check to see if you can use copies from the department first.

Customer Rating:
Summary: The supreme authority!
Comment: I have used the AP Stylebook for over 5 years. The entries are easy to find and easy to understand. Entries are brief and to the point. Are the seasons capitalized? How about north, south, east and west? Where do you place adverbs - before or after the verb, or someplace else? It's Web site - two words and the first one is capitalized. Internet is capitalized because it's a proper noun.

This book has the definitive answers. I don't work for a newspaper anymore, but, as a freelance writer, I miss this book more and more everyday. I must get my own. You will never be sorry that you bought this book. It will help you no matter what kind of writing you do.

Customer Rating:
Summary: unhappy with amazon
Comment: I have YET to receive my book, its been weeks. I am very unhappy with amazon for the second time in a row.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Too relevant to not be in a digital format
Comment: The issue with this book is not that it is not relevant or useful. To the contrary, it is much too relevant to be left on the shelf. It needs to be published and indexed in an electronic format that can be quickly searched and accessed by writers under deadline.

The stylebook can be read front-to-back as a condensed general knowledge tome.

Makes a great gift, especially for people stumped by the basics of professional writing.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent Update of an Industry Standard
Comment: I got exactly what I wanted--an up-to-date version of a standard to replace the one I have had for years. I particularly appreciated the section on media law--many changes have taken place in the past few years, as the media landscape has changed. Journalists or writers will find knowledge in this area to be especially helpful.