In a typical journalistic job, writing style will differ from previous academic writing. It could come as quite of a shock when writing an early article in a journalism course in college, and getting it back full of red ink because of not adhering to proper journalistic writing.
A student must be adhere to the Associated Press style of writing that professional journalists do. Purchasing an AP Stylebook, such as the one pictured to the right or the new 2011 version, will allow for a great opportunity to study some of the rules that are expected to be followed for publications.
The book features thousands of entries A-Z concerning correct usages of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and abbreviations. There is quite a bit of explanation with man of the entries to gain a better understanding of what exactly is the best usage for any given problem.
The stylebook offers a great resource, not to mention a reasonable price. On Amazon.com, the 2011 style book is listed at $13.59 brand new and will be available June 7. The 2010 stylebook is listed as low as $12.53 used.
Despite learning the essentials of the book away from the beat, it is still important to carry it around at all times to double-check if the style is being followed correctly. Proofreading and checking sources are always necessary, but style and structure remain key points of emphasis.
Practicing writing in this style in any public forum will only help acclimate the future journalist to the preferred writing method of journalists. Stylistic writing is habit-forming, and the more practice, the better the writer can be.
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