The term “style sheet” is commonly used among copyeditors. But what is a style sheet, exactly? If you’re ready for your first novel edit, or looking to self-edit with ease and precision, knowing what a style sheet is and how it helps your novel’s polish is essential.
Read on to learn more about what a style sheet is, and what kinds of style decisions should be included. Plus, make it to the bottom to find a downloadable sample style sheet that’s customizable for your unique novel needs.
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We’ll cover—
- What is a style sheet?
- Who should create the style sheet?
- What should I include in a style sheet?
- What does a style sheet look like? (+ sample/customizable style sheet)
What is a Style Sheet?
A style sheet is a document that lists out the spelling, punctuation, and grammar elements unique to your novel. And there’s more! Pretty much any preference of the author’s unique vision and style goes in the manuscript. Usually created by the copy editor, it’s where all of these decisions are recorded, so the copyeditor, the proofreader, and the author can easily create a consistent look throughout the novel.
Now, style sheets are very different from style guides. To understand the difference, check out my post, The Difference Between Style Guides and Style Sheets. Then, come back this way to learn more about what items might be listed in a style sheet.
Who Should Create the Style Sheet?
Is the author in charge of creating a style sheet, or the copyeditor?
In most processes, the copyeditor is in charge of creating the style sheet. After all, copyediting is essentially the stage where all style elements are made correct and consistent. (For more information see Understanding the Different Types of Novel Editing.) The copyeditor is not only knowledgeable about what style elements to include in the style sheet, but also well-practiced in organizing the information in an easy-to-read and easy-to-find manner.
However, as the author, you are 1) the expert in your novel’s style (including your unique voice), and 2) the final say in how you want the spelling, punctuation, and other style elements to look. This doesn’t mean you should have a style sheet created before the editing process starts, but you should be open to communication with your editor on style elements, such as ellipses and Oxford commas. Other elements (like character and place names) the editor can pick out from the novel, but be ready for inquiries should the editor find inconsistencies in the treatment of words, names, or even descriptions of characters, places, or events.
Any information or notes you can provide ahead of time will make everyone’s participation in the editing process smoother. Before beginning the copy edit, discuss with your editor what their process is and what information they require from you beforehand. This will ensure the edit, and the creation of the style guide, goes smoothly.
What Should I Include in a Style Sheet?
The list goes on! But at the base, we want to think about:
- Style guide
- Dictionary
- Punctuation rules, including Oxford commas, terminal and internal commas, hyphens, ellipses, and more
- Treatment of thoughts, text messages, and/or other forms of communication
- Treatment of abbreviations
- Treatment of words from alternative languages
- Spelling of words with alternate forms
- Spelling of terms unique to your novel
- Spelling and capitalization of character names
- Spelling and capitalization of place names
Phew! That seems like a lot, but when broken into a well-organized style sheet, they’re a breeze!
What Does a Style Sheet Look Like?
Great question! I’ve got a cool little sample/customizable template for you below. it’s a simple Word document available to download, just by clicking the button.
Rachel Oestreich is a freelance editor and writing coach specializing in science fiction and fantasy, working with independent authors, small presses, and publishers like Orbit/Redhook, Sourcebooks, and Haymarket Books.
She holds an MFA in fiction writing and serves as an adjunct English instructor at her local university and community college, teaching courses on rhetoric, composition, creative writing, and fairy tales. When not working, she writes, reads, crochets, drinks tea, and manages her two cats and a basset hound named Grimm.
You can find her on Twitter @rae_oestreich, Instagram @racheloestreich, and her website, The Wallflower Editing.
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