If you’ve ever wanted to write fiction, then you need the Chicago Manual of Style – it’s the book publishing industry’s bible, and this year they released the newest version (the 17th edition). While it’s tempting to buy an older (and less expensive) version, resist the temptation. Why? Here’s s short list of changes:

  • E-mail will become email (no hyphen).
  • Internet will become internet (lowercased).
  • Chapter 5, on grammar and usage, will contain more than thirty new sections on syntax.
  • The use of ibid. for repeated citations will no longer be preferred.
  • The use of singular they in place of a generic he or she is not recommended for formal prose; use of the singular they as a preferred personal pronoun (that is, when a specific person asks to be referred to as they) is accepted in formal writing. [Update 4.3.17: See “Chicago Style for the Singular They” for a more complete explanation.]

(http://cmosshoptalk.com/2017/03/28/announcing-the-chicago-manual-of-style-17th-edition/)

You can buy a hard copy here, or sign up for an online subscription here. Whichever you prefer – book or website – you need to make the investment!

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