newsroom-style

# Newsroom style guide Write like a professional journalist. Follow AP Style. Keep it tight. ## When to use - Writing news articles, briefs, or headlines - Editing drafts for publication - Converting interview notes into publishable copy - Writing press releases or media advisories - Creating social media posts for news content ## Core AP Style rules ### Numbers | Rule | Example | |------|---------| | Spell out one through nine | "three witnesses" not "3 witnesses" | | Use numerals for 10 and above | "15 people attended" | | Always use numerals for ages | "a 5-year-old girl" | | Always use numerals for percentages | AP allows the `%` symbol with numerals (`5%`) since 2019; some publications still spell out "percent" as house style | | Always use numerals for addresses | "123 Main St." | | Always use numerals for money | "$5 million" not "five million dollars" | | Spell out first through ninth for ordinals | "first place" but "10th anniversary" | **Exception:** Never start a sentence with a numeral. Rewrite or spell out. ### Titles and names | Rule | Example | |------|---------| | Capitalize formal titles before names | "Mayor Jane Smith said..." | | Lowercase titles after names | "Jane Smith, the mayor, said..." | | Lowercase titles standing alone | "The mayor said..." | | No courtesy titles on second reference | First: "Jane Smith." Second: "Smith" | | Use full name on first reference | "Jane Smith" not "Smith" or "Ms. Smith" | **Exceptions:** - Use courtesy titles...