How to create an editorial style sheet for your manuscript 

Maintaining consistency in details throughout your book is a common challenge for an author. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting, ensuring that more information aligns from page to page can be a daunting task. However, with the help of an Editorial Style Sheet, you can effortlessly keep track of all the critical elements in your book.

An editorial style sheet is essential tool editors use to line-edit or copyedit your manuscript. The purpose of this sheet is to guarantee that everything in your book is as accurate and consistent as possible. As the editor works through your book, they document essential details such as names, spellings, and style rules.

Creating a style sheet does not have to be complicated. It can be as straightforward or as detailed as you prefer. The goal of the style sheet is to serve as a reference for you when writing or revising your book.

There are several elements typically included in an Editorial Style Sheet:

A list of fundamental rules
This section outlines the essential rules to follow throughout your manuscript. It covers everything from serial commas, capitalising proper nouns, formatting inner thoughts, and countless other editing issues.

Book setting
If your book is a novel, the setting is a critical component. It includes the time frame and location on the map.

Places and street names:
To ensure consistency in spelling and capitalisation, a list of all the sites and street names in your book is essential.

Character names and details
A comprehensive list of all the characters in your book, including the correct spellings of their names, is crucial. Personal information on each character, such as age, relationship to other characters, physical characteristics, et cetera., can also be documented.

Challenged or commonly confused words
A list of words easily challenged or mistaken in spelling, such as “blonde” and “blond,” is a must-have in a style sheet. This section helps to ensure consistency in spelling throughout your manuscript.

An editorial style sheet is valuable for self-publishers and traditional publishers. It helps to communicate your style choices to editors, maintain consistency in your book, and ensure a seamless reading experience for your readers.