What is a style sheet, and do I need one?

If you're diving into the world of writing, especially in fiction or creative non-fiction, you may have heard the term style sheet tossed around. But what exactly is a style sheet, and is it something you need? Let's look at style sheets and see how they can can benefit your writing journey.

What is a style sheet?

In basic terms, a style sheet is a just a reference document that contains useful information about your book. As a minimum, a style sheet should list the spelling and grammar choices used throughout your text.

 It should also contain any other information specific to your work that needs to be kept consistent. This could be as simple as a list of unusual words and preferred spellings, or it could be expanded to cover character names and attributes, locations, a timeline of events, and even complex worldbuilding details.

Is a style sheet the same as a style guide? I’ve heard both terms mentioned.

Not quite, although they do share some features.

 A style guide – sometimes referred to as house style – is a reference guide produced by publishers, newspapers, magazines, and websites that lists their rules and preferences for spelling, grammar, and style. Anyone producing content for that organisation, whether they’re a writer or an editor, will be expected to follow the rules listed in the style guide and apply it to their writing.

A style sheet, on the other hand, is a reference document for one specific book or text. Your book’s style sheet will contain information that’s useful for you, the writer, and also for anyone else working on the text, like an editor.

Here’s what a style sheet for fiction or creative non-fiction typically includes:

Spelling and grammar conventions and a list of reference books:

As an example: in the US, The Chicago Manual of Style is often used by publishers as a reference guide for spelling and grammar. Merriam-Webster is the dictionary most often used in US style. These guides are often listed on style sheets, meaning that anyone else working on the project can refer to them if needed.

Character names: A style sheet will list details of all the characters in your story. This includes their full names, any nicknames, and sometimes useful info about a character’s attributes.

For example, a character’s age, their appearance, and relationships to other characters could be set out. This helps maintain consistency in how characters are referred to throughout the narrative.

 If Jake, your romantic interest, is described as having blue eyes in Chapter Two and then in Chapter Twelve we have Julia staring into Jake’s warm hazel eyes: readers will notice and be annoyed. A comprehensive style sheet will keep you straight so you can avoid this pitfall.

Locations and settings: A style sheet often includes descriptions of key locations and settings in your story, along with any specific details or terminology associated with them. This ensures that descriptions remain consistent throughout the manuscript.

Timeline and chronology: A style sheet may outline the timeline of events in your story, to keep track of dates, seasons, or any other chronological details. This helps prevent inconsistencies in the sequence of events.

Special terms and language: If your story includes unique terms, slang, or invented languages, a style sheet documents these and provides guidelines for their usage to maintain authenticity and coherence.

Formatting preferences: A style sheet outlines preferences for formatting elements such as punctuation, italics, dialogue, and chapter headings. This ensures consistency in style throughout the text.

Do I need a style sheet?

You might be wondering if a style sheet is necessary for your writing project. The short answer is: maybe!

Here are a few scenarios where a style sheet can be beneficial:

Complex narratives: If your story involves many characters, settings, and timelines, a style sheet can help you keep track of all the details and maintain consistency.

Series or sequels: For writers working on a series of books or sequels, a style sheet ensures continuity across multiple instalments, helping to avoid discrepancies and confusion for readers.

Collaborative projects: If you’re co-writing a book or working with an editor, a style sheet serves as a reference point for everyone involved, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion: Style sheets are super useful!

A style sheet is a valuable tool for maintaining consistency in your writing, particularly in fiction and creative non-fiction.

While a style sheet may not be necessary for every project, it can be immensely helpful when dealing with complex narratives, series, or collaborative efforts. By creating and using a style sheet, you can streamline your writing process, avoid errors, keep things consistent, and allow readers to focus on your wonderful storytelling.