# Editorial Style Guide: [publication / product]

> The rules that make many writers sound like one voice. A rule
> without an example gets ignored; a rule without a reason gets
> resented.

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Applies to | [docs / blog / all content] |
| Owner | @name |
| Version | N.N |
| Last review | YYYY-MM-DD |

## Voice

- [3 adjectives – e.g. direct, helpful, unpretentious]
- Write to one reader ("you"), not an audience
- Active voice by default; passive only when the actor is irrelevant

## Grammar & mechanics

| Rule | Standard | Example |
|------|----------|---------|
| Serial comma | yes / no | "a, b, and c" |
| Numbers | [spell <= nine, digits >= 10] | |
| Dates | YYYY-MM-DD | |
| Capitalization | [sentence case headings] | |
| Dashes | en dash – for ranges, no spaced em dash | |

## Terminology

| Write this | Not this | Why |
|------------|----------|-----|
| [preferred term] | [banned term] | [reason] |

## Formatting

- Headings: sentence case, no terminal period
- Code: inline `backticks`; blocks with language tags
- Links: descriptive text, never "click here"
- Lists: parallel structure; periods only on full sentences
- Images: alt text required, describes function

## Inclusive language

- [rules – e.g. neutral pronouns, no ablist terms]
- [localization notes – things that don't translate]

## Common mistakes (observed)

| Wrong | Right | Source (real example) |
|-------|-------|------------------------|
| | | |

## Exceptions & escalation

Rules yield to clarity. Disputes: @name arbitrates; document the
outcome here.

## Reference style

Fallback authority: [Chicago Manual / AP / internal decisions win].