associationFOCUS | Volume 8, Issue 2

ur clients often hear us say that “we’re having our proofer” review content. What does that mean, exactly? Well, we review (code for read) all content for spelling, grammar, style and plagiarism. The first three sound okay, but plagiarism? Really? Yes, liberally borrowing free-range text on the internet is in fact, plagiarism. Just because it doesn’t seem to have an author, doesn’t mean it’s up for grabs. As all good publishers should, we do have E&O coverage which extends to our clients that specif - ically addresses liberal borrowing of text, but we do need to do our due diligence, which means running the text through a plagiarism program and making some prudent decisions on context of any flagged text. When it comes to spelling, grammar and style, we proof content to AP Stylebook. Why choose AP over the Chicago Manual of Style? The Associated Press Stylebook (AP Stylebook) and The Chicago Manual of Style are two very different guides for two very different groups of people who make their living with the written word – like us and for our content-driven clients. The Chicago Manual of Style is by far the larger reference work, with over 950 pages. The AP Stylebook has just 330 pages. O AP Stylebook Tips What in the world is the AP Stylebook? AP Stylebook, also known by its full name The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law, is an English grammar style and usage guide created by American journalists working for or connected with the Associated Press. 20 | association FOCUS