AP Stylebook Online On Demand course outline

At your own pace, learn the foundations of using AP style in:

• Videos and written lessons on 10 essential AP Stylebook rules about mechanics including commas, hyphens, capitalization and numerals.
• Interview videos with the Stylebook editors discussing essential concepts including making judgement calls and creating your own house style rules.
• Self-paced assignments, readings, quizzes and community discussions.

You are free to explore in any order you like, but if you want our guidance to make your way through the rich content, you can follow this track:

Module 1: AP style mechanics

Examining "simple" rules that aren't so simple — using the serial comma (or not), hyphenating compound modifiers (or not), using words for numbers under 10 (or not) …

• Thinking through how to look something up in the Stylebook
• Deciding wisely when AP style doesn’t directly answer your question
• Making consistent choices based on your audience and platforms

Speakers:

• Paula Froke, AP Stylebook editor, The Associated Press
• Jeff McMillan, U.S. desk editor, The Associated Press

Module 2: AP style storytelling

There’s more to AP style than commas and hyphens. It’s also about strategically thinking through how to communicate clearly and effectively. This week’s session covers the high-level nuanced decisions writers and editors need to make.

• Elements of a good story
• Tips for self-editing
• Reviewing and editing copy from workshop participants

Speakers:

• Paula Froke, AP Stylebook editor, The Associated Press
• Anna Jo Bratton, U.S. enterprise editor, The Associated Press

Module 3: Using your dictionary with your stylebook

The AP Stylebook is preparing to switch to Merriam-Webster as its primary dictionary. Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, will join us this week to give his perspective on:

• How is a dictionary different from a stylebook?
• What is the process to add or change a dictionary entry?
• Why are there different dictionaries and how do they differ?
• Why does a writer or editor need both a dictionary and a Stylebook?

Speakers:

• Paula Froke, AP Stylebook editor, The Associated Press
• Peter Sokolowski, editor at large, Merriam-Webster

Module 4: What’s new in AP style

We published the AP Stylebook, 57th Edition, on May 29 so this is your chance to hear what’s new directly from Stylebook editor Paula Froke. Highlights include:

• Revised guidance on prefixes and suffixes
• Revised guidance on bulleted lists
• Expanded guidance on climate change and the climate crisis
• A new chapter on artificial intelligence

Speaker:

• Paula Froke, AP Stylebook editor, The Associated Press

Module 5: Inclusive storytelling and language

• Principles of some of the major inclusion chapters and entries, including race, gender, immigration, disabilities
• Key language points on major topics including immigration, older adults, race-related coverage, gender, sex and sexual orientation, disabilities, survivors/victims
• Pushing back on lazy language of your sources: racially tinged vs. racist, elderly vs. older adults, etc.
• Other race/gender/inclusive/sensitivity writing details in practice

Speakers:

• Paula Froke, AP Stylebook editor, The Associated Press
• Pia Sarkar, deputy business editor, The Associated Press

Course completion

• LinkedIn certificate, course certificate and social media badge.