.. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE CALIFORNIA MANUAL OF STYLE FOR USE IN COMPOSITION AND PROOF READING PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PUBLIC PRINTER WASHINGTON AMBORILAO LIBRARY Inflexible rules for style in all works can not be given, but for the general work of the Government Printing Office the rules herein contained will be observed. All persons connected with the typographical divisions of this office are requested to preserve this book and study carefully the rules and suggestions offered for their guidance. Department editors are requested when preparing work for this office to make their copy conform as nearly as possible to the style here presented, and to specify fully any general deviation therefrom that may be desired. JULY 1, 1903. Names of types (nonpareil, brevier, long primer, etc.) are used in this MANUAL, although the point system is coming into general use in the office and is apparently destined to entirely supersede the old system. 2 SUGGESTIONS TO AUTHORS. Authors are advised to so prepare their copy that it can be clearly understood by the printer. Nothing should be left for conjecture. Measurable perfection can be secured by first transcribing copy on the typewriter, and before releasing it for publication giving it as careful revision as is afterwards given proof sheets. In the end this will not only save time, but Department printing funds frequently exhausted in making author's corrections in proof will be available for other work. Typewritten copy (when a good quality of paper is used) is always preferable to manuscript, but all copy should be plain to produce good work. The following points are offered as suggestions which, if heeded, will enable this office to achieve the best results: 1. All paragraphs should be clearly marked on copy, thus avoiding vexatious misprints due to overrunning. 2. Photographs, drawings, cuts, etc., for illustrations should accompany manuscript. Each should bear the name of the publication to which it belongs, together with the figure or plate number, and necessary titles or legends for the same should be inserted at the proper place in copy. A complete list of plates and figures should always accompany the manuscript. 3. When a work is made up of several parts, or papers, a carefully prepared schedule of the desired arrangement should be forwarded with the manuscript. 4. Proper names and technical terms should be plainly and carefully written, using CAPITAL letters if necessary, and each should be verified before the copy is sent to the printer. 5. Details of capitalization and punctuation may be safely left to the printers and proof readers. It is part of their profession; they make a study of the subject, and will generally meet the author's taste. 6. Write only on one side of the paper. When printed matter covering more than one side of a sheet is used as copy, a DUPLICATE should be furnished; otherwise much trouble is caused in cutting. 7. When, as an afterthought, new matter making more than a line is inserted, it should be written on a separate sheet and the place for its insertion clearly indicated. 8. Galley proofs will be furnished when desired. It is important that all corrections be made on the first proofs; later ones should be used only for purposes of verification. 9. Corrections in stereotype or electrotype plates usually do more harm than good. They weaken the plate and render new errors probable through damaged letters. 10. Authors and compilers are requested to direct those handling their manuscript to transmit the same to the Printing Office in flat form-never to roll the manuscript if it can be avoided. 5 |