The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage : The Official Style Guide Used by the Writers and Editors of the World's Most Authoritative Newspaper
"A foolish consistency," Emerson insisted, "is the hobgoblin of little minds." That may well be, but editors have enough reasons to reject your work; don't let sloppy inconsistencies be one of them.The New York Times Manual of Style & Usagewas written for the paper's editors and writers, but it is a fine, up-to-date resource for anyone's use. Our language is ever-mutating, and a guide such as this will ensure that you understand the impact your words might have before they reach print. Should you useNative AmericansorAmerican Indians?Debarkordisembark? Did you know thatthermosis no longer a trademark, but thatPopsicleandDumpsterare? Writing, when you get down to it, is nothing more than the careful choosing of words. This style book will ensure that you don't choosecaratwhen you meankarat,jury-riggedwhen you wantjerry-built,chow chowwhenchowchowis called for, orV-8when you could have had aV8. A naysayer may bridle against the strictures of such a rule book, but the authors believe "the rules should encourage thinking, not discourage it."  Plus, "a rule," they say, "can shield against untidiness in detail that might make readers doubt large facts." We'd call the book "user-friendly," but that, we've learned, can be downright "reader-tiresome."--Jane Steinberg