Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

What's new in the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), with Russell Harper and Mary Laur

Sep 19, 2024

Russell Harper and Mary Laur, editors behind the latest updates to the Chicago Manual of Style, dive into exciting changes in the 18th edition. They discuss how user feedback shapes style revisions, highlights the shift towards inclusive language, and address the fun inclusion of emojis in writing. The removal of place of publication in citations simplifies practices, and evolving capitalization rules stir debate among editors. Plus, they explore guidelines for citing AI technologies, showcasing the manual's adaptability in a digital age.

51:34

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Episode guests

Mary Laur

Russell Harper

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Chicago Manual of Style has made significant updates to endorse inclusive language, notably adopting the singular 'they' for non-binary individuals in formal writing.

The latest edition introduces practical changes such as dropping the place of publication in citations and providing guidelines for referencing AI-generated content.

Deep dives

Editing the Chicago Manual of Style

The editing process for the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is extensive and begins well before the release of a new edition. Editors Russell Harper and Mary Lauer emphasized that they start collecting user feedback and suggestions even while finalizing the current edition. This ongoing dialogue allows them to identify areas needing revision, which is crucial because the revision process can take several years. Consequently, by the time an edition is published, the planning for the next one is already underway, ensuring that the manual remains relevant and reflective of current practices in writing and publishing.

Intro

3min

Leveraging Audience Feedback for Style Manual Revisions

2min

Embracing Diversity in Style Guidelines

10min

Simplifying Citation Practices in the Chicago Manual of Style

5min

Evolving Capitalization Rules in Style Guides

27min

Navigating AI Citation Guidelines in the Chicago Manual of Style

6min

1015. The Chicago Manual of Style is updated every seven years, and this year's update is a big one! I talked with two of the editors — Russell Harper and Mary Laur — about the major changes, how the decisions get made, and the history of the CMOS (pronounced "sea moss").

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