I previously published a post called “Five Helpful Writing and Editing Websites and Blogs.” A five-item list is a measly attempt for such a large topic, so today’s post expands that original list to ten writing websites and blogs. These resources cover a wide variety of subjects, so I’m confident that you’ll find something here that you can apply to your business or nonfiction writing goals.
1. AP vs. Chicago
The title AP vs. Chicago describes exactly what this blog is about: It compares The Associated Press Stylebook to The Chicago Manual of Style. And it does so thoroughly but succinctly.
2. APA Style Blog
The APA Style Blog is full of straightforward, practical advice on how to follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. I particularly appreciate how they format their examples with highlighting and colored backgrounds for quick recognition.
3. Behind the Style
Behind the Style is the blog section of the Modern Language Association’s MLA Style Center. Although this blog is not updated as often as some of the others on this list, it is well worth following if you use MLA for academic or research writing.
4. Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide
If you need to add a standard citation to a blog post, academic project, or business report, the Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide from the Chicago Manual of Style Online has you covered—without actually cracking the 1026-page manual.
5. CMOS Shop Talk
CMOS Shop Talk is the official blog of the Chicago Manual of Style Online. It is a must-read for anyone who follows Chicago style. The Chicago Style Workouts are particularly helpful because they challenge your knowledge of specific sections of the manual. And don’t miss the educational and entertaining insights in the Editor’s Corner, written by the author of The Subversive Copy Editor, Carol Fisher Saller.
6. Copyediting
Copyediting is a paid membership site for professional copy editors; however, its free blog provides important insights into current writing and editing issues.
7. Grammar Girl
Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. Grammar Girl, is the most famous grammarian on the Internet. She tackles everything from basic vocabulary to obscure linguistic conundrums.
8. Dictionary Blogs and Websites
Don’t forget the dictionaries! Check out the American Heritage Dictionary blog, OxfordWords Blog from Oxford Dictionaries, and Merriam-Webster’s homepage for an abundance of trending language news and vocabulary commentary.
9. LawProse Blog
LawProse offers training in legal writing and editing. The company’s blog, written by Bryan A. Garner (author of Garner’s Modern American Usage) provides a wealth of information about legal writing and editing.
10. Nielsen Norman Group Articles
The majority of the articles on the Nielsen Norman Group website are about user experience (UX) with technology interfaces rather than writing. Although writing and UX may not seem closely related, business writers and editors should strive for a general understanding of UX because almost all of us have “users” who rely on our content to accomplish a goal or task (e.g., review a product before purchase, use a product, learn a skill). Not to mention the fact that most business writing is nearly inseparable from technology. So, take an occasional journey into the Nielsen Norman Group’s article archives to see if you can apply any of their UX concepts to your written content.
Of course, I hope that you will also read more of my blog, which features writing and editing tips and document software tutorials. The purpose of my blog is to help everyone become a confident business or nonfiction writer!
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