Format and Style Guide

Format for ANR fact sheets

Use the following for formatting fact sheets:

  • MS Word file with 11-point Arial font for copy and headings
  • One-column format
  • Single space between sentences
  • DO NOT brand fact sheet
  • Graphics and/or pictures in the MS Word file, but also submitted as separate jpg file

Citations for ANR Fact Sheets – download pdf: anr-citations

Use the following editorial style guide for commonly used items on ANR factsheets:

C

  • Commas – When listing three or more items, a comma should precede the conjunction. Example: Consumers enjoy multiple pepper colors such as green, yellow, and red.
  • Cultivars – Include single quotations around the name of a cultivar. Do no italicize the name of the cultivar. Example: Tomatoes often used in home gardens include ‘Early Girl,’ ‘Celebrity,’ and  ‘Beefmaster.’

G

  • Genus, species In scientific or biological names, capitalize the first, or generic, Latin name for the class of plant or animal and lowercase the species that follows. Also, use italics for both the first, or generic, Latin name and the species name that follows: Homo sapiens, Tyrannosaurus rex. In second references, use the abbreviated form: P. borealis, T. rex.Note: CFAES makes one major exception to AP style regarding the use of genus and species names: Italics should be used as noted above. Other than the exception to AP style noted here regarding the use of genus and species names, see genus, species in the online edition of the AP Stylebook.

H

  • Harden-off – Used to describe process with acclimating transplants from indoor production to field conditions.

M

  • Measurements – Spell out the measurements such as inches rather than use ” when used in a complete sentence. The symbols can be used in a table (to save room) or in a formula for calculations. This also applies to pounds (instead of lbs.) and other similar measurements. The exception in a sentence is when the number is associated with units per measure (e.g., Apply phosphorus at a rate of 20 lbs./acre.)

N

  • Numbers – When using numbers in a sentence, spell out nine and below. If the numbers are 11 or above, use the numeral.
    Exception – In fact sheets that contain a large amount of numbers (e.g., economics, planting guides, or fertilizer recommendation), use the numerals so the fact sheet is easier to read.
  • Numbers – When describing a span of numbers, use the numerals (e.g., plant the tomatoes 2 to 3 inches apart). When using the span in a sentence, use the word “to” instead of the dash (i.e., 2-3) unless the number span is in a table or formula.

P

  • Percent – Spell out percent when used in a sentence. The percent symbol (%) can be used in tables and formulas.
  • Periods – Only one space between a period and the next sentence (do not use two spaces).
  • pH – pH should have a qualifier in front such as soil pH or water pH for clarification.
  • Pre-emergent weed or pre-emergent herbicide (not preemergence or preemergent).

R

  • Record keeping – Two words.
  • Record-keeper – Hyphenated.

S

  • Sentences – single space between sentences
  • Sidedress (not side dress). Example: The tomatoes need to be sidedressed with nitrogen for optimal fruit production.
  • Species: Genus, species In scientific or biological names, capitalize the first, or generic, Latin name for the class of plant or animal and lowercase the species that follows. Also, use italics for both the first, or generic, Latin name and the species name that follows: Homo sapiens, Tyrannosaurus rex. In second references, use the abbreviated form: P. borealis, T. rex.Note: CFAES makes one major exception to AP style regarding the use of genus and species names: Italics should be used as noted above. Other than the exception to AP style noted here regarding the use of genus and species names, see genus, species in the online edition of the AP Stylebook.

T

  • Temperature: 20 degrees F when used in a sentence. The degree symbol (°) can be used in tables and formulas; however, it should be followed by F or C.

W

  • White-tailed deer (not whitetail deer).

Other editorial style questions should be directed to:

College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Editorial Style Guide

Ohio State University Editorial Style Guide