Style Guide

Welcome to City Lifestyle! We welcome your contributions to our growing family of monthly magazines. As a contributor, we ask that you follow a few simple style guidelines to keep the magazine looking good and consistent. In general, we follow the AP Stylebook (with a few Lifestyle tweaks). Before you submit your content to your local editorial coordinator, please review the list below to make sure it meets the magazine’s style. Should we find it does not meet our style, please be advised that we may return it and ask that you make the necessary style changes.

Spacing

There should be only one space between sentences.
There should be only one return between paragraphs.
Do not indent the first sentence of each paragraph.
Quotes should be a separate paragraph.

Headline & Subhead

Please include a headline and subhead for all stories. As with story copy, headlines and subheads are subject to revision by the editor. Use up-style for headlines and subheads without a period to end the thought.
For Example: “Leawood Couple Finds Happiness in Retirement,” not: “Leawood couple finds happiness in retirement.”

Miscellaneous Style

Numbers 1-9 are to be spelled out (ex: The five brown dogs crossed the street.) Do not spell numbers 10 and above, unless it is used to begin a sentence (ex: The school district closed 15 schools today. Or: Fifteen schools were added to the chopping block today.)
The use of the word “over”: It generally refers to spatial relationships: (ex: The plane flew over the city.). However, the term “more than” is to be used when explaining quantity (ex: More than 20 people attended the seminar. The lemonade stand raised more than $100.)
First and second name references: Upon first reference in the story, use the individual’s first and last name. Upon second reference, use the last name only.
- EXCEPTION: when more than one source in a story shares the same last name, revert to the person’s first name upon all latter references.
Academic titles: do not refer to medical doctors, dentists, Ph.D.’s, D.C.’s, D.O.’s, etc. by “Dr.” Titles are to be handled in this manner: According to Jim Smith, M.D., the dog was not injured. Smith brought the dog to his home. (More examples: According to Kansas City dentist Mark Walker, D.D.S., cavities are on the rise. Walker says more kids are eating sugary treats.).
More on titles. When a title precedes a name, capitalize the title (Marketing Director Pam Jones says….). When it follows a name, it’s lower case (According to Pam Jones, marketing director for ABC Bank….).
Time: Do not use “o’clock” or :00 when reporting times. Time should be handled in this manner: The dance begins at 6 p.m. Please indicate morning or afternoon by using lower case a.m. or p.m.
Phone numbers: Please use this format: 913.555.5555 (no dashes)
Websites: Omit the “www” portion of the website. Also, when websites represent multiple words, please put the first letter of each word in uppercase. Example: WindowWorld.com. Acronyms or initials can be uppercase as well. Example: KCDSG.com (Kansas City Down Syndrome Guild).
Active vs. passive tense. As a reminder, all statements should be made using active tense (ex: Joe threw the ball to John. Don’t say ‘The ball was thrown by John.’ Do say: ‘Everyone had a great time.’ Don’t say: ‘A good time was had by all’).

Commas

Please double check your use of commas in the following situations:

In a series (The flag is red, white and blue.)
In a complex series of phrases (The main points to consider are whether the athletes are skillful enough to compete, whether they have the stamina to endure the training, and whether they have the proper mental attitude.)
With introductory clauses and phrases (When he had tired of the mad pace of New York, he moved to Dubuque).
Introducing direct quotes (Wallace says, “Go to the police immediately.”)
Before Attribution (“Go get the police,” says Jim Smith.)
But don’t use a comma if the quote ends with a question mark or exclamation point (“Why should I?” says Smith.)

Dashes

Follow these guidelines (please note we have tailored our style guide to omit spaces on each end of the dash).

Abrupt Change: used to denote an abrupt change in thought in a sentence or emphatic pause. Example: We will fly to Paris in June—if I get a raise.
Series within a phrase: Example: He listed the qualities—intelligence, humor, independence—he likes in an executive.
Attribution: Example: “Who steals my purse steals trash.”—Shakespeare.
Datelines
In lists: Example: Jones gave the following reasons:
- –He never ordered the package.
- –If he did, it never came back.
- –If it did, he sent it back.
Ellipsis: Use an ellipsis to indicate the deletion of one or more words in condensing quotes, texts and documents. Be careful to avoid deletions that would distort the meaning. An ellipsis also may be used to indicate a thought that the speaker or writer does not complete. Substitute a dash for this purpose, however, if the context uses ellipsis to indicate that words actually spoken or written have been deleted.
Hyphens: Hyphens are joiners. Use them to avoid ambiguity or to form a single idea from two or more ideas. The use of hyphens is optional, and in most cases, a matter of taste. Some examples:
- Ambiguity: The president will speak to small-business men. (Business men normally is one word, but the president will speak to small business men is unclear).
- Compound modifiers: When a compound modifier (two or more words that express a single concept) precedes a noun, use hyphens to link all the words in the compound except the adverb ‘very’ and all adverbs that end in ‘ly.’ Example: a first-quarter touchdown; a well-known man; a very good time; an easily remembered rule.
- Two-thought compounds: Example: socio-economic
- Compound proper nouns and adjectives: Example: Mexican-American

A more detailed look at hyphens is available within the AP Stylebook. If you do not have one and are challenged by the proper use, please contact the corporate editorial team.

Word Choice & Punctuation

Reporting vs. Commentary: With the exception of the restaurant reviews, Parting Thoughts and advertiser submissions, we will not have pieces that include commentary. Please refrain from expressing your opinion in the midst of an article and keep it strictly reporting only.
Versus vs. Vs.: Please use vs.
Said vs. Says: Please use says.
Toward vs. towards: Toward is correct.
Movie & book titles: Please use italics.
It and Their/They’re: Businesses and organizations are ‘it.’ People and families are their/they’re. Example: Each year, ABC Corporation announces its (not their) employee of the year award. The Smiths say they (not it) are taking a vacation next year.
Its and it’s: it’s is used as a contraction only. Its covers possessive.
1950s vs. 1950’s: Use 1950s.
Month, day, year vs. month, year: Sept. 3, 2018 vs. September 2018 (include a comma after the year if the sentence continues)

The “City Lifestyle” Voice

Because City Lifestyle is a lifestyle publication, a more casual writing style and voice than standard AP style recommends is acceptable in some instances. Here are a few for your reference:

First Person: “I, we, ours” - Writing in first person should be reserved for travel or experience pieces when the author is retelling autobiographical details of an event or happening. For instance: “I fulfilled a lifelong dream when I visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France in 2022.” Do not interject yourself into the story unless it’s a travel piece and it is appropriate.
Second Person: “You, you, yours” Second person may be used in any article that gives instructions or provides guidance to the reader, such as a how-to type article, a recipe or directions of some kind. Similarly, listicles or round-ups that recommend the reader visit or frequent a local business are acceptable places to use second person. For instance: “Take your dog to Barque where they have ice cream for pups and humans alike.”
Third Person: “She, her, hers” Third person should be used for the vast majority of your content. When you are writing about an advertiser or a professional business, always use third person. Third person will be appropriate for most stories including person profiles, philanthropy, home, as well as many travel and food stories.
Collective You: Collective “you” (as in “you all”) is allowed in any article when it is used in a collective, nonspecific format. Such as: “Are you wondering how to get more space in your closet?”

The collective you refers to a general group of people. Collective you should be avoided in circumstances where it would be more appropriate to say “people” or to describe the group in a more specific way. As a lifestyle magazine, collective you is useful for articles that provide instruction/advice/directions/recommendations to the reader - such as with roundups, some listicles, style, home decor or recipe-oriented content.

Additional Information

Contact details: Include addresses, phone numbers and websites of businesses, recommended places, etc. when applicable. Example: 514 W. 26th St., 913.599.4300, Kansas City, Mo., LifestylePubs.com

Essential vs. Nonessential Clauses

Essential clauses: CANNOT be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence. Its absence would lead to a substantially different interpretation of what the author meant.
- Example: Army veteran Jeff Daniels founded the organization in May 2012. (If the name is excluded, it dramatically alters the meaning of the sentence: Army veteran founded the organization in May 2012. The name is an essential clause.
Punctuation: Essential clauses MUST NOT be offset by commas.
Nonessential clauses: CAN be eliminated without altering the basic meaning of the sentence — It does NOT restrict the meaning so significantly that its absence would radically alter the author’s thought.
- Example: Jeff Daniels, an Army veteran, founded the organization in May 2012. Removing the clause “an Army veteran” does not dramatically alter the meaning of the sentence: Jeff Daniels founded the organization in May 2012. It is a nonessential clause (extra information).
Punctuation: Nonessential clauses MUST be offset by commas

Recipe Style

Measurements: Always spell out tablespoon, teaspoon, ounce, cup, pound and other units of measurement
Numerals: Always use numerals and fractions: 5 pounds, 2 ½ ounces, 4 minutes, 350 degrees
Structure: List ingredients first, then directions. Be as specific as possible.

Business Profiles

Include information about the person’s profession/business and how they serve the community. Biographical info (where they grew up, where they went to school, etc.) is not necessary. Always include business contact information (address, phone number, website)

Calendar

Include 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, Why? Include websites.

Example: Comcast Xfinity Film Festival - Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Strathmore

Outdoor movies return to Strathmore this summer! Join us on the lawn for four nights of free flicks benefiting the National Institutes of Health Children’s Charities. Come early to grab dinner from Ridgewells’ summer grill. Films begin at dusk. The lineup is Coco, Black Panther, The Lion King, and Wonder Woman. No tickets required. For more information, visit Strathmore.org.

Local’s Choice

Include a short description of each choice (NOT just the name and contact info) to “sell” the reader on each choice.

Example: Paces and Vine—See and be seen at this friendly eatery with an inviting patio that includes a stone fireplace and fans to beat the heat. 4300 Paces Ferry Road SE #250, Atlanta, Georgia, 404.205.8255, PacesAndVine.com.

Article Introductions

It’s really important to have context and “set the scene” before jumping straight into a story. Readers need to know who is being interviewed and why they should care/why this person is relevant to that particular community.

Fact Checking Policy

In order to make sure City Lifestyle magazines are presenting the most accurate information possible through our publications, writers are responsible for fact-checking articles before submission. All factual information included in every article should be confirmed with each source giving the information. This will be easiest if done at the interview by taking a few additional minutes to confirm facts about the person and/or business given throughout the interview. Writers should ensure they are allowing themselves enough time to check the facts of their articles before the deadline, as it will not be extended to accommodate this process.

Facts to pay attention to include, but are not limited to:

Years (what year the business started, how many years in business, etc.)
Numbers + ages
Names of people + places included in the article
Information about the business (website, phone number, hours, location, etc.)
Preferred name, correct spelling and preferred title or descriptor for all sources