As writers, especially those of us writing a series, we’re juggling a lot of details: character names, fictional towns, bakery shop spellings, and the difference between someone’s hair being “blond” or “blonde.” If you’ve ever had to scroll through your manuscript to double-check whether it’s “Doug Hansen” or “Douglas Hanson,” you know what I mean.
That’s where a style sheet comes in.
What’s a Style Sheet?
A style sheet is your personalized reference guide that helps you stay consistent across your manuscript—and your series. It includes things like:
? Names & Spellings
- Full names (with correct spelling): T.J. Wilson, not Timothy James
- Consistent spellings: backroom vs. back room
?️ Locations
- Town names, street names, café names (Petersburg Health and Fitness Center, not Petersburg Gym)
- Descriptions: layout of the campus, room décor, distance from home to work
? Word Choice & Terminology
- Repeated stylistic terms: glasses not spectacles, tote not handbag
- Regional-specific language: Do you use “pop” instead of “soda”?
?️ Formatting Rules
- Time: 4:00 p.m. or 4 p.m.?
- Dates: July 4, 2025 or 4 July 2025?
- Numbers: ten or 10?
Why It Matters
- Consistency = Professionalism: Readers notice when Craig’s sandy blond hair becomes brown halfway through a book or series.
- Saves Editing Time: Fewer inconsistencies from the time you start writing mean less energy spent trying to find and correct any inconsistencies later.
- Series Bible Starter: Your style sheet serves as a reference document for an expanded series.
How to Make One
Start with a simple document or spreadsheet and organize it by category: Characters, Locations, Spelling Rules, and Style Guidelines. Add entries as you write or edit. You can also print one out and fill it in by hand if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
Pro Tip: Include character ages, birthdays, and major plot points—especially if you plan sequels.
Tools to Help You Stay Organized
If you’re using tools like Plottr or Scrivener, you can build your style sheet right into your workflow:
- Plottr: Using Plottr, you can create Visual Timelines and Story Bibles. There are also Starter Templates as well as Series Planning guides. It’s straightforward and easy to use, allowing you to keep it simple or make it more complex by tracking POV and organizing your story with scene cards. It works on Windows and Mac and there is a 30-day free trial available, so you can give it a go before committing to it.
- Scrivener: Scrivener has a steep learning curve, but if you decide to try it, remember that small steps lead to progress. (Often there are free tutorials online to help explain how to use it.) The software itself is built around the idea of creating a virtual 3-ring binder that allows you to have all the parts of your manuscript, including notes and references, in one location, making it easy to navigate between all the moving parts of your story. The Research folder is the perfect place for your “Style Sheet,” character bios, and timelines. There is also a free trial available for both macOS and Windows versions of Scrivener, which I highly recommend trying before purchasing.
- Note: I primarily use Plottr, although I am trying to master Scrivener—but, as I mentioned, it’s a process and takes time. Both programs have their advantages, and I currently plan on using both of them for my writing projects.
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