Learn the basics and rules of AP style, a popular style guide for journalists and web editors. Download a free PDF cheat sheet with, Learn the Essential Rules of Associated Press Style, a compact, straightforward system for clear, concise writing. Learn how to handle numbers, time and dates, locations, phone numbers, verified guide to AP style. Please note that this guide is based on the AP Stylebook, latest update. This guide does not include everything in it. This page provides a brief introduction to AP style, standard style guidelines, lists of frequently used abbreviations, suggestions for writing leads, and much more. Associated Press Website - FAQ Link to Ask the Editor forum on writing, style and wording issues that extend beyond the pages of the AP Stylebook. When writing about specific cities and states, remember: spell out all states in the text. In date lines, abbreviate all but eight states: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah.AP Style is a necessity for journalists and those in the news industry. Public relations professionals who write press releases should also be familiar with AP style because they work closely with newspapers, but basically AP style can be useful to anyone. Many businesses and corporations will use a writing style guide to create common writing. The AP Stylebook is a writing style guide for journalists. It is published and updated every two years to reflect changes in writing style and new guidelines. Updated regularly since its initial publication, the AP Stylebook is an essential reference for writers, editors, students and professionals. It provides fundamental guidelines.