Monash Editorial Style Guide
The Monash Editorial Style Guide governs writing conventions for the University's website, official social media channels, emails, and print publications.
Many people first experience Monash via the pages they seek out or stumble across on our website. Because we can't control where our users enter our site, all our content must meet the same high standards. It must be useful, accurate, engaging, genuine and illuminating.
When we write on behalf of the University, we need to infuse what we write with its personality. This style guide explains how to sound like Monash. It also:
- ensures we use a consistent voice and style across the University
- sets standards in spelling, style and punctuation, including Monash-specific terms and conventions
- provides advice about grammar, language and usage
- helps you create an editorial process and team to handle content from creation to publication
- offers guidance around SEO, inclusive language, proof points and other elements of the writing process.
How to use this guide
If you have a specific question, like how to punctuate dot points, or whether you should write '9' or 'nine', use the A–Z index. (The answers are under 'dot points' and 'numbers'.)
Alternatively, you can browse topics.
Our references
Monash University uses the Macquarie Dictionary fifth edition as standard.
We have based our editorial conventions on the Style manual for authors,editors and printers, sixth edition. Sadly, it's not available online,but there are several copies in the various Monash libraries. (Do make sure you have the sixth edition. Our libraries stock earlier editions, but they are outdated and can lead you astray.)
What if I can't find the answer to my question?
The Monash Editorial Style Guide is comprehensive, but not exhaustive. If you can't find the information you need,try the A to Z index.
If still don't find the answer to your question, there may be other Monash resources that can help.
Print publications
If you are writing for print,make sure you're familiar with our brand guidelines. If you need extra advice about design, images,or specifications, contact our brand team.
Publishing to the web
If you're building or maintaining a Monash webpage or website, consult our Digital Toolkit (Monash only). It has lots of information about layout, navigation, images and multimedia, and looking after your online presence.
Marketing campaigns
If you're running or want to run a marketing campaign, seek advice from our central marketing team.
Media and events
The media, news and events team can help you with media releases, news stories, opinion pieces,finding an expert, Monash Memo, and the news and events website. The media team should also be the first people you call for critical media issues.
Academic writing
This guide does not cover academic or student papers. The Monash Library has information on citation, and many other topics for students, researchers and teachers. You can also talk to your faculty.
Monash University Publishing
Monash University Publishing publishes scholarship across the humanities and social sciences, and specialises in Asian studies, politics, education, communications, and Australian history, culture and literature. It has its own style.
Copyright
Monash staff must take care with copyright. Copyright for commercial, marketing and promotional activities– in other words, our business activities – is different from educational copyright.
The library has a wealth of information about copyright. Please make yourself familiar with these laws, and, if in doubt, email our copyright adviser. You can also seek advice from the Australian Copyright Council.