The Acs Style Guide: A Manual for Authors and Editors

Most people do not realize the energy and time involved in preparing a manuscript for publication, from start to finish. The process involves the cooperation of authors producing a text worthy of publication, and editors manipulating the text into the readable form. These jobs are made much easier and more enjoyable if both parties understand their roles in the publication process. Even though we would like to believe that the written word is not tied to the dollar, time is money, and a manuscript that is prepared with a publisher's concerns in mind will probably be in print sooner and also will be the most readable and best understood. Considering these premises, we developed this book to present guidelines to help both the author and the editor in preparing the scientific text. Authors will find information on when to use and how to prepare illustrations, chemical structures, and tables. Editors especially will benefit from the chapter on grammar, style, and usage. Furthermore, the book includes ancillary material that can be very useful, such as copyright basics and information on the scientific literature, submitting the paper electronically, and presenting the paper orally. Although this book is directed primarily to ACS authors and editors, the basic principles stressed throughout are applicable to publishing in general. This style guide is "required" reading for first-time authors, and experienced authors would also do well to read it and use it.