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stylebooks

I've been lurking on this site for several months, having made a career change from Professor of English (in the California State University system) to landscape designer and garden writer.  My former specialty was Composition and Rhetoric--so a discussion of style manuals brings back vivid memories of long committee meetings on similar ventures. 
 
I'd like to suggest that the organization consider not a style book, but a simple style "sheet."  As many others have pointed out, most large publishing organizations already have their own preferred style guides (Chicago Manual of Style, AP, or in-house manual).  The issues pertinent to garden writing seem to center on the handling of plant names (no doubt other issues will arise), and this is where GWAA could make a professional contribution.  A simple style sheet could be made available on a website, and would be especially useful for freelance writers (who may not know where their work will eventually be published), novice writers, as well as editors.  It could be shared by GWAA members with their vendors, and perhaps could help standardize usage.
 
But those wishing to undertake even a style "sheet" should be warned:  1) people get very worked up when someone offers a standard that varies from what they were taught; and 2) even major style books undergo revisions on a regular basis--both to reflect current usage more accurately (because language is always changing), and to give publishers a reason for issuing new editions that boost sales (and make used books obsolete).
 
Susan Wyche
Green Perspectives
Santa Cruz, CA
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