Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. Meeting the new editor, with AP Stylebook's Anna Jo Bratton
11 snips
May 7, 2026 Anna Jo Bratton, editor of the AP Stylebook and longtime AP reporter, discusses running the committee that sets journalism style. She explains how rules are pressure-tested and why decisions are not a pure democracy. Major 2026 updates include a new AI chapter and the switch to "healthcare" as one word.
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Committee Is Small And Decision Driven
- The Stylebook committee is small, cross-functional, and not a pure democracy; senior leaders and the editor can overrule or decide when needed.
- Six members include sports, business, trends, and race editors who research topics and present findings before deciding.
Pressure Test Rules With Affected Communities
- Always pressure-test guidance by soliciting feedback from affected communities before finalizing rules.
- Example: AP changed person-first language guidance after autistic community members said many prefer identity-first phrasing.
Cautious Yet Proactive Approach To Changes
- AP balances caution and leadership: it adopts changes when usage is widespread but sometimes proactively creates guidance (e.g., AI) before norms settle.
- Singular they waited until usage was overwhelming; AI guidance was added early.