DTA launches updated Style Manual into beta

The Digital Transformation Agency has launched the government's new updated Style Manual into public beta.

The release, the first edition of a new Style Manual in 18 years, has been revamped to be fit for purpose for the digital age. It is scheduled to go live later this year after thorough user testing.

The agency entered the discovery phase for the design of the new manual last year, and subsequently announced the launch of a private beta.

During the discovery phase, users told the agency the new manual needs to be contemporary (including information about digital content), comprehensive, evidence based, authoritative, and easy to use and access.

Based on this feedback, the DTA developed prototypes and a framework, and set to work with content partner Ethos CRS to write the content.

Through this partnership, Ethos CRS brought the expertise of accredited editors and the Australian National Dictionary Centre at the ANU.

Since the private beta, the DTA has revamped the content to add more examples, clarify explanations, include more detail in some topics, correct various errors and improve guidance in collaboration with subject experts.

The Style Manual will continue to be modified during the public beta — and will also be reviewed by experts in editing, language and content design — in the lead-up to the launch later this year.

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