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style-guide-development

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Master style guide development with writing standards, terminology, voice and tone, and consistency guidelines.

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How to use this skill

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  3. Review the proposed files and risks before you approve installation.
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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/data/style-guide-development/SKILL.md

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Style Guide Development

Create comprehensive style guides that ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across all technical documentation.

When to Use This Skill

  • Establishing writing standards
  • Ensuring consistency
  • Onboarding writers
  • Maintaining quality
  • Defining terminology
  • Setting voice and tone
  • Creating templates
  • Scaling documentation

Core Concepts

1. Style Guide Structure

# Technical Writing Style Guide

## Voice and Tone

- **Voice**: Professional, helpful, clear
- **Tone**: Friendly but not casual, respectful
- **Perspective**: Second person ("you"), active voice

## Writing Principles

1. **Clarity**: Use simple, direct language
2. **Conciseness**: Eliminate unnecessary words
3. **Consistency**: Follow established patterns
4. **Accuracy**: Verify all technical information

## Grammar and Mechanics

- Use sentence case for headings
- Oxford comma in lists
- Avoid exclamation marks
- Use contractions sparingly

## Terminology

| Prefer | Avoid |
|--------|-------|
| click | click on |
| sign in | log in, login |
| username | user name |
| email | e-mail |

## Code Examples

- Use syntax highlighting
- Include complete, runnable examples
- Add comments for clarity
- Show expected output

2. Voice and Tone Guidelines

## Voice and Tone Examples

### ✅ Good Examples

"To create a new project, click the + button in the dashboard."

"Your API key is located in Settings → API. Keep it secure."

"Error 404: The requested resource wasn't found. Check the URL and try again."

### ❌ Avoid

"Simply click the + button!" (too casual, unnecessary adverb)

"Your API key can be found..." (passive voice)

"Oops! Something went wrong!!!" (unprofessional)

Best Practices

  1. Consistent standards - Clear rules for all scenarios
  2. Living document - Update as needed
  3. Example-driven - Show don't tell
  4. Team input - Collaborative development
  5. Easy to find - Accessible location
  6. Tool integration - Linters, spell checkers
  7. Training materials - Onboarding resources
  8. Version control - Track changes

Resources

  • Google Developer Documentation Style Guide
  • Microsoft Writing Style Guide
  • Vale linter: Style guide enforcement