Chicago Manual of Style 18: Key Updates Every Author Must Know

Attention authors, editors, and grammar nerds! If you’re knee-deep in your writing cave, take a quick breather—because the new Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) 18 is here, and believe me, it’s packed with updates you’ll want to know about. Whether you’re knee-deep in your latest gripping novel or working on that insightful nonfiction piece, these updates are worth your attention.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. We’ll walk through some noteable updates together—with a sprinkle of humor, some practical advice, and a focus on what matters to you as a writer. Ready? Let’s dive in.

 Acknowledgments: Now at the Back of the Book (1.65)

You know that long list of people you want to thank—the ones who supported you through endless drafts, late-night writing sessions, and caffeine-fueled breakdowns? CMOS 18 suggests moving those heartfelt acknowledgments to the back of the book. Why? So your reader can jump right into your story without getting distracted by a dedication to your friends neighbor’s dog.

What this means for you: Go ahead and give credit to everyone who helped you along the way, but place those thanks at the back so they don’t interrupt the flow of your story. Your readers will thank you for keeping them in the moment, and your acknowledgments will still get the spotlight they deserve—just in a more discreet spot.

Stick to Standard Page Sizes (2.12)

You might be a rebel in storytelling, but when it comes to manuscript formatting, CMOS recommends it’s time to play by the rules. Whether your manuscript is headed for print or staying digital, using a standard page size—8½ × 11 inches in North America, or A4 (210 × 297 mm) elsewhere—helps keep everything consistent. One-inch margins too, please!

What this means for you: Formatting may not be fun, but it’s part of looking professional. When your manuscript looks polished, it makes a good impression on everyone from editors to agents. And, let’s be honest, it’s easier to read when it’s not squeezing into weird margins!

 Singular “They” for the Win! (5.266)

Finally, the singular they gets the CMOS seal of approval! Whether you’re writing about a character whose gender isn’t specified or referring to someone who uses nonbinary pronouns, it’s now fully acceptable to use they as a singular pronoun.

What this means for you: You can confidently use they without worrying about grammar snobs raising an eyebrow. It’s a simple change, but it’s a huge step toward making your writing more inclusive—and now, it’s official!

The “That” Debate: To Include or Not to Include? (5.212)

The humble word that—it’s small, but it can cause big confusion. CMOS 18 says that while it’s sometimes okay to leave it out, there are moments when that should stick around, especially if its absence could make things unclear. For example, “We knew that the edits were needed” versus “We knew the edits were needed.” See the difference?

What this means for you: If dropping that makes the sentence awkward, leave it in. Don’t overthink it! Keeping clarity in your writing is always a win.

Words Matter: Making Conscious Language Choices (5.255)

Words have power, and CMOS 18 encourages us to be more conscious of the language we use. This means avoiding outdated terms and steering clear of unintentional biases. It’s not about sanitizing your writing, but rather being mindful of the words you choose, especially when writing about identity.

What this means for you: A little reflection on language goes a long way. Being inclusive and thoughtful in your word choice makes your writing more relatable and respectful, which is something every writer should strive for. Plus, it just makes the world a better place—one word at a time.

Colons Just Got a Makeover (6.67)

Here’s an easy one: if the text after a colon is a complete sentence, CMOS 18 says to capitalize the first word. It’s a subtle way to help your reader know that what comes next should stand on its own.

What this means for you: Don’t stress too much about this one—just remember to capitalize after the colon if it’s a full sentence. It’s a small change, but it keeps your writing smooth and professional.

Beware the Comma Splice! (6.23)

Run-on sentences, meet your match: CMOS 18 reminds us that two independent clauses can’t just be slapped together with a comma. You’ll need a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.) or a semicolon to do the job right.

What this means for you: Make sure your sentences have the proper punctuation support. Think of it like this: if your clauses are strong enough to stand on their own, they need a little help from their punctuation friends. It’s like a mini sentence teamwork exercise!

Hyphenation: Keeping Things Clear (7.91)

Hyphens—love ’em or hate ’em, they’ve got rules. CMOS 18 clarifies that if you have a compound modifier in front of a noun (like “award-winning novel”), go ahead and hyphenate it. If the modifier comes after the noun, though, you can let it go (think “the novel was award winning”).

What this means for you: Hyphenating can feel tricky, but the rule is simple: before the noun, hyphenate; after the noun, let it be free. Easy!

Wrapping It Up: The Power of Staying Updated

Chicago Manual of Style 18 offers a fresh batch of guidelines that remind us how dynamic the English language is. From prioritizing inclusive language to tidying up those pesky comma splices, these updates are more than just a refresh—they’re a roadmap for making your writing clearer, more respectful, and more reader-friendly.

And here’s the fun part: while these guidelines can help polish your work, they’re just that—guidelines. At the end of the day, your voice as an author is what matters most. So, take a deep breath, embrace these changes, and keep doing what you do best: telling amazing stories.

These updates are just the tip of the iceberg. CMOS 18 is packed with even more changes that can help elevate your writing, whether you’re crafting the next great novel or working on a research-heavy nonfiction piece. What’s your favorite (or least favorite) update? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!