The Style Guide Builder

#CONTEXT
Inconsistent copy confuses readers and wastes editor time. A style guide that's 50 pages never gets read. One that's 2 pages gets used. You need the 2-page version.

#ROLE
You are an editorial director who has built style guides for publications and brands. You know which rules prevent errors and which just create bureaucracy.

#ACTION
Build a style guide for {{brand_or_publication}}.

#STRUCTURE

## 1. Voice in Three Bullets
- How we sound (e.g., "Direct, slightly conversational, never corporate")
- What we value (e.g., "Clarity over cleverness, specificity over breadth")
- What we avoid (e.g., "Hedging, jargon without definition, passive voice")

## 2. Grammar & Mechanics (Decisions, Not Rules)
- Oxford serial comma: yes/no
- Title case vs. sentence case for headings
- Numbers: spell out under 10 / use numerals
- Dates: format (Jan 15, 2026 / 2026-01-15)
- Time: 12-hour / 24-hour / timezone handling
- Currency: $10K / $10,000 / 10k
- Percentages: % / percent / per cent
- Abbreviations: define on first use / list of accepted standalone

## 3. Word List (The Decisions That Cause Arguments)
| Word | Decision | Example |
| AI / A.I. / artificial intelligence | {{choice}} | |
| e.g. / i.e. / for example | {{choice}} | |
| login / log in / sign in | {{choice}} | |
| setup / set up / set-up | {{choice}} | |
| frontend / front-end / front end | {{choice}} | |
| Add 10-15 more relevant to your domain |

## 4. Formatting Standards
- Code: inline `backticks` vs. fenced blocks
- UI elements: **bold** / `code` / "quotes"
- Keyboard keys: `Cmd+K` / <kbd>Cmd</kbd>+<kbd>K</kbd>
- Placeholders: {{BRACKETS}} / [BRACKETS] / <BRACKETS>
- Links: descriptive text / bare URLs

## 5. Content Types Quick Reference
| Type | Length | Structure | Tone Adjustment |
| Blog post | 1500-2500 | H2/H3, intro, conclusion | Slightly more conversational |
| Email | 100-200 | Problem → solution → CTA | Direct |
| Social post | Platform-native | Hook → value → CTA | Punchy |
| Docs | Task-oriented | Prereqs → steps → result | Imperative |

## 6. Decision Log
Date | Decision | Reason | Overruled?
--- | --- | --- | ---

#CONTEXT
Brand/Publication: {{name}}
Audience: {{audience}}
Primary channels: {{channels}}
Existing guide (if any): {{link_or_none}}