Style Guidelines

Type Style/Case

  • Use only Times New Roman for all text, figures, and tables. 
  • Use upper and lower case throughout.

Type Size

  • Main title, 16 pt Bold.
  • Major headings, 14 pt Bold.
  • Minor headings, 12 pt Bold.
  • Text, 12 pt.

Margins/Indentation

  • Use 1" margin top and bottom.
  • Use 1.5" margin on right and left.
  • Do not indent the first word of paragraphs, flush left, block style paragraphs.

Line Spacing

  • Single space within paragraphs, no need for hard returns!
  • Double space between paragraphs and above and below headings.

Word Spacing

  • Use one space after periods.
  • Do not use auto-hypenation.

Justification

  • Justify (align text) to flush left only, leave the right "ragged".

Headings

  • Major headings are required, centered.
  • Minor headings are optional, justified at left.
  • Tertiary headings are not recommended, but if used are justified left.  Often headings at this level can be replaced by bullets.

Emphasis

  • Use bold, underline, and italics sparingly but where they add clarity.
  • Strive to make the emphasis apparent in sentence structure.
  • Use bullets or numbered lists where they make the point.

General Concerns 

  • Do not change the default settings of Microsoft Word for such features as line spacing.
  • Leave pages unnumbered.
  • Do not use "hard" returns at the end of a sentence, only at the end of a paragraph.

References

  • See Reference Guidelines for specific way to reference different sources.
  • Do not use footnotes or endnotes. Rather, include material in the body of the text.
  • References are listed alphabetically, flush left, single spaced, with a hard return between each reference (like paragraphs). References should adhere to the Style Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), 6th Edition.

Tables, Figures, Graphics, Photos

  • Use "Tables" feature of Microsoft Word to align data
  • Place tables, figures, or desired graphics inside a text box.
  • Photos, including color photos, will be accepted.

Download this template to get your article started in the right format.

 
 
© 2011 Association of Leadership Educators