1.1.1 Adherence to a Style

To reduce unnecessary editorial work and help publication proceed smoothly, authors should prepare manuscripts according to the style and formatting standards provided in this manual or by the relevant publisher. Many matters of style appear minor in isolation, but inconsistency across a full manuscript can create real difficulty. This is especially true in Thelemic and occultural writing, where scriptural references, ritual titles, order names, technical terms, divine names, and foreign-language material may appear in several different forms unless the author has chosen a clear system from the beginning.

For example, a writer might refer to the same passage from Liber AL vel Legis as Liber AL I:40, AL 1:40, The Book of the Law I.40, or Liber Legis I:40. Likewise, the same ritual might be called Liber Resh, Resh, Liber Resh vel Helios, or Liber CC. Some variation may be appropriate depending on context, but careless variation forces the editor to determine what was intended and then standardize the manuscript after the fact. It is far better for the author to make these decisions early and apply them consistently.

Authors are encouraged to keep a simple style sheet while drafting. This need not be elaborate. It may include preferred spellings, abbreviations, citation forms, capitalization choices, recurring titles, names, and any unusual editorial decisions. When submitted with the manuscript, a style sheet gives the editor a clear record of the author’s intended usage and makes the whole publication process easier, cleaner, and more faithful to the work. Refer to The Chicago Manual of Style (referenced in this manual as CMS17) §2.55 for more information on style sheets.

This work, the Mere Thelema Manual of Style, is designed to provide much of the pre-work for styling a manuscript for publication through the Mere Thelema journal. It can also be useful in other publishing endeavors.