Do you need a space between the number and the symbol in percentages? That’s where the Chigago Manual of Style comes in handy!

My buddy for today’s work.

To be a good proofreader and editor, you don’t need to know everything. You just need to know what to look up and where.

Armed with this book, Google and editorial buddies, I can find the answers to life’s big questions like:

💯 Should there be a space between the number and the symbol?

40%

Not according to CMOS.

🔤 Should this in fact be written as words? Forty percent. Now, there’s a bit of nuance in this answer.

And, while we are at it, is it per cent or percent?

Percent in US English.

It’s like code switching. You’ve just got to navigate yourself into the conventions in which you’re writing.

Day one of a new project is all about the navigation.

⛵ Hopefully, smooth sailing ahead.

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