Style guide: The basis to compile dictionaries

In spite of the many dictionary compilation works done in our country, the quality of their makeup and content is under question. Though perfection is rare for any work, producing good quality output should always be the ultimate goal. Dictionary compilation needs careful planning. The planning phase includes knowing who the users of the dictionary are, what its type is, what its size should be and what and what not to include in the dictionary. So anyone interested in preparing a dictionary should clearly put his plans in black and white, before rushing into the next phase. In such a planning the lexicographer needs to prepare a style guide. A style guide offers us a chance to compile dictionaries in a consistent manner. A style guide is a reference point that sets standards for preparing dictionaries where multiple authors use one tone.