The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) produces information to promote the sustainable and balanced use of geological resources for business and industry. It releases the results of its scientific research programs mainly in the form of publications and maps. As do most institutions involved in scholarly publishing, the GSC requires that submissions by authors comply with its own set of precise specifications. To assist authors, a Guide to Authors was prepared 20 years ago, and several revised editions have been released since then.

The main purpose for such a guide is to provide authors with examples of the style in use at the Geological Survey of Canada. As was stated in an earlier version of the Guide: 'The Guide to Authors is designed to assist authors in preparing a clear, concise manuscript that will be...published with a minimum of delay and difficulty. The usage applied...is the way we do things - it is neither right nor wrong'. To this end, we have adopted a style of presentation and standards for our publications that have become the hallmark of GSC publications and that contribute to the high esteem in which GSC publications are generally held.