The following guidelines are intended for contributors writing biographical sketches. Not every item listed is necessarily applicable to every subject, and writers are encouraged to include information unique to their entries. The order of these items should generally follow the sequence outlined below, but may vary somewhat at the individual writer's discretion. Contributors should endeavor to emphasize the Mississippi aspect of their subjects' lives.
| *1. | Full name, including maiden name and/or well-established nicknames (in parentheses) or pseudonyms [in brackets]; e.g., Smith, Erastus (Deaf) or Porter, William Sydney [pseud. O. Henry] |
| *2. | Years of birth and death (in parentheses immediately after name) |
| *3. | Names of parents |
| *4. | Date and place of birth |
| 5. | Significance of parents, if pertinent |
| 6. | Personalized use of initials, if pertinent (e.g., J. Frank Dobie) |
| 7. | Number of siblings and names, if pertinent |
| 8. | Education and early experiences |
| *9. | Profession or career |
| 10. | Significant achievements |
| 11. | Military service and/or other public service |
| 12. | Professional, civic, and social memberships and activities |
| *13. | Religious and political affiliations |
| 14. | Honors received |
| *15. | Marriage(s) and name(s) of spouse(s) |
| 16. | Significance of spouse(s), if pertinent |
| *17. | Number of children, if any |
| 18. | Name(s) and significance of child(ren), if pertinent |
| 19. | Place(s) of residence |
| *20. | Date and place of death |
| 21. | Cause of death, if pertinent |
| 22. | Bibliography and footnotes |
*Items marked with an asterisk are to be included in all biographical sketches.