Writing for the American and British Markets: A Guide for Authors
For authors writing across borders, adjusting your writing to suit a different culture can be challenging yet rewarding. British authors writing for an American audience, and vice versa, must navigate language differences, cultural nuances, and variations in publishing norms.
This post explores the key elements to consider, offering tips and suggestions to help you adapt your writing effectively.
1. Language and Spelling Differences
One of the most immediate challenges is the difference in language use. While both British and American authors write in English, there are noticeable variations in spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical areas to focus on:
Spelling Variations
- British vs. American Spelling: Americans and Britons often use different spellings for the same words.
- Examples:
- Colour (UK) vs. Color (US)
- Realise (UK) vs. Realize (US)
- Traveller (UK) vs. Traveler (US)
Vocabulary Differences
- Common words can differ between American and British English. Some examples include:
- Biscuit (UK) vs. Cookie (US)
- Holiday (UK) vs. Vacation (US)
- Flat (UK) vs. Apartment (US) Suggestion: Familiarize yourself with these differences, especially if your narrative relies on location-based storytelling. Reading books from your target market can help you grasp these nuances.
Grammar and Punctuation
- Grammar rules also vary. For instance:
- Americans often use the Oxford comma more consistently, while British English tends to be more flexible with it.
- In dialogue, American writers typically use double quotation marks (“ ”), while British authors may use single quotation marks (‘ ’). Tip: Adjust punctuation and grammatical structure to match the conventions of your audience. When in doubt, check well-known style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style (US) or New Oxford Style Manual (UK).
2. Cultural Differences
Writing for a foreign market also involves understanding the cultural context. While the UK and the US share many similarities, subtle cultural differences can affect how certain ideas, idioms, or values are perceived by readers.
Humour (Humor)
- British humour tends to be dry, ironic, and understated, while American humor can be more direct, exaggerated, and diverse in style (ranging from slapstick to satirical). Tip: If your writing involves humour, be mindful of these differences. British sarcasm might not land as expected with American readers, and American punchlines might feel too blunt for British tastes.
Social Norms and Sensibilities
- Politics and Social Issues: Both countries have different approaches to discussing politics, class, and social issues. Topics like healthcare, education, and government policies may need to be handled with sensitivity when writing for a different audience. Suggestion: Research contemporary social issues in your target market to ensure your writing aligns with local values or at least avoids misunderstanding. This is especially important in genres like political thrillers, historical fiction, and contemporary drama.
Regional References
- Both the UK and the US have strong regional identities. In the UK, there is a clear cultural distinction between Londoners, Northerners, and Scots, while the US has distinct cultures in the East Coast, Midwest, and South.
Tip: If your story is set in a specific region, be sure to get the cultural and geographical references right. Use local terms, accents, or details accurately to immerse readers, but avoid stereotyping.
3. Slang and Idiomatic Expressions
Slang is another key area where British and American authors need to be cautious. What may be a common expression in one country could be confusing or even offensive in the other.
Examples of Slang Differences
- British Slang:
- “Chuffed” (pleased or happy)
- “Kip” (nap)
- “Gobsmacked” (shocked)
- American Slang:
- “Bail” (leave abruptly)
- “Sick” (cool or impressive)
- “Shoot the breeze” (chat informally) Suggestion: When writing slang-heavy dialogue, consider the regional and cultural background of your characters. Use idioms and slang that fit naturally with your audience’s language to maintain credibility and relatability.
4. Setting and Atmosphere
The way settings are described can differ based on the target market. Readers from different countries may visualize environments, cities, and even the weather differently, depending on their cultural background.
Weather and Nature
- British weather is often portrayed as grey and rainy, while American weather descriptions may emphasize extremes (scorching summers, heavy snowfall).
Tip: Use sensory details and environmental cues that resonate with the target market’s experiences. For example, British readers may connect with narratives about the misty countryside, while American readers might relate more to descriptions of sprawling suburbs or bustling cities.
Popular Landmarks and References
- British readers are likely to be more familiar with places like the Thames River, Hyde Park, and Big Ben, while American readers may resonate with references to Times Square, the Grand Canyon, or the Golden Gate Bridge.
Suggestion: If you’re writing for an unfamiliar audience, ensure that your references to landmarks, events, and customs are easily recognizable to that readership. Alternatively, explain less familiar references to make them accessible.
5. Publishing Norms and Expectations
The publishing industries in the UK and the US differ in terms of formatting, marketing strategies, and audience preferences. Understanding the expectations of publishers and readers is crucial to making your work market-ready.
Formatting and Word Counts
- American publishers may have stricter guidelines regarding word count, especially in genres like romance or mystery. Shorter novels may be more acceptable in the US, while British novels may allow more flexibility. Tip: Check submission guidelines carefully. Whether it’s the standard manuscript format, preferred word count, or specific genre conventions, being precise about these differences will help you avoid rejections based on technicalities.
Book Covers and Titles
- The cover designs and titles that appeal to British readers may not resonate with American readers, and vice versa.
- Example: The first Harry Potter book was titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the UK but changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the US audience. Suggestion: Work closely with your publisher to ensure your title, cover art, and overall marketing strategy align with the target market’s preferences.
6. Genre Preferences
Certain genres may be more popular in one country than the other, affecting how your work is received.
- Crime and Thriller: Both markets enjoy crime fiction, but British crime novels often have a grittier, more introspective style, while American thrillers may lean toward fast-paced action and suspense.
- Historical Fiction: British readers often favour narratives set in European history, while American readers may prefer stories set in the Civil War, the Wild West, or contemporary historical settings like the Vietnam War.
Tip: Consider tailoring your setting and genre conventions to align with the preferences of your target audience. If your plot crosses borders, be sure to blend these preferences for a broader appeal.
7. Navigating Feedback and Revisions
When you’ve finished your manuscript and received feedback, be open to making adjustments that cater to your new audience’s tastes.
A British writer may need to tone down formal language for American readers, while an American author might need to refine fast-paced action scenes to suit the more measured pace often appreciated by British audiences.
Tip: Always work with a native-speaking beta reader or editor from your target market. They can help pinpoint subtle missteps in language or cultural representation that could alienate your readership.
Conclusion
Writing for the American or British market requires more than just adjusting your spelling, it’s about understanding the deeper cultural, social, and literary preferences of each audience.
By focusing on language, cultural sensibilities, and market expectations, British authors can craft stories that resonate with American readers, and vice versa. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the differences and make your mark in either literary landscape.
© Colin Lawson Books