I write in UK English, and automatically looked at the UK agents to consider submitting to. After Helen's remark, I wonder if the US would consider my work.
I am sure the story line will appeal, but what about my writing?
I realise and not realize, I place my work in the centre and not center, and my characters have a humour and colour, they do not have humor and color. With the editing and preparation taking its toll on me now, I do not want to have to change my words throughout the manuscript.
What do you think? Am I eligble to target the US without changes, or do I stick with the UK?
19 Comments:
If you think it would be worth trying, I would go for it. That is, I'd make the necessary changes if it seemed like a good idea to submit to the U.S. market. It's tedious to go through a manuscript and do those changes - I know, I've done it many times, changing from first person to third for example! I don't know if you'd have to make the spelling changes for a U.S. market. Maybe submit with the U.K. spellings and see what happens.
If I were doing it, I'd submit to the likely U.K. markets/agents first. Maybe even try some Canadian options. Then, if you're still looking, try for the U.S.
I don't know if our markets work the same, but in my writing area a book has one chance to be seen by an agent or a publisher. If that's true for you, I'd make any necessary changes before submitting. If you're in an area where you get to submit a proposal, you could offer to make the changes if the book is accepted.
I think if you have a string enough MS then you should try to submit "as is." Many agents will give feedback and let you know if the UK English needs to be translated into U.S. English.
Stephen Tremp
Oh, what great feedback.
Anne and Stephen, many thanks for your advice. I am going to give it some serious thought.
TgShaw, hello and thanks for following my blog! I had not thought of the Canadian market before, thank you so much for the suggestion.
I agree with Stephen. If the MS is strong submit it. If you are asked to change it then of course do it.
Most readers are used to English 'colour' and wouldn't even think about it.
Go for it, Glynis!
Mary
Giggles and Guns
Mary, I am hoping it is good enough. I think I might spread my wings, and try the US. Thanks for the positive comment. :)
I thought you were submitting to American publishers too.
In any case, I know dozens of Canadian authors who have published with American publishers through American agents. The spelling did not matter-- not until the book was actually being published. Then the changes needed to be made before it went to print. But before that? No. So I wouldn't worry about it.
Thank you so much Natalie. My world has opened up now.
I will definitely try my luck with the US and Canada, maybe even Australia...gosh look how adventurous you have made me!
Glynis, I agree - anything that requires changing will be done later.
Thanks Alex, I am going for it now!
Glynis, my question is, do you (or friends) read US books written in US English? I read UK books written in UK English. I think we are a global society, if not, we are becoming one.
If they love your story and want the English Americanized, I'll help you with that. That's what friends are for...
Yes, is the answer to that. Infact I read more US than UK.
Bless you for your offer, and I will remember it should I need it. Thank you Nadine.
If you are a UK writer then it should be left in UK English. I find it quite bizarre that you should even be asking the question, should you change into US English.
Like Nadine said I read a US book I expect the spelling to be US. I read a UK book and the spelling will be Queen's English!
Best wishes
Glyn
Glyn, I ask the question because I need the answer. Bizarre? Maybe, but I am now opening up my options, and wanted to ensure I did it the correct way.
Why would it be bizarre to ask about changing the language, for submission to another country?
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Yeh, I thought the word bizarre was a bit strong myself, but I was referring for submission to the US.
I think if you Americanise the language of your novel to suit an American audience then your are giving part of yourself away.
Nadine has got on perfectly well with my submission. She tried to change a few words but I stood my ground!
Best wishes
Glyn
I think if a novel is set in the US then the spelling should be US even if it is written by a UK writer. And vice versa.
A translation, say from Swedish, the spelling should be US or UK depending on the home of the translator.
Part of the appeal of your manuscript might be the very thing you are thinking of editing away.
Like chicken soup, submitting to U.S. markets as is couldn't hurt. Do it and see what the first ten agents tell you. Roland
Thanks Glyn. Nadine is a great support. I am staying with the UK until I am told otherwise.
Hello Roland,
Thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a member of the Important Ones. I will be taking some time to find you today.
I am now trying to put back 25,000 words I lost through poor back up. I am not fond of editing at the present time.
I am going to target USA, UK, Canada and Australia now. I am dipping my toe and getting braver. *smile*
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