Editing Question — British vs American English?

May 2021 4 34 Report

Editing Question — British vs American English?

So I'm editing my book to be released to an American audience. The book is originally written in British English, so I'm obviously changing spellings and that (basic stuff like 'favourite' to 'favorite' and 'realise' to 'realize') but how much extra editing is usually done in this case?

Like, there are a lot of really British-specific references in the novel, things that Americans might not get (mentions of TV shows or certain musicians or British celebrities or, like, regional stereotypes that aren't central to the plot but are sometimes talked about by characters)? And like, some of the foods that are talked about are things not widely known outside of Britain (Branston Pickle, brown sauce, Marmite, etc etc). Are these things that should be changed to something that Americans could relate to easier?

Also, dialogue...one of my biggest internal debates that I'm having right now. When I have characters talking about things, should I change the phrasing of certain things to make what they're saying sound more 'American'?? Or should I leave that alone? ALSO should I change 'mum' to 'mom' in the dialogue? (I've been back and forth on that one a lot.)

Idk I guess I'm basically looking for advice, as I've never done this before.

Education & Reference / Words & Wordplay

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Verified answer

I'm not sure I'd change ANYTHING to make a British book more "American," because I think Americans will read British books.

However, if you really want to establish your book as native to two different cultures, I suggested you don't do it half-baked. Make ALL the changes you've listed as contemplating. Otherwise, the mixing of language and references will just be confusing.

Terry

I also think Americans like to read British stuff. I would keep everything the same with the possible exception of the references to British celebrities and TV shows. I don't think these have any place in any literature, from any nationality. Always try to keep your writing timeless as much as possible without sacrificing your story. Obvious case in point, Harry Potter. As a matter of fact, you might do a little comparison study between Harry Potter the British version and the re-release into the American market. Buy the 2 books and dissect the first chapter.

Philip

No offense, but I doubt you'll be able to change enough of the British things to American without fundamentally changing the story. And you probably won't be able to pull it off.

I'm guessing both JK Rowling and Charles Dickens are (were) better writers than you. The former made a few changes for her American audience (Sourcerer's Stone rather than Philosopher's Stone; American spelling), but I don't think the latter made any changes at all.

Change the spelling, but leave the rest as it is.