Tags:
  1. TC87

    TC87 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2012
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0

    Formatting US/Aus

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by TC87, Oct 24, 2012.

    Hi guys,

    I'm a new poster. I've come across a problem that I can't find help with.
    I'm part way through a MS involving 2 characters telling their stories, using 1st person narrative.
    One character is American and her story is based in the US, while the other is Australian and his story is based in Australia. Their stories are interlinking and come together.

    My question is to do with formatting each 1st person narrator - which English formatting do I use?? US format (double quotation marks etc, z's instead of s's) or Australian formatting (which is essentially the same as UK - single quote marks for dialogue etc) or do I use both, for each character separately?
    I'm a little intrigued, as I've read that the formatting should reflect where the character is from/their setting etc

    Can anyone please shed light on this? It seems a bit odd using two different types of formatting in the same MS, but using one seems to be untrue one or the other.

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Your formatting is determined by your target market, not the individual characters' home turf, and this is precisely why.

    Follow the conventions of the market and publishers you will be working with. Some publishers will straddle more than oine target market, but each manuscript should follow the standards of the intended market.
     
  3. TC87

    TC87 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2012
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Cheers!

    Exactly what I needed to know. Makes much more sense than what I was thinking.

    Thanks for that :)
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    ditto that!

    if you aim is to be published in the uk/commonwealth, stick to that format/spelling/etc.

    if the us, then use what's standard there...
     
  5. ithestargazer

    ithestargazer Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2010
    Messages:
    302
    Likes Received:
    11
    Location:
    the big M, Australia
    As an Australian, I find myself using the double quotation marks because many books that come through our market are so internationally 'streamlined' now. I've had this conversation with my CW professor too and there's a lot of ambiguity, especially with online publishing. I think you have to be conscious of the guidelines the publishers require which can often be very different, even if they're in the same market/country.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice