Spellings for academic writing.

[Christian Writer]

I am considering writing for an academic journal. With articles submitted to a conference or journal, should one prefer British or American spellings? Do I have to stick to the journal’s most common style (based on examples I have read) or is it up to me? For example, if I am clearly a British writer but I am submitting to an American publisher, should I edit my text with American spellings?

[Matthew Brown]

To be honest, I don’t rightly know.

My advice would be to contact the publication you are thinking of writing for and asking what their take is.

[Christian Writer]

I would rather not make contact before I have something to offer. I would prefer to write it the “right” way the first time around.

[Matthew Brown]

There is a question very similar to yours on the Writing Stack Exchange.

https://writing.stackexchange.com/questions/173/spelling-style-in-academic-papers

The answer seems to be:

• write how you prefer
• be consistent
• but check the published guidelines

[Author]

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