Metric or Imperial

msd · Mar 3, 2013

If successful, I would like to have my book published in both the US and Canada. So I need your advice on which measurement system to use. My book is not a technical book but I do make many references to distance and weight.

Should I use one of the two systems, or should I use them both side by side?

I have seen each one of these styles used by the same author in different books. Personally, I don’t like the idea of using both; I find it annoying when I read it, but I’m willing to do this if it’s the right way to write.

King Neptune · Mar 3, 2013

Don't use both; that's horrible even in news articles. Anyone who wants to convert will.

Use which ever system you prefer. There are good reasons for both to be used.

Chase · Mar 3, 2013

I agree with Neptune.

In addition, if your book is mostly set in Canada, use centimeters, meters, and kilometers (spelled as you would in Canada).

If most action takes place in the states, my opinion is to use inches, yards, and miles.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 3, 2013

Use whatever is used where you live.

Raison · Mar 3, 2013

If you're going to try to get the book published in Canada first, then I'd use metric. If the book is later accepted in the U.S., you can make changes at that time.

blacbird · Mar 3, 2013

Raison said:
If you're going to try to get the book published in Canada first, then I'd use metric. If the book is later accepted in the U.S., you can make changes at that time.

Or not. If the story is set in Canada, you want to stay with metric. Us Yanks, even those like me who live north of you, are more familiar with the metric system today than is the stereotype held of us in other nations. Plus, I served in the Army forty-odd years ago, and even then (long before, in fact) the military operated strictly on metric measurements for distance.

caw

msd · Mar 5, 2013

blacbird said:
Or not. If the story is set in Canada, you want to stay with metric. Us Yanks, even those like me who live north of you, are more familiar with the metric system today than is the stereotype held of us in other nations. Plus, I served in the Army forty-odd years ago, and even then (long before, in fact) the military operated strictly on metric measurements for distance.

caw

Thank you, you made up my mind, metric it is.

Metric or Imperial

msd

King Neptune

Chase

It Takes All of Us to End Racism

Jamesaritchie

Raison

blacbird

msd