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JDP · 26th November 2007, 10:50 AM

I'd reckon it depends upon the intended readership. You mention the younger end of the teen spectrum... if that's your main target audience, then I wouldn't use a f*** or a c***; maybe a s***, but even that would be unlikely (on further thought, no, definitely no expletives if this is your intended readership). You could make up a sf/f swear word, but that can be well dodgy; might be better to simply rephrase.

If it's an adult novel, targeting an 18+ audience (but you just reckon it could be read by younger teens), then keep it in, as long as it's in context.

26th November 2007, 10:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
JDP Never told a lie. Ever. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: UK: ENGLAND: Posts: 459	Re: Opening with an expletive I'd reckon it depends upon the intended readership. You mention the younger end of the teen spectrum... if that's your main target audience, then I wouldn't use a f* or a c; maybe a s*, but even that would be unlikely (on further thought, no, definitely no expletives if this is your intended readership). You could* make up a sf/f swear word, but that can be well dodgy; might be better to simply rephrase. If it's an adult novel, targeting an 18+ audience (but you just reckon it could be read by younger teens), then keep it in, as long as it's in context.