How to Write for European Audiences

Many writers make the mistake of believing that writing for European audiences is the same as writing for American audiences. In some respects, this is true, but you do need to get to know your European audience as well as possible. Differences in humor, slang, hot topics and reading levels make writing for European audiences more difficult than you might imagine.

Europeans Read More, But Audiences Are Smaller

Since there are several languages spoken in Europe, you will generally find a smaller reading audience even though Europeans tend to read more than their American counterparts. You'll find that the overall purchase of books, magazines and newspapers is higher in Europe, so you're bound to reach a more broad audience, but the language barriers are prohibitive.

Media Censorship Isn't as Important

Writing for European audiences means the freedom to speak your mind more prodigiously, particularly in Great Britain and France. Journalism is more radical than in America and the boundaries of sexual allusions and strong language are farther away from mainstream culture. You can get away with saying more about political figures and celebrities and journalists aren't as worried about being sued for defamation as in America.

Journalism is More Elite

If you want to write for European audiences, you might have difficulty scoring interviews or landing press passes unless you have connections. Most media events in Europe are closed to those who don't know how to network with the "Old Boys" and you might have trouble getting your foot in the door without a connection to a major publication.

Gay & Lesbian Publications are Considered Counterculture

While you might find articles for and about the American gay and lesbian market in general interest publications, you won't find the same thing for European audiences. Most gay and lesbian literature is considered counterculture and is reserved for counterculture publications. This is especially true in Spain, France and Great Britain.

Technology Abounds

Writing for European audiences often requires you to update your knowledge of technological advances in America. While Americans might discover new technology and methods first, Europeans are often the first to use it because they are not awaiting FDA approval. They jump on articles and trade journals published in America and perfect those techniques.

Specialized Magazines Pay Well

Writing for European audiences often requires you to pursue smaller publications that have less circulation but still pay well. For example, most of the mid- to large-sized corporations in Europe publish and promote their own magazines, which contain articles that are for the most part written by freelance writers. You can also find freelance work writing articles for credit card companies, airlines, hotels and car dealerships.