Agents and Publication
Asked by Hadassah Waugh on December 3, 2020
Hi, Mr. Jenkins!
I’m a writer from New Zealand. Do you think it would be better for me to seek an agent in my own country, in Australia, the UK, or America?
I’d like to be able to sell my book well both locally and internationally, so I thought I’d have to go America. But I hear having a personal relationship with your agent is important, and travel isn’t so easy at the moment, for face to face interviews and contract signing and stuff.😅
However, I thought maybe I should go UK because New Zealand spelling is much closer to UK spelling. But now I’m not sure at all.
Would it be better to have an agent in my own country, even though it’s a small one, and then go for an overseas publishing house? You always say to try the top five, don’t you? Like HarperCollins and such?
I definitely think I need an agent, just not sure where to get one from, and how to cultivate that personal relationship that’s apparently important. Same with publishers.😅
Any thoughts?
Jerry's Answer
The world is getting smaller because of technology, Hadassah, so you need not sign things in person or meet for live interviews. Seek out the agent best for you and your project. I personally would want one in my own country, but that's not mandatory.
All agents anywhere can market books internationally, and the spelling, etc., will be controlled by the publishers.