1. Fernando.C

    Fernando.C Contributor Contributor

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    Novel Setting vs. Publishing Country

    Discussion in 'Traditional Publishing' started by Fernando.C, Feb 27, 2017.

    This is something that has been on my mind for a while and is bothering me, so I thought I ask about it. So my WIP is set in the US and most of my characters are Americans, I also should mention that it's a fantasy novel. Anyway, I live in the UK and my concern is that UK publishers would take issue with a novel that features no British characters and is set entirely in another country.

    Is this a valid concern? Or am I getting worked up about nothing?

    Any and all insights are appreciated.
     
  2. BayView

    BayView Huh. Interesting. Contributor

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    I don't know that it's necessarily a concern, but all the same... I'd suggest looking for US agents/editors. It's a much bigger market, and if your book is already set in that country... why not?
     
  3. Fernando.C

    Fernando.C Contributor Contributor

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    I simply thought it would easier to go with UK publishers since this is where I live, but you're right that looking for the US ones probably makes more sense. But would US agents/editors/publishers work with someone who doesn't live in the US?
     
  4. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

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    They'll work with anyone that turns shit green (or whatever color your native currency is). There's no national pride where money is concerned. Not in publishing. It's pretty simple if you think about it along those lines.
     
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  5. BayView

    BayView Huh. Interesting. Contributor

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    My agent and publishers are in the US and I'm not. It's fine.

    A bit of a pain with currency conversion sometimes, but really not a big deal.
     
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  6. Tenderiser

    Tenderiser Not a man or BayView

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    I would also query US agents/publishers in your shoes.

    I write books set in the UK with UK characters and I still queried in the US, because it's the biggest market for my genre. It hasn't been a problem.
     
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  7. Fernando.C

    Fernando.C Contributor Contributor

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    Thank you guys for all of your insights into this. Really helpful and puts my mind at ease. I'm actually nowhere close to the point of actually sending out queries - My novel needs a lot more work before I get there - but this was something that was nagging at my brain. And now you guys have put those worries, for the most part, to bed. So thanks :)
     

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