Here's one nobody else has asked ...

AussieBilly · Apr 30, 2010

I've got a question seeking an answer ... how detrimental is it for me to be a writer living/working in Queensland, Australia when it comes to finding an agent/agency in the US?
When I find an agent that accepts queries via email, and that person finds the ".au" on the end of my email address, is there cause for pause?
In the past I have had one agent reply almost instantly stating that her agency only deals with US citizens ...well, I am a Yank. Another said unless I was available for book signings she couldn't take me on. All the rest simply don't respond or say "sorry, not for us".
So there is my question: is having a foreign address a hindrance? Is it only writers living in the US that can get published in the US? I'd love to have an agent (or two) respond to this.
Thanks ........
AussieBilly

inkspatters · Apr 30, 2010

Well, I'm Australian (live in Sydney) and my agent is in the US. It hasn't been an issue. My Australian address was always on my manuscript when I emailed or mailed it over and no one even commented on it. So I'd say, no, it isn't at all detrimental to your getting a US agent. There ARE a few agents who don't want to deal with international writers, but I think they're the minority. Most don't care where you live.

Jamesaritchie · May 1, 2010

If anything, it's an advantage. You're new and different. That's always good.

cate townsend · May 1, 2010

I'm not an agent, so I can't give you an expert answer, but it's my feeling that it really doesn't matter where you are in the world. We're living in the digital age. I think agents consider the story first and foremost, before taking note of the writer's address.

shaldna · May 1, 2010

I don't think, in this day and age, that it really matters where you are.

Jamesaritchie · May 2, 2010

shaldna said:
I don't think, in this day and age, that it really matters where you are.

It never did matter. Agents have been representing writers from all over the world as long as there have been agents, and publishers were publishing writers from all over the world before agents even existed.

AussieBilly · May 3, 2010

And thank you, one and all for the answers ......

From the responses to my question, I get the idea that if my submission is is top-notch, my writing is far above average, my story premise is unique and my presentation is perfect, where I live and work really doesn't matter.
That is if I happen to catch the agent I query on a given day happens to be receptive to the kind of novel I am offering.

So I'll continue to write, to query and to dream. Thank you one and all for your comments.

Here's one nobody else has asked ...

AussieBilly

Beach sand in his ear ...

inkspatters

The coordinates keep changing...

Jamesaritchie

cate townsend

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Jamesaritchie

AussieBilly

Beach sand in his ear ...