British history, British agent?

angeliz2k · Aug 26, 2009

I've been wondering if my query might have better success with British agents since it's about British history. I also was wondering the best places to find said British agents. AgentQuery and Publishers Marketplace seemed to be giving me only American agents.

Any advice/thoughts?

Carmy · Aug 26, 2009

Anything is worth a shot. You could try the following:

http://www.writersservices.com/agent/uk08/agent_uk.htm

http://www.jbwb.co.uk/ukagentsa_l.htm

Don't forget to look at Canadian agents. They often have assoiate agents in the UK.

http://www.writersunion.ca/gp_literaryagents.asp

Good luck!

ishtar'sgate · Aug 26, 2009

I just Googled 'literary agents in UK' and came up with a bunch so you could try that too.

pdr · Aug 26, 2009

Not to be...

too discouraging, as I am sure someone will pop up with an exception, but my agent would howl in anguish!

"You're American, m'dear," she'd say. "You write American English and British readers want to read their history in their own language."

Search for a copy of 'Writers' and Artists' yearbook 2010' (or get the 2009 copy at a discount) which has the reputable agents listed in the agents' section. Amazon sell it.

firedrake · Aug 26, 2009

I don't know that it matters.

I should think agents would know what works here or what works in the UK and, in any event, there's nothing to stop a US based agent touting a book to a UK market, if that's what it needs.

I know that there's at least one US based agent who's looking for Historical Fiction set in Europe.

TinneyH · Aug 27, 2009

There's an agent in the US actually looking for hf set in Europe? So far, in my querying, they all seem to be running away from mine, full speed ahead. Will you share the name? I'm curious if it's someone I've already approached. (Odds are good...)

donroc · Aug 27, 2009

Make sure that U.S. agent is looking for HF and not HR.

raburrell · Aug 27, 2009

I've heard (but have no data to support) that the historical market is much stronger in the UK than it is in the US. *If* that's right, you may have better success there.

I could swear there was another thread similar to this a month or two ago, but haven't the foggiest clue as to how to go about finding it.

firedrake · Aug 27, 2009

raburrell said:
I've heard (but have no data to support) that the historical market is much stronger in the UK than it is in the US. *If* that's right, you may have better success there.

I could swear there was another thread similar to this a month or two ago, but haven't the foggiest clue as to how to go about finding it.

Ask, and ye shall receive.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146376

Carmy · Aug 27, 2009

TinneyH said:
There's an agent in the US actually looking for hf set in Europe? So far, in my querying, they all seem to be running away from mine, full speed ahead. Will you share the name? I'm curious if it's someone I've already approached. (Odds are good...)

So who is this agent? Share please.

timewaster · Aug 28, 2009

angeliz2k said:
I've been wondering if my query might have better success with British agents since it's about British history. I also was wondering the best places to find said British agents. AgentQuery and Publishers Marketplace seemed to be giving me only American agents.

Any advice/thoughts?

Writer and Artist's yearbook.
There is a market for military fiction of the Roman period and the Falco books by Lindsey Davis have sold well -(roman detective.) YA historical fiction is also popular not so sure about anything else though. Good Luck

lkp · Aug 28, 2009

Do any of you read the blog, http://readingthepast.blogspot.com/? I think it is a must-read for both readers and writers of historical fiction. In any case, she regularly gives information about books sold and books about to come out both in the UK and the States. Judging from the eclectic nature of the books she list, I'd be hard put to say that there are huge no-go areas. Certainly US agents are selling books set in Europe.

CowgirlPoet · Sep 30, 2009

I'm in your boat. I wrote a WW2 novel set exclusively in London, without a mention of America. I actually had an offer from a British agent (?!?!?!?!) but I haven't accepted it yet, for a few reasons. First, this guy is juuuuussstt getting started, and I think I might be better off on my own or with an experienced agent!

Second (and this was the clincher) what happens with marketing???? I can't afford to go to England! Even virtual marketing would be hard, because I don't know how it works in England at all. So...that was my major concern.

If, of course, you're super-familiar with the country in question (and feel you either won't need a real tour or can afford it) then go for it!

firedrake · Sep 30, 2009

CowgirlPoet said:
I'm in your boat. I wrote a WW2 novel set exclusively in London, without a mention of America. I actually had an offer from a British agent (?!?!?!?!) but I haven't accepted it yet, for a few reasons. First, this guy is juuuuussstt getting started, and I think I might be better off on my own or with an experienced agent!

Second (and this was the clincher) what happens with marketing???? I can't afford to go to England! Even virtual marketing would be hard, because I don't know how it works in England at all. So...that was my major concern.

If, of course, you're super-familiar with the country in question (and feel you either won't need a real tour or can afford it) then go for it!

Congratulations!

The agent must know that you're based in the US and would be aware of the marketing issues and would advise you.

Who's the agent?

waylander · Sep 30, 2009

Marketing is your publisher's concern, but talk over these concerns with the agent who has made you an offer - he's supposed to be on your side.

British history, British agent?

angeliz2k

never mind the shorty

Carmy

ishtar'sgate

living in the past

pdr

firedrake

practical experience, FTW

TinneyH

donroc

Historicals and Horror rule

raburrell

Treguna Makoidees Trecorum SadisDee

firedrake

practical experience, FTW

Carmy

timewaster

present

lkp

CowgirlPoet

firedrake

practical experience, FTW

waylander

Who's going for a beer?