How to Decide Whether or Not to Sell Your Book’s Foreign Rights
As an author, finding ways to get your books into the hands of readers is paramount. Whether it’s for acclaim, furthering a book’s message, generating more revenue, or a combination of the three, increasing your reach can make a huge difference in your writing career. One of the highly effective ways to do that, and one that a lot of authors don’t think about, is to publish internationally by selling your book’s foreign rights.
Understanding Foreign Rights
Publishing internationally can open all sorts of doors, but it also might not pan out for every author or every book. Before embarking on the journey, you should make sure it’s the right path for you.
First, let me define what I mean by “publishing internationally.” In the context of foreign rights, this typically involves licensing your book to a publisher in another country who will translate, publish, market, and distribute it in their local market. You retain the rights to your original work, but the foreign publisher handles the local edition.
The Potential Benefits
If your book finds traction abroad, the rewards can be significant. You can gain access to a much larger potential readership in countries with thriving book markets, such as Germany, Brazil, and Spain. A foreign deal can generate additional income through advance payments and royalty streams. It also sets you up for greater success at home, adding credibility and a broader platform.
Some genres thrive in foreign markets more than others. Romance and fantasy, both young and new adult, as well as thrillers and mysteries have been performing very well in European markets, while self-help has been consistently strong in Japan and South Korea. If your book is already doing well in English-speaking markets, that track record can make it appealing to foreign publishers.
The Realities to Consider
International publishing isn’t just a matter of saying “yes” and watching your book take off. It requires patience, careful consideration, and often a fair bit of luck.
Foreign rights deals don’t happen overnight. There’s a matchmaking process that involves finding the right publisher, negotiating terms, ensuring quality translation, and aligning marketing strategies. You’ll also need to be prepared for different market expectations. For example, a book cover or title that works in the US might not resonate in Eastern Europe.
Another consideration is your current stage as an author. If your book hasn’t gained traction at home, foreign publishers are less likely to take a chance on it. However, if you have strong sales, a growing readership, or awards and reviews, you may be in a good position to start pursuing international opportunities.
Is It Right for You?
Ask yourself a few key questions:
Is your book performing well enough in your home market to attract foreign interest?
Do you have the bandwidth to navigate the foreign rights process (with or without an agent)?
Are you comfortable with sharing creative control over details such as the title, cover, or even minor content edits with other markets?
Does your book center something that could be interesting to folks in other countries/isn’t too local to the United States?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, then exploring foreign rights could be a smart move! If not, that’s okay too. The book market can be unpredictable and changes constantly, so if it looks like foreign markets aren’t ready for your book quite yet, give it a little time and keep your finger on the pulse of the industry so that you’ll be ready when the time comes.
Final Thoughts
International publishing isn’t right for every author or book. But for those looking to take on a new challenge that could lead to an increase in revenue and reach, selling your foreign rights can be a powerful tool. If you’ve focused up until now on building a strong presence and readership in your home market, it could be time to take that next step.
And if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, talk to an agent who specializes in foreign rights. That’s what we’re here for. ✿
