Ok, so I had an idea the other day and wondered if anyone could advise me on this. I been subbing to agents for the last couple of days (one of which is interested in reading my work, but that's as far as I've got for now) and had a slightly different approach in mind.

See, I'm quite a huge fan of Japanese animation (or Anime or Manga) and I wondered if my book might appeal to the Japanese market, because they enjoy fantasy stories--at least that's my view. But, while I know they love manga, as it's pretty much their culture, I don't know if they have any publishing companies out there that do books. If they do, I thought about trying to submit to them out there.

Does anyone know where I might be able to find out anything about Japanese publishers? Or should I consider changing my novel to a manga for their audience? I actually would like to submit to Japan as I'm a huge fan of Japanese Manga, but would I be wasting my time doing this?

I'm afraid I don't know, but there must be a lot of websites devoted to Manga - you might find an answer there, along with questions like: 'do you have to be a writer and illustrator?' and 'Do you have to write your submition in Japanese?'
Presumably there are US-based Manga publications too?

There are. The illustrator/writer thing wouldn't be a problem as I'm currently working with an artist to do some artwork for the novel. Maybe I could get him involved somehow.

There's only one agent listed in Japan in the WAAYB and that's for english-language writers living there - but the blurb of the agency sounds interesting. An email to them couldn't hurt.

p469 of the WAAYB

The English Agency (Japan) Ltd

email info@eaj.co.jp

Thanks for that, Casey. Is that in the newer WAAYB? I've only got last years at the moment. But I'll definately send them a mail to check it out. Thanks.

Yes, it's in the new one - might be in the old one as well, don't know.

Good luck!

Well, I've checked it out and from what I understand, it's only for people who live within Japan. So unless I decide to move there (which actually isn't a bad idea if I have the cash for it) then it's not really an option. But thanks for bringing it to my attention. They're might be others like it as well, so I'll keep looking.

Er... i know we're desperate to get published, Dan, but even I draw the line at moving continent to do it...



Shame though.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind moving continent if say, an American agency or publisher decided to take on my work and they need me to do book signings or what have you... but only if they accepted my manuscript in the first place. Then again, the money to do it would be a pain in the backside--unless they gave me an advance big enough to do it.

Well, let's just keep our chins up. Stiff upper lip and all that!

Very stiff. I've just had my first standard rejection. I can near my Oreos calling...



<Added>

or rather, 'Hear'

Yeah, I know the feeling. I had my first few rejections through recently. One I actually got back was an email query on the very same day I sent it (so I have to commend them for their fast service). Not to worry. I've got at least thirty possible agents lined up to send queries to. One of which is a huge fan of fantasy with a strong female heroine. Have to wait and see. Hopefully it will turn out right in the end.

Yeah, early days for both of us.

Onwards and upwards

I actually got, what I considered to be, my BEST rejection email back from one of the companies I subbed to. In fact, they got back to me on pretty much the same day that I sent the email to, so top on them for speed.

I say it's the best rejection I've ever had from an agent because they were actually very complimentary on the sample chapters I emailed them and had some good, constructive comments to make. In fact, they actually said the only reason for the rejection was that they don't know enough about fantasy to really make it work. Fair play I guess.

The fact that they made the time and effort to send a detailed rejection back, rather than the standard 'dear john' letter that most agents send is kinda comforting. Don't get me wrong, it's always a bit of a let down when an agent turns down your book, but in this case--I kinda felt a bit uplifting. Though I can't help but shake the feeling that if I hadn't been writing a fantasy story, I may have got somewhere.

Oh well, the quest continues!

That's fantastic, Dan, really encouraging well done! Make sure you print it out and keep it

Indeed. So hows your subbing coming along?