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We are based near Oxford and have built a reputation for
discovering new talent and matching it to the right publisher.
We represent our writers with enthusiasm and sound
business sense, and we offer them candour, encouragement, detailed
editorial advice, and a rapid response to queries. We have excellent
relationships with publishers large and small, and defend our clients’
interests with vigour and professionalism. And we have extensive
experience of negotiating contracts for theatre, film, tv, radio, and
digital media, so our authors can be confident of receiving the best
advice on all multi-media sales.
Translation rights form an important part of a
writer’s income, and these are handled by The Buckman Agency,
a long-established company that is respected by foreign publishers all
over the world.
Peter
Buckman was on the editorial board of Penguin Books, and moved
to New York to be a commissioning editor with the New American Library.
He then became a full-time writer, producing books, films, plays, and
scripts for tv and radio. Agenting has always been part of his life as he
is married to Rosie Buckman, who runs The Buckman Agency with their older
daughter Jessica.
Anne-Marie
Doulton worked for several years in general publishing as
a reader and editor, and more recently as a literary scout.
Peter
Janson-Smith ran his own agency for many years and
numbered Ian Fleming, Eric Ambler, Gavin Maxwell, and Richard Holmes
among his list of distinguished clients.
Patrick
Neale is an independent bookseller and has served as a
judge for the Whitbread First Novel Award. He represents the independents
on the liaison committee of the Publishers’ and Booksellers’
Associations.
What
are we looking for? Literary and commercial fiction and
non-fiction. Contemporary and historical novels, crime, thrillers,
women’s fiction, memoirs, history, biography, cookery –
anything that’s well written except
poetry, illustrated children’s books, fantasy, horror, or science
fiction. We only handle play, film and tv scripts by our established
clients.
What
do we charge? A commission of 15% on UK rights, 15%-20%
on US rights, 20% on translation rights, and 15-20% on all other rights,
depending on whether a sub-agent is involved. We do not charge a reading
fee.
What
should you send? A letter and the first couple of
chapters so we can see how you write, plus a brief outline and
biographical details. We’re happy to receive enquiries via email,
but submissions should be sent in hard copy by ordinary mail, unless
otherwise agreed. They should be printed on one side of the paper, with a
minimum font size of 11 point and 1.5 line spacing. All pages should be
numbered. We don’t normally acknowledge receipt or offer advice on
rejected material, nor will we respond unless you include an email
address or an envelope with stamps that can be used in the UK.
Please note: we
don’t normally handle unpublished authors based in the USA, as in
our experience an American writer needs an American publisher on board
before British editors will take notice.
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