Do I need to move to London to get published?

by Matthew Savage
25th July 2013

I am seriously considering moving down to London to make it, and I use this term warily, 'easier' to find more opportunities to meet the right people and ultimately get published. The only thing is that I would rather not if at all possible. Would getting an agent based in London save me having to move? I am an aspiring writer and illustrator for children's books and I also write science fiction for a more adult market. I'm not suggesting this would be an 'easy fix' at all but it does seem like avoiding the economic centre leaves more room to be looked over.

Am I wrong?

Replies

http://www.writersandartists.co.uk/writers/advice/16/preparing-for-submission/how-to-find-a-literary-agent/do-you-have-any-useful-connections

Like this kind of thing...

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Matthew
Savage
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Matthew Savage
25/07/2013

With the greatest of respect I'm not 'bonkers' and very technically literate and make full use of all media at my disposal. However networking does get you a lot further in my field (illustration) although I know getting books published is a different ball game. What I want to know is if anyone in the arena of publishing can confer that networking in London helps or if it actually pays the same to stay where I am and get an agent to champion my work for me. If I should be so fortunate of course!

All I wanted to know is if any advantage came from living in London as far as getting published goes. In Graphic Design/Illustration it can help a lot as far as seeking out opportunities, but can meeting and greeting in person help things? Or am I going about this the wrong way?

What you say makes perfect sense to me, and I respect your honesty! I would like to see if anyone has had improved success in getting on people's radar's by moving to London or not.

Of course, the bottom line is that your work has to be good, and you have to have an agent that agrees!

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Matthew
Savage
270 points
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Poetry
Short stories
Fiction
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Middle Grade (Children's)
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Matthew Savage
25/07/2013

You're bonkers. What are you proposing to do - knock on doors until someone lets you in?

Everything's electronic now, mate - savvy? Agents use email. With your multiple talents you'd be far better off getting an agent in the Smoke while you stay living in an atmosphere more conducive to artistic ideas.

If your work is good enough you'll get representation, wherever you live.

Best of luck:)

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Jonathan
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Jonathan Hopkins
25/07/2013