Writer Living Abroad

by Charlie Aylett
12th September 2014

I am a British ex-pat living in France. I write in English with the view of (hopefully) being published in the UK. Often I find that publishers and competitions calling for fiction subs stipulate they want UK residents only. Why is this? Is my living abroad going to be a constant block to my possible publishing success? Do publishers and/or agents accept authors from abroad?

Thanks.

Replies

Yes, entered the Bridport, and numerous other comps. But while searching for publishers I found so many requesting UK residents only, it got me thinking it would pose a problem.

Thanks for the answers. I won't give up...😊

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Charlie
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Charlie Aylett
27/09/2014

I am an American living in Malaysia. I haven't had a chance yet to test the publication waters, but I have had a few issues with this for freelance work. I was told that as long as I am still an American citizen (which I am), I am still eligible. I just send a copy of my passport as proof.

As for contests and such, I have posted material on several different sites without issue. I do however read the stipulations carefully for each site and only send to the ones that do not mention a resident requirement. My current targets are literary magazines. Just search for those that accept online submissions and you're all set. Some pay quite well, and exposure in any form is a good thing.

Looks like I'll be checking the Bridport site next.

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Timothy
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Timothy Kaplan
13/09/2014

Just saying 'hi' as another ex pat living in France & yes, I too have been frustrated to find that I couldn't enter a comp for UK residents only.

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susan
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susan Russell
12/09/2014