"Personal" question(s) to John Jarrold

[John Jarrold]

You're welcome!

[Wayne Blackhurst]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

Never, NEVER re-send a book to an agent or publisher unless they have specifically asked you to do so

Ooops. Oh well. I've learnt from my mistakes since then. We all slip up every now and then. The thing is to make sure it's not too often!

[John Jarrold]

As long as you never repeat the same mistake, you're heading in the right direction!

[Brown Rat]

John, do you only take UK authors as clients? Or do you also take US authors?

[dustinzgirl]

And, in regards to the question above, do you find that UK and US markets differ quite a bit in the sf/f world? I mean, UK fiction seems so, classic...but then again, that is probably because I have only been exposed to the classics in that way, and the language much more striking, where as US markets seem so technical and pointed but not always classy. Japanese writings seem to be the most beautiful, constantly conveying emotion without ever saying emotion....which is a large point of thier language.

Anyways, I guess what I am really asking is: do different styles have a better chance in a different country market?

[John Jarrold]

Originally Posted by Brown Rat

John, do you only take UK authors as clients? Or do you also take US authors?

Oh, I'm international! I also have two Australian clients and one from Serbia, Zoran Zivkovic! I see about thirty submissions a week by e-mail from all over the world.

[John Jarrold]

Originally Posted by dustinzgirl

And, in regards to the question above, do you find that UK and US markets differ quite a bit in the sf/f world? I mean, UK fiction seems so, classic...but then again, that is probably because I have only been exposed to the classics in that way, and the language much more striking, where as US markets seem so technical and pointed but not always classy. Japanese writings seem to be the most beautiful, constantly conveying emotion without ever saying emotion....which is a large point of thier language.

Anyways, I guess what I am really asking is: do different styles have a better chance in a different country market?

Some authors work well in both the UK and US, but because of the size of the US market, much that is published there doesn't see the light of day from UK publishers. I think it's pretty much agreed that the best new SF in recent years has come from UK authors, including Alastair Reynolds, Charles Stross, Richard Morgan, Neal Asher, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Justina Robson and others. They're quite different writers, and all published in the US too, so I certainly wouldn't say there is a complete divide. But standard epic fantasy from new writers isn't being published so much over here now - although, interestingly, more Australian fantasy authors have seen UK publication recently.

Basically, I'd say that intelligent, character- and story-led SFF novels that lead into a series or a repeating world are more likely to see UK publication than standard action SFF, although the latter is still published in the US.

[Wayne Blackhurst]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

and one from Serbia, Zoran Zivkovic

I've not read much of Zoran Zivkovic's work, although what I've read I've enjoyed a great deal. Very interesting and absorbing stories. Wonderful and one to read more!

[John Jarrold]

Yes, Pete Crowther at PS Publishing is doing quite a bit of his work, and I'm also talking to the mainstream publishers...which is a long job, though it's fascinating to hear their take on an author like Zoran.

[John Jarrold]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

Basically, I'd say that intelligent, character- and story-led SFF novels that lead into a series or a repeating world are more likely to see UK publication than standard action SFF, although the latter is still published in the US.

I should also say that just about every genre editor in London has told me recently that they can't take on 'literary' SF or fantasy. They are looking for mainstream, commercial novels.

[dustinzgirl]

Well of course they are. TV killed the Radio star and Publishers killed Literacy. OK, well maybe not that drastic, but reading some of the sludge I've seen lately in my SF/F section, it feels that way sometimes.

[I, Brian]

Maybe, but remember - those are the books that people are buying.

[John Jarrold]

Originally Posted by dustinzgirl

reading some of the sludge I've seen lately in my SF/F section, it feels that way sometimes.

I wouldn't call any of the British SF authors I mentioned above 'sludge'! They're all intelligent and they all tell very good stories. Too much literary fiction is experimental and forgets story and character...

[dustinzgirl]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

I wouldn't call any of the British SF authors I mentioned above 'sludge'! They're all intelligent and they all tell very good stories. Too much literary fiction is experimental and forgets story and character...

Oh no, I was talking about US authors.

Like me.



LOL.

[Wayne Blackhurst]

Originally Posted by John Jarrold

Yes, Pete Crowther at PS Publishing is doing quite a bit of his work, and I'm also talking to the mainstream publishers...which is a long job, though it's fascinating to hear their take on an author like Zoran.

It has to be said, what Pete Crowther is doing with his ‘Postscripts’ little gem of a digest, is wonderful. A great way of tasting a variety of authors’ work. I’ll be scraping my subscription together somehow, soon, for sure. Plus, the guy himself came across as a decent chap when I met him; keen eye contact and attentiveness I like.