Jennifer Custer, International Rights Director, AM Heath
We’re delighted to announce that we have secured the services of Jennifer Custer, Rights Director at AM Heath, to represent those of our members who have suitable books in translation markets.
Founded in 1919, AM Heath has always been one of the UK's leading literary agencies and has represented some of the iconic writers of the 20th Century. The agency currently represents a broad range of best-selling and award-winning authors, including novelists, historians, biographers, and children's authors — and has a reputation for successfully launching talented newcomers.
The agency offers representation in all markets and all languages throughout the world and Jennifer Custer heads up the international rights department. “We have huge successes,” says Custer. “Many of our authors, Hilary Mantel, Conn Iggulden, and Marina Lewycka among others, are sold in upwards of 30 languages.
“Then, there are quieter successes, deals that make me particularly proud: such as the sale of Esther Hautzig’s moving memoir of a Siberian girlhood to a Spanish publisher who just fell in love it; or supporting the Persian copyright movement by licensing rights in George Orwell’s Animal Farm in Iran, where copyright is not recognized.
“There’s no question that we’re on the brink of major changes in our industry. Indeed, in the company’s near-century as a leading international agency, we have prided ourselves at being ahead of the curve whenever change is afoot. We were one of the first agencies to focus on rights selling across translation borders and I’m proud to continue that tradition today. As the self-publishing revolution has hit the industry and is gaining momentum, I think there is a real opportunity to engage with authors who have gone the non-traditional route.”
“We're very pleased to be bringing an international rights service to our members,” said Orna Ross. “It is almost impossible for an indie author to handle their own translation rights but now all our members' books will be read and assessed for international rights potential.”
To have your work considered (ALLi members only), please submit the following to [email protected]:
– Author bio
– Synopsis – 1-2 pages max (no blurb style teasers, please; include everything, spoilers too!)
– Manuscript
– Anything else Jennifer should know – book sales, pub dates, awards won, future plans, author platform, working on next novel, etc.
I have eleven out of print (Walker/Simon&Schuster/Random House etc etc) re-published as ebooks, and am seriously considering self-publishing currently unpublished mss.
I do have an agent, and have long felt that some of my previously published editions might be successfully marketed abroad, but I feel reluctant to approach anyone new for obvious reasons. This is an exciting new step for ALLi members, though.
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A great accomplishment Orna. International rights are complex – the key issue facing indies. All the best. Jonathan
Great job, Orna, that’s a terrific benefit for self-publishing members of the Alliance.
Hey Joel, yes isn’t it? We’re thrilled to be working with Jennifer — she’s a terrific international rights agent. As you know, it’s our aim to do for indies what they can’t do alone. Next up: film & TV!