At the end of last year, I received an email from an unknown person claiming to be an agent representing the rights of a South Korean publisher. They were interested in purchasing the Korean translation rights for my book, Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway. At first, I thought it was a scam and pretty much ignored it. Weeks went by.
The agent persisted. I was given information about the agent, the publisher, and other authors they had signed contracts with. I Googled them, and it seemed legitimate. Still, I hesitated. I wondered, Why would South Koreans be interested in my little book about an RV travel adventure? I tried posting on an authors’ forum to see if anyone was familiar with the agent company, but got no responses.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 appeared on the scene and South Korea was hit hard. I was told their currency had fallen and payment of the advance might be delayed. I became skeptical again, but things still progressed, just more slowly. I was provided the contract terms in an email to approve or suggest revisions. I would receive an advance when the contract was signed.
In order to receive payment of the advance, I would need to provide my bank information, something we’re told not to do. I Googled the agent again and saw them mentioned in a Publishers Marketplace deal. Since I’m not a member, I couldn’t see the details. I asked a friend in the publishing business if she had heard of them. She is a member of Publishers Marketplace and kindly looked them up. There were lots of deals with them. I decided to go forward.
Today I received the contract signed by the publisher, and added my own. My first foreign translation rights contract is final! I’m told this might help to get other foreign translation rights contracts. I hope so!
Heidi Eliason 
Congratulations!🎉👍
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Thanks, Tami! How are you doing down there?
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Yes, yes, yes! Wow – this is really great! Congratulations!!! Did a check come with the deal? I hope it was a good one – and I hope you get a lot more books sold. This is exciting, for sure.
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Thanks, Nancy! People don’t pay by check very often these days, it’s all electronic transfers–especially when dealing with foreign countries–or PayPal, or Venmo, or Zelle. I rarely get a check for anything these days.
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P.S. I’m so happy for you, and look forward to more foreign translation deals coming your way.
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Thanks–I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
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Heidi,
Kudos to you and your cautious due diligence. It’s sad that we have to be so skeptical today, but we sure do. Glad it’s working out and congratulations on your first foreign book contract. Exciting!
Alicia
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Thanks, Alicia! Yes it’s sad we have to be skeptical, but it’s hard not to be with the constant bombardment of scammer emails. I hope you are doing well!
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Let me know how it goes. I’m thinking about hiring a translation company to do at least French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German.
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I will definitely keep you updated. I’ll also be interested to hear if you decide to hire a translation company.
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Well look at you girlfriend. You are pushing yourself around the world for everyone to see. Congratulations. I am so proud of your accomplishments. Although I don’t respond to your post very often, I do read them enjoy hearing from you.
I hope all is well and stay healthy and stay home.
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Thanks, Dee, I appreciate the comment and especially the sentiment. I’ll be calling soon to catch up. Hope you are healthy and all is well there.
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I am a Korean reader. I have enjoyed reading your book very much. I think it’s honest and plain text. I believe that you will have a better trip and write better articles. I will support your path.
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Nulmaru, thank you for your comment! It is wonderful to hear from a Korean reader. I’m so happy you enjoyed the book, and I thank you for your support. Good things are happening and I will start writing more blog articles soon.
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