I think it is immensely difficult to get the U.S…
“I think it is immensely difficult to get the U.S. interested in non-U.S. topics. I don't think this is because the average American reader is disinterested, but more because of publishers playing it safe: if a thriller based in L.A. is a sure winner, why spend money plugging one based in Paris - or Bangkok?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
American publishing favors familiar settings, making it hard for foreign‑focused books to get attention despite reader interest.
In simple terms: US market prefers local stories, limiting foreign topics.
Advocate diverse settings to publishers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literary agents
- bookstores
- marketing campaigns
- author pitches
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can publishers balance profit with cultural diversity?
- What incentives would encourage foreign‑set thrillers?
Readers may still prefer familiar locales, limiting reach.