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Information in this article is pulled from Episode 141 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast featuring Margaux Weisman.
Many authors dream of seeing their books translated and distributed worldwide, but run into challenges as they navigate the complexities of international licensing.
Fortunately, there is a simpler way to connect with foreign rights buyers and achieve international success. DropCap Marketplace is an innovative platform that is breaking down those barriers for self-published and independent authors, as well as traditional or hybrid-published authors, helping them showcase their work to rights buyers around the world.
Determining if a Book Has Global Appeal
Listing a book on DropCap Marketplace is not just a way to facilitate potential licenses with foreign publishers—it’s a way to gauge international interest. This data collection is a great first step toward understanding the global appeal of your work.
If you sign up and see that publishers from all over the world are interacting with your book, that gives you important data about other marketing efforts you might want to make in order to expand your reach to those areas of the world. Alternatively, if your book is not seeing any activity, it may be a sign that the audience is more domestic.
If you don’t know whether your book has global appeal and it’s something you’re curious about, DropCap Marketplace can also be an excellent tool for data collection, and I think it’s just a great first step. —Margaux Weisman
Connecting Authors with Foreign Markets
For self-published and independent authors in particular, connecting with foreign markets without the backing of a traditional publisher or agent can be intimidating. DropCap Marketplace acts as a matchmaking service between authors and rights buyers, simplifying and automating the acquisition process.
By vetting all foreign publishers, editors, agents, and rights buyers before giving them access to the marketplace, DropCap ensures that authors are engaging with legitimate partners, not only building trust but also fostering a safe environment for rights transactions.
Once a book is listed, the platform’s matchmaking algorithm comes into play. This algorithm prioritizes books based on their genre, themes, and the specific preferences of rights buyers. For example, a rights buyer specializing in Science Fiction will see recommendations tailored to their interests within that particular genre, as opposed to only being exposed to books in the most popular genres. This level of personalization ensures that books are showcased to the right audience, increasing the likelihood of successful licensing deals.
Authors who are not represented by agents, or who are working with publishers that are smaller and don’t have a robust subsidiary rights (sub-rights) department, have very limited capability when it comes to achieving global reach. Even for an author who is traditionally published, most agents and sub-rights managers don’t have enough time or bandwidth to invest in connecting them with extensive foreign markets. DropCap opens these doors, providing a structured platform where authors can explore international markets without the need for industry connections.
Even the best agent in the world is not necessarily going to be able to hit every single market or identify every single particular buyer for your particular project. And we’re trying to make sure that we do that. —Margaux Weisman
Future Developments and Opportunities
DropCap is continuously evolving to better serve authors. Some exciting developments on the horizon include:
- The introduction of more educational resources. These resources will help authors understand foreign rights and licensing, providing valuable insights even if they don’t secure a license within their first year on the platform.
- Book fairs are a huge part of connecting authors to foreign rights buyers, and DropCap is working on new promotional opportunities that reach those book fairs and beyond. These initiatives will offer authors new ways to highlight their books and reach international audiences throughout the year.
One of the things we offer to our subscribers is the opportunity to send their books to the fairs, but I want more promotions and more opportunities for authors to highlight their books to our rights buyers that are not necessarily tied to the fairs. —Margaux Weisman
Whether you’re an independent author or traditionally published, DropCap Marketplace is a necessary resource for growing in your career and unlocking global success for your work.
Take Action
Start gaining exposure to publishers and editors around the world.
Weaving Influence consistently looks for new ways to support our authors, which is why we are excited to partner with DropCap Marketplace to offer authors discounted access to the platform and all of its benefits.
Sign up using our co-branded page and the code “weave” at checkout to save 20% on your first year.
With over 10 years of experience in the book publishing industry and an MFA in fiction, Margaux Weisman is a content expert and a storytelling enthusiast. She has published a range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles, including New York Times bestsellers, National Book Award longlisted novels, and Whiting Award winners.
Margaux is passionate about bringing stories to life, positioning content in the marketplace, and helping authors reach their potential and their readers. She is currently the Director of New Business Development at DropCap Marketplace.
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.