Agents in Scandinavia

Sometimes I tell authors: You can send your own manuscript directly to a publishing company in Norway. You do not need to go through an agent. But if you want me to try your book both in Norway and world wide, you might as well try me. Norwegian publishers are familiar with the fact that most Norwegian authors submit their manuscripts directly to the publisher, because that is common practice in Scandinavia. Untill 2005 there was no independent agent in Norway. The publishers evaluate your manuscript and give you feedback. In the standard contract, the Norwegian publishing house keeps the publishing rights for the rest of the world, UNLESS you as an author demands otherwise. But it might help with an agent if you are a busy person and do not have the time to try the right publisher for your book. You may have to go several "rounds" with your manuscript, since there are so few books edited here, and the competition is high. The Norwegian Publishing houses are serious companies, who want to edit top quality. Some Norwegian publishers only edit foreign books and take no Norwegian writers. I have often wondered why. Is it because they have been contacted by foreign agents?
A German publisher told me in November 2005 that manuscripts not submitted through agents go directly in the paper bin. He never reads them and never gives feedback to manuscripts that come directly from a writer.
I understand that is pretty usual, or am I mistaken? Any one who have other experiences?
You are all welcome to make a comment.