Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
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Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
An agent (more accurately his assistant) contacted me requesting a sample, and also a "marketing list." Can anyone tell me what this is? I did not hear of it when researching the query process.
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
Is this for fiction or non-fiction?
Blog http://www.hillaryjacques.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
Yes, I'm with HilaryJ. If it's non-fiction, marketing is supposed to be part of the proposal. If it fiction, that's a new one, but...given the push for viral marketing it wouldn't surprise me. For fiction, I'm guessing a 'marketing list' is where and when you plan to promote it - what social networking you plan to do....
You could also ask the assistant what they meant...
You could also ask the assistant what they meant...
My blog: http://mirascorner.blogspot.com/
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Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
It's a memoir, which seems to have characteristics of both fiction and non-fiction when it comes to trying to sell one... I'm going to put together a list of demographics that would be most interested in this project and send it along with the other attachments, and mention that if additional materials are requested I can provide them.
- Nathan Bransford
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Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
I think this is more about what you can do to market the book -- how many blog/Twitter/Facebook followers you have, contacts you might have that you could utilize, networks, speaking platforms, publishing credits, things like that.
But honestly, if anyone is confused about what an agent is asking them to provide, there is no shame in writing back to have them clarify. No such thing as a stupid question and all that.
But honestly, if anyone is confused about what an agent is asking them to provide, there is no shame in writing back to have them clarify. No such thing as a stupid question and all that.
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
That makes more sense to me for nonfiction work, although the publisher(though usually not the agent) will ask for something similar on fiction as well, but usually later in the process.
Blog http://www.hillaryjacques.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
- Regan Leigh
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Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
Seriously? Hm. *adds another thing on my to do list before sending out queries*
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
HilaryJ - it may be that some agents are starting to request this with fiction books. My guess is that publishers are wanting authors to engage in marketing and social networking.
I have concerns about this. I believe it's a misunderstanding of what really spurs viral marketing. I think viral marketing is much more about content that happens to stike a chord at a particular time han anything else.
But content and timing are very hard to control, and I think publishers are looking for an idea that is controllable. So they are pressuring authors to social network. Which I belive is unfortunate, because it takes authors away from writing and creating that very content that might hit a nerve.
But regardless, that's probably what's happening with this particular agent's assistant.
I have concerns about this. I believe it's a misunderstanding of what really spurs viral marketing. I think viral marketing is much more about content that happens to stike a chord at a particular time han anything else.
But content and timing are very hard to control, and I think publishers are looking for an idea that is controllable. So they are pressuring authors to social network. Which I belive is unfortunate, because it takes authors away from writing and creating that very content that might hit a nerve.
But regardless, that's probably what's happening with this particular agent's assistant.
My blog: http://mirascorner.blogspot.com/
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
My agent said it's two-fold. One is to let the publisher know whether you are engaged in self-promotion. Fine. Two is to let them know where they might be able to more successfully advertize you (if you're part of certain organizations or contribute to publications, groups, etc).Mira wrote:HilaryJ - it may be that some agents are starting to request this with fiction books. My guess is that publishers are wanting authors to engage in marketing and social networking.
I have concerns about this. I believe it's a misunderstanding of what really spurs viral marketing. I think viral marketing is much more about content that happens to stike a chord at a particular time han anything else.
At the end of the day, the final word I hear from everyone is what word-of-mouth is what takes a well-marketed or unknown book to great heights. Getting that book in front of the talkers is about all you or the publisher have any control over.
Blog http://www.hillaryjacques.blogspot.com
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/hillaryjacques
CARNIEPUNK - http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carni ... 1476714158
as Regan Summers - The Night Runner series from Carina Press
Re: Agent wants to see "marketing list"- what does this mean?
It's a memoir, which seems to have characteristics of both fiction and non-fiction when it comes to trying to sell one..
I have had this same question- Thanks for bringing it up. I am now starting to realize, that similar to Nathan said, even unpublished, having a website for your work, or the book itself, or identifying that you have a readership elsewhere is something some agents look for.
I am toying with the idea of building a website now. I always assumed that I'd want to have an agent/publisher's input into how to they want to "brand" me/the book before such a thing, but I guess you have to start early and often!
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