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Originally Posted by OtterBooks
If you think the only marketing advantages big publishers offer are books propped up in stores and magazine ads, try to get your self-published book reviewed by the New York Times. Or any major outlet, for that matter.
The bulk of book marketing is basically enhanced word-of-mouth. It isn't like the branding or image based marketing of other consumer products. Publishers use their influence to get books reviewed by widely read (and trusted) sources, as well as considered by award committees and book clubs.
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True. But the enhanced word-of-mouth is (slowly) shifting away from those sources, as people are realizing how much of the market those "established, trusted sources" are ignoring. Money, of course, will always bolster those "trusted sources," but new sources for non-big-pub content will develop and grab consumer eyeballs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtterBooks
Huh? Is an agent necessary when self-publishing an ebook through an online retailer?
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Not right now... though who knows how online retailers may develop in the future. But the statement was about dealing with Big Pub, and agents are still a big part of that dynamic. I doubt they'll impact online retailing outside of the Big Pubs, and authors will need marketers much more than they'll need agents.