Developing Your Marketing Plan
Achieving success at finding an agent or publisher requires a good marketing plan. For many people, the words “marketing plan” bring to mind images of accountants, stacks of paperwork, and hours of research. Luckily, a marketing plan for achieving representation and/or publication doesn't have to be that detailed or intimidating. It just has to help you keep track of where you're submitting, in what order, and the status of each.
Many new authors hesitate to submit their manuscripts to more than one editor at a time, especially when the submission instructions for a publisher clearly state “no simultaneous submissions.” But those rules don't apply when searching for a literary agent. In fact, most agents generally assume that they are not the only agent considering a submission. Therefore, feel free to query away!
Generally, when you are submitting queries, you should start with your “dream list” — the agents or editors you most feel your work fits best. Then, keep track of your submissions in a spreadsheet, noting the date submitted and the items submitted. (Using delivery confirmation from the post office will confirm delivery of your submission at the publisher or literary agent.) Always know where your manuscript is — whether full or partial — and have your queries ready to submit to the next group, should a rejection arrive.
