This is a recurring dread I have anytime a publisher asks about where your novel might "fit into the market" or what the "intended market" is for a manuscript - like Harper Collins New Zealand ask for with submissions. This freaks me out and makes me feel quite naïve and unworldly. What exactly are they looking for here? Do they want names of other current authors whose readership you might appeal to? I always worry this makes you look unoriginal as if you're implying that you're just like those other writers (or trying to be). Like what's the point in saying "my novel might appeal to people who like Suzanne Collins"? We already have Suzanne Collins. Shouldn't you be unique?
Or do they want to know a sort of demographic you're aiming for? Gender, interests, lifestyle etc.
Any suggestions?
P.s. My novel is sci-fi - character-driven, time-travelly, generally quite depressing.
Or do they want to know a sort of demographic you're aiming for? Gender, interests, lifestyle etc.
Any suggestions?
P.s. My novel is sci-fi - character-driven, time-travelly, generally quite depressing.