In a recent article,Β Agents: Traditionally They Don’t Promote, But Hybrids Bring Change,Β voice talent Jennifer Vaughn discusses common misconceptions that performers have about talent agents. Specifically, that agents are talent promoters. It follows from this misconception that, once a performer gets a talent agent, gigs will start flowing in. Traditionally, agents aren’t promoters. Even if they provide the hybrid services Vaughn discusses, those instances tend to be one-time publicity events. For the most part, talent agents only hope to connect a particular job to a particular voice actor in their talent roster (someone they represent). For that particular job, they may sell you.

Only a publicist will promote you to the hiring public at large. This is why top celebrities tend to have both talent agents and publicity agents. A seasoned publicity agent will have solid media contacts and a genuine knack for promoting you: knowing how, where, what and when to promote.

Of course, not many of us can afford a publicist. And, frankly, with social media on the rise, we may not need one. But, until we get a lot of friends and followers, the next best thing is to learn to promote ourselves. And it truly is the gift that keeps on givingβ€”even if it feels a little self-serving (OK, a lot self-serving but, hey, we’re worth it, right?).

In How to be Your Own Publicist, Jessica Hatchigan, an award-winning writer and publicist, walks readers through different ways to get noticed, how to grow a following, how to influence and even be considered an expert in your field. It’s an easy read and provides solid tips. And the funny thing about some talent agents is that, once they notice that other people are noticing you, they actually do start promoting your services. How about that?

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