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Why Metrostar?
Publishing
When it comes to publishing representation, Metrostar is first choice for TV producers because:
- We understand book publishing
With over 20 years’ experience of commissioning high-quality fiction and non-fiction for top UK publishers, we know how the industry works, the time frames involved, what publishers spend on producing and marketing books, and how they achieve their bottom line. This means we know the value of TV properties and how hard we can push when negotiating terms.
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- We understand television
Our extensive experience of publishing TV tie-ins and managing TV brands gives us invaluable insights into how programmes are commissioned and made, the issues concerning rights ownership and talent, and the policies of different channels regarding on-air trails.
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- We understand how TV is changing
At one time publishers believed that only the terrestrial channels provided a strong enough platform for a successful book. Now, as the digitial switchover looms and the audience share for non-terrestrial channels grows, that perception is shifting. Series like Living TV’s Most Haunted have spawned best-selling books and we have recently sold publishing rights to Bravo’s Real Football Factories.
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- We do our homework
Understanding what will work means researching the market using all the data available – not just headline viewing figures but audience share and appreciation index and performance against slot averages. Good viewing figures alone will not guarantee a successful book so we also analyse the nature of the market and assess whether there would be sufficient demand for a tie-in novel or work of non-fiction.
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- We go the extra mile
In our experience, most agents draw up only the briefest of book outlines to show to clients and publishers, if any. Very often it’s just ‘would you like to do a book based on x series’. We think hard about how to turn the series into a successful book and discuss our ideas with the producer to produce a detailed proposal and synopsis. We also find authors and, if appropriate, design covers and sample pages. This not only enables producers to feed into – and buy into – the concept at an early stage, but it also helps publishers to make an informed and quick decision on the project.
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- Our address book is bursting at the seams
We are in regular contact with the top 20 publishers in the UK. As well as knowing what they have been successful with we also know what they are looking for. We’re also in touch with many of the small independent publishers who might be prepared to take a chance on a riskier or more niche project.
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- We can help to make it all a smooth and enjoyable experience
Our knowledge of how publishers and producers work, the pressures they face, and how much they understand about each others’ business means we can anticipate and assist with things like drawing up schedules and approvals processes, and act as interpreter when needed. We value the relationships we build up with both clients and publishers and will help out wherever we can.
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