you can, but think about what the goal of this is. this is typically something for a one-liner pitch to an agent you just ran in to, or a simple 1-paragraph blurb on a query letter. this is thinking of how to get past the query letter and into people looking at your actual manuscript. Many agents will request a partial manuscript on 1 out of 300 query letters (if that). You can brand yourself in that short amount of time, but ofttimes it serves to mention similar authors of a similar nature to your own while throwing your idea out there.
Think of it this way: let's imagine I send a query letter saying, "This is an epic fantasy where a corrupt religion indoctrinates the people into being sacrifices to the Gods. The heroes are trying to bring about the collapse of this religion." Sure it might be a nifty premise, but it says nothing about what kind of style you are going for. If I then add, "My influences have been the harsh reality of Martin's series and the humor of Scott Lynch." All of a sudden, you get a better idea of what you are hopefully gonna get (as an agent) if you request the partial manuscript.
Remember, you should be researching agents that publish things in the vein of what you are writing. If you say, "One of my main influences is the author ______, whom you represent," then suddenly you have made a slight connection. The agent knows you have done a little homework, and you look much better.
You can brand yourself once you get someone to even look at your stuff.
So, to Renoard, they can't laugh at you when they haven't read your stuff. They will most likely say, "Not really my thing." if they dont want it. They are professionals, and they want you (as the writer) to act like one as well.
