How Important Are Endorsements for Your Book?

Want endorsements for your book?

I recently returned from the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City, where I got to meet the team at Wise Ink Creative Publishing.

In their new book, ‘Buzz: The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing,’ Dara Beevas & Roseanne Cheng give advice on getting endorsements, otherwise known as ‘blurbs’ for your book.

“We think endorsements are important.

Have you ever picked up a book at a bookstore because you liked the cover, even though you didn’t know anything about it, and then saw that a writer you love said it was the best book of the year?

Would that endorsement sway your decision to make a purchase?

We’re betting it could.

It happens in all types of marketing – think celebrities who make millions of dollars endorsing products.

For authors, endorsements are probably even more important.

If this is your first book and you don’t have any name recognition, the truth is that your book is one of many in a saturated market.

Endorsements add credibility.

They’re a way to impress your audience and prove to booksellers and potential buyers that you are the real deal.

It is absolutely worth it to pursue getting endorsements before publication.

(If you need personalized help getting endorsements for your book, check out the upcoming Quantum Leap Marketing & Publicity Program for Authors).

Securing endorsements doesn’t have to be a difficult process.

Simply make a list of the people in your life whose opinions on your book might carry some weight.

If you are writing for the educational world, who are some teachers who might be willing to read and review your book?

If you are writing for the business world, who in your network might know your work and be willing to give you a few words of praise?

If you are writing fiction, which other writers could you give your completed manuscript to and ask for feedback?

Do you know of any librarians, book bloggers, or bookstore owners?

If you are stuck, don’t be shy about reaching out to friends and family and tapping into their networks.

Ask kindly, and be willing to accept no for an answer.

There is no harm in reaching out.

We have found that many people are honored to be asked for input.

When you reach out for endorsements, it is okay to offer only part of the manuscript for review.

A busy CEO might not have time to read your entire book, so maybe the first chapter would be sufficient for her to make a positive statement.

We suggest that you offer the entire manuscript first; if time constraints are an issue, then offer a partial.

When you receive endorsements, keep careful track of them and be sure to thank people who provided them.

Let them know you will be using their names and kind words to help spread the word about your book; however, be careful not to ‘tag’ them on social media each time you mention their review.

This can be very off-putting and disrespectful of that person’s privacy.

Here are two exercises:

1) Make a list of people in your network you can contact for an endorsement.

2) List 5 to 10 people outside your network (think big) who you will try to get a copy of your book to.

Remember, the best way to go about securing an endorsement is by being genuine.

Here’s an example of what we mean:

“Dear Ms. So-and-So [business owner, educator, celebrity],

I have been following your blog, ‘The Mindful Momma,’ for the past three years.

I absolutely love the content you provide, and it’s been invaluable for me as I’ve embarked on my motherhood journey.

I especially love your recipe section.

That is my go-to on busy nights, and I appreciate it!

The reason I’m reaching out is because I am a yoga teacher based out of the Twin Cities area and have just written my first book about the benefits of practicing meditation as a family.

The book is called ‘Breathe: A Guide for Family Meditation’; it is part information, part workbook, and part inspirational guide to help families get into this practice.

My book will be published by Wise Ink Creative Publishing in the spring of 2019, and I am hoping to send you an advanced copy of the book for you to review and potentially endorse.

It would be such an honor to have your support.

In fact, I would be happy to offer a discount to your readers if you would like to mention the book on your blog.

Please let me know the format that you’d prefer to receive the book in.

I can provide an uncorrected PDF immediately, or I can have an advanced copy sent to your home by the middle of next month.

I so appreciate your time and consideration.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

(Your Name & Contact Information)

– Excerpted from the new book, ‘Buzz: The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing‘ from the experts at Wise Ink Creative Publishing (Dara Beevas & Roseanne Cheng).

I hope you found these tips useful.

Have you received endorsements for your book?

If so, let me know!

P.S. If you need personalized help getting endorsements for your book, check out the upcoming Quantum Leap Marketing & Publicity Program for Authors.

In the interest of full disclosure, I’m a partner for this program.