Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lin A. Lacombe on April 28, 2011 at 4:13pm

I'm a literary publicist and think, as usual in publishing, there are no absolutes and lots of opinions. Here's mine. These are called endorsements, generally. It is never too early to secure endorsements and you can never have too many. That said, a good rule of thumb is to have one notable one on the front and three on the back (all the rest can go in the front pages of the book and in the press kit in a doc called What the Readers are Saying). Usually you would send an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) (you can do a short run of 1-20, if you like), the same format that you would send out for book reviews (different than endorsements) 6-9 months in advance to the endorsee. Always be gracious, succinct and to the point and tell the person why THEIR endorsement would mean so much to you. You can ask them to write it or provide 1-3 pre-written examples and have them pick one. I personally feel that undermines the whole purpose of the endorsement, however.

Permalink Reply by NuWine Press on April 28, 2011 at 4:22pm

Thanks much for this!

So is that to say that you must have four endorsements - will one suffice?

Thanks,

Aimee

Permalink Reply by A marketing maven on April 28, 2011 at 11:14pm

I believe that what you are asking for is an endorsement or testimonial. These are usually written by someone who is famous in the genre of the book or has made a significant contribution to the field of study.

Many people can be approached for testimonials, but remember, by putting their name on the book, they are putting their reputation on the line that the content of the book will match their sensibilities, values, beliefs, etc., so they are going to want to review the book (or have someone on their staff review it) prior to making such a commitment - unless, perhaps the endorser is a personal friend or such.

If it appears that the person is likely to provide a testimonial, yet seems "busy" or drags their feet in providing it, then there is nothing wrong with asking if they would like you to draft something for their approval or editing. Oftentimes, that does make their job easier and you get the "slant" that you want on the words. They will change it, if it doesn't fit what they want to say.

I would say that unless the endorser is a personal friend, 2-4 months would not be an uncommon time frame, especially if the person travels, or has a very rigorous schedule.

 

As to the rest of the back cover copy - that is your most important selling space (after the front cover) and you only have about 10 seconds to sell your book there - you need someone skilled in marketing to craft those words for you.

 

Carol

 

Carol White Marketing * P O Box 1115 * Wilsonville, OR  97070

The Marketing Maven * www.carolwhitemarketing.com * 888 522 8747

Speaker, Writer & Marketing Coach

A member of IBPA, SPAN, NSA, & NWABP

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Permalink Reply by angela t. pisaturo on May 1, 2011 at 6:43am

When I wrote my second novel I asked my editor from Faithwriters.com to write a blurb for the back cover and she did. You just need to ask. Also, there is a website where you can get a list of people who will endorse your book, I don't remember the website offhand. Another thing, if you are looking for a review you can get one at ReaderViews.com

 

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