Does Getting A Book Endorsement Really Help?
Getting a book endorsement from the right person can do wonders for your book. Why? Because it grabs your reader’s attention. When readers pick up a book, they make decisions very quickly about whether they want to read it. That’s why good book covers, in general, are so important. But when readers see that someone they trust has already endorsed a book, they are much more likely to trust it too. Plus, an endorsement can brag about your book in a way that you can’t. And finally, a good book endorsement can help your book reach a larger audience. So, I’m going shares some tips on getting an endorsement.
Okay, But How Do You Get a Book Endorsement?
Maybe you’re thinking you don’t even know where to start? Or how you would ask? Or even WHO you would ask for a book endorsement? Well, it’s really just about getting out of your comfort zone and knowing how to approach the task of asking for a book endorsement.
Putting Yourself Out There
It can feel really weird to just ask a stranger for a favor out of nowhere. But I like to think of it as a resume and cover letter for a job. You don’t feel weird about that, right? When you apply to a job you’re essentially asking for something you want. If you think of asking for a book endorsement the same way, and remember that it’s pretty standard practice, it seems less daunting.
The Steps to Getting a Book Endorsement
Creating a Wish List
One of the first things you’ll want to do is prepare in advance. Ideally, before the last stages of the publishing process. Think of authors you admire, known authors in your genre, or prominent figures in your field. Anyone who influences your audience is a good bet too. You can also check to see who has endorsed books similar to yours—your comp titles in other words. This wish list will be your starting point!
Networking
You’ll want to think realistically about who may be wiling to endorse your book. Aim high, but within reason. Reach out and network with any connections you may already have. Ask those in your industry, or genre if they can recommend someone to approach, or ask them to facilitate contact. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with industry leaders as well.
Making Contact
About that ‘out of nowhere’ aspect—asking for a book endorsement doesn’t (or shouldn’t anyway) come out of nowhere. There’s a protocol for reaching out and asking.
First, you’ll want to follow them on social media, if you aren’t already.
Then, you can email them or try to connect with them via LinkedIn over a Direct Message (some people block unsolicited DM’s, in this case comment on their content and begin conversations in other ways).
An Endorsement Request Should Follow a Format, But Be Personalized
I prefer to make contact in advance and compliment them on their own work. Much like a resume and cover letter, you’ll want to express why you think you and your book are a good fit. You’ll want to show that you’ve done the research on them, and it won’t hurt to do some name dropping.
In other words, make the letter tailored to them. Mention what you like about their work and why you’re contacting them. And if someone referred you to them, state who they are and why. Also, if there are benefits on their end, don’t forget to mention those!
Wait…
Because the standard for a blurb deadline is 4-8 weeks, you’ll want to plan accordingly. This is also why I mentioned in the introduction that you’ll want to start planning well before your pub date! After you’ve sent the request, and if they agree to a book endorsement, make a note to follow up with them a week or two before the deadline. It’s okay to follow up more than once, but more than four times might start to push the limits of what’s considered appropriate (in many cases, you’ll have to use your best judgment). In my experience people are busy, and half of the people who say yes they will blurb your book, end up being too busy to deliver on that promise. This is common, so ask for more endorsements than you think you’ll need.
Repeat
There’s a chance for rejection in this process, so you may have to do some juggling with timing and have backup plans. Of course, best case scenario is that they’ll give you an answer fairly quickly. If you get rejected, well, get back on the horse and try again with the next person on your wish list! And yes, there will people who don’t even respond. In this case, again, follow up. But not too many times! You might find yourself seeking an endorsement from this person again when you write your second book, so you want to stay in their good graces.
Always be gracious and show gratitude! Even when you are met with rejection.
Your Basic Outline for a Book Endorsement Request
Subject Line: This is where you clearly ask if they are open to providing an endorsement. Make it clear and concise. Something like: Are you open to providing a book endorsement?
Greeting: The standard Dear + NAME applies here. You can use first and last name, their title plus last name, or (if you happen to actually know them) just their first name.
Introduction: This is where you tell them why your are writing (your connection to their work). You can also mention who referred you (if applicable), and announce that you are asking for an endorsement. It’s also good to mention that it would mean a lot, or how thrilled you’d be, etc.
Info on You and Your Book:
Tell them who you are (let yourself shine a bit), what inspired you to write your book, your background etc. Make this section about two paragraphs long, but not more. Tell enough, but not too much. In the second paragraph you can leave a link to your website, a brief summary of the core message and how you would use the endorsement: Book cover? Website? Social media? Just make it clear. Here is where you can mention possible benefits for them as well.
Conclusion:
Here you’ll tell them the deadline, ask them what format they’d like to receive your book in and what method they’d prefer to continue communication in. I also recommend including a few sample endorsements in your message. Make it clear that they are welcome to choose one, edit one, or write their own. Often times, when you make it super easy (and it takes less of their time), you’ll find that people are more likely to say yes.
Sign Off:
Again, use the standard. You can thank them for their time, and tell them you look forward to hearing from them and sign off with anything that seems fitting.
Psst…if you need help making your email concise and attention worthy, my team can help with that. Just reach out and see what we have to offer.
See? Asking for a Book Endorsement Isn’t So Hard!
If you prepare, follow protocol, remain courteous and professional and stick by a fairly standard template, you’ll be set.
And remember, there is bound to be some rejection. But don’t let that get you down. Remember to think of it as writing a cover letter and resume for a job. Put your best efforts forward, aim high and repeat the process as necessary.
Good luck!
I’d love to hear from those of you who have gone through the process. Do you have any further advice to share? Leave a comment on the original post and let the community know!
