Endorsements,
sometimes called "Blurbs," are wonderful and often witty comments about your
book provided by respected authors, journalists, entertainers, and industry
experts connected to your topic. They're also one of the strongest sales tools
an author has in their book sales toolbox. These short quotes should be
gathered both before and after your book is published. Once you've gathered
your endorsements what do you do with them? Here's a list of ten ways to get
the most out of your well earned endorsements:
1. Book Cover.
Readers respect the opinion of others, especially respected authors and
industry experts. Endorsements gathered before production should be included on
your book cover. In addition to placing your blurbs on the back cover, a great,
short endorsement on the front will increase your sales.
2. Inside
Your Book. Place pre-publication endorsements on a page or two just inside
the front cover of your book. If you don't have pre-publication blurbs,
consider adding your blurbs on your next printing.
3. "What Others
Are Saying" Page. Collect your best endorsements and reviews on a single
page and include it in your media kit. Positive endorsements will increase your
press coverage.
4. Promotional Materials. When creating
postcards, bookmarks, flyers, brochures and other give-a-way items, include an
endorsement. They send the message, "Don't take my word for it, this is what
others think of my book."
5. Tip Sheets: Create a tip sheet to
include in your media kit and as a handout. Tip sheets, sometimes called a "One
Page," include four basic elements: About the Book, About the Author, Book
Statistics, and Order Information. A callout box or sidebar with a blurb about
your book is an excellent addition.
6. Website. Include call
out boxes or sidebars on your website that contain your endorsement quotes.
Boxes add interest to your website. Your site visitors will view them as
testimonials from others adding a level of trust.
7. Email
Signature. Endorsements included with a link to your website draw interest
and attention to your email signature.
8. Advertisements.
Include a quality endorsement quote or two in all your print and online
advertisements.
9. Query Letters. Include an endorsement or two
in query letters when selling editors on stories connected to your book.
10. Press Releases. Use endorsements as quotes in your press
releases. This will add interest and value to your book related news items.
Additionally, a great endorsement from a recognized name is press release
worthy on its own.
About the author: Want to learn how
to obtain endorsements for your book? Gregory A. Kompes is the author of
THE
ENDORSEMENT QUEST (
http://www.EndorsementQuest.com). This eBook outlines an
easy to follow and affordable way to obtain those all important endorsements.
"A beautiful, professional pieceand much needed" --Carolyn-Howard
Johnson, author of The Frugal Book Promoter. "Well done. Smart Idea." --Eva
Shaw, author, writing coach, mentor.