By Abigail Davidson

As a publicist, many of my authors ask me if they “need” endorsements.

I reluctantly tell them endorsements are not necessary for your book’s success. However, they push it forward much quicker and give your message validity.

Endorsements (also called “testimonials” or “blurbs”) set readers at ease who are not familiar with you as an author.

When considering how to gather endorsements, you should know the different types and how to solicit them.

1) Peer Endorsements

I’m a publicist, but I’m also a mom, a Christian, a woman, a home school teacher, and I love to read fiction.

Every shopper wears many different hats and goals when they look for books.

• If you’re an author of young adult books, why not have young adults read it and give you an “endorsement”?
• If your market is moms, have moms read it and send in their recommendation.

You don’t have to have someone famous to attract a buyer; you just have to have something in common. Enlist your church or community group to help. Offer copies in your church bulletin or newsletter and ask for volunteers.

2) Professional Endorsements

Is your book about health? Wellness? Diet? Would it be beneficial to have a doctor’s recommendation?

If you have a topic that would benefit from a professional endorsement, go the extra mile to secure one.

• First go to your personal physician, physical trainer, pastor, teacher, etc. Ask for their help and for other names of professionals who might review your work.
• Remember to match your endorsements with your topic. A comment from your plumber on parenting doesn’t carry the same weight as a family counselor.
• Give ample time to professionals – at least six weeks or more depending on their profession.

3)    Author Endorsements

This is similar to peer endorsements. If you’ve done your research you will know what other authors write in your genre. Don’t be timid; find their web site and look for a contact page.

Write a short friendly e-mail inviting them to review your book. After they’ve agreed to review it, mail a sample chapter or e-mail a chapter for them to look over.

Watch author websites to see when your favorite authors are doing book signings in your area. Be sure to read their books and give a good review of  them on Amazon or their website. Be willing to give as well as take. Popular authors receive requests all the time, so don’t take it personally if they decline your request for an endorsement.

4) Unique Endorsements

I’ll always remember the hilarious endorsements on the back of a humor book I read.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and be creative with your endorsements. I think sometimes we get “star struck” and focus on big names, when there may be more creative ways to reach your audience than having a famous person say, “It’s a great book.”

Endorsements will not make or break your book’s sales potential; however, it is a very important piece in the book publishing process.

Most publishing houses and agents expect you to have a list of endorsers in your proposal—ones you can realistically obtain. Our authors at WinePress have often gained new endorsements as the book goes to print. So relax and spread the word about your book and see what happens.

Abigail Davidson has worked with WinePress Publishing since February of 2005. She helps promote WinePress authors through radio, television, print and Internet.  She enjoys helping authors build strong publicity campaigns and platforms.