Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

QUESTION (from one of my editing clients):
Do I look for endorsements before I submit the book? What do I tell these folks? Will they want to endorse something that isn’t printed, or accepted? I am sure having their endorsements will help get it accepted, but which comes first…the chicken or the egg?!

ANSWER:
Getting endorsements is a great idea– it adds great impact, when you send in the proposal, if the publisher recognizes either the person or their organization. Find someone whose knowledge and ability in that fiction genre or on a subject withing the book is known and respected. Then write to them.

Whether or not it is published is not important to the prospective endorsee. You just explain why you think they are so great (you love the book they published which is similar in some way–but not competitive; you heard their super speech at a recent seminar; you’ve read all their theories on the subject; whatever fits), your background, what you’ve written and ask if there is any chance they could look over what you have … and if they like it how it would mean so much if they could let you know so you could use their endorsement.

Basically, this is a sales pitch letter to them, but you need to make it sound very personal. Which it is! Because you are asking them a really HUGE personal favor–to take time from their busy life to help you, a complete stranger, out! How will they respond? They agree (of course!), read what you have and simply love it (how could they feel otherwise?) and then send you a note about how great it is (surely!). Which you then use as part of your marketing to publishers. Ahhh … doesn’t that make it all sound so easy!

Okay, so maybe they won’t agree. They may not even answer! But you’d be surprised how often I hear that someone versed on a subject or known in a field of writing IS willing to read and endorse a manuscript from a first-time author. Sometimes, even if they don’t have the time to read it all, they will make helpful suggestions. Even that is a huge bonus for you.  

The worst that can happen is you never hear from them or they say “no.” The best? That you make a special contact and get a useful endorsement. Anything in between is still ever so useful. So plunge on and ASK!