Some authors find the endorsers section tricky when they write book proposals. If this describes you, or if you would like a refresher, I hope this post will be helpful.
The Why:
I can’t say I’ve ever sold a book based on an endorsement alone. Content is king. But the endorsers (or you can call it Potential Endorsers) section is important. To wit, here’s a quote from Mallory Ortburg’s May 3 article in The Toast, regarding a major deal for The Nest: “We would have paid her the same money if she weighed 500 pounds and was really hard to look at.”
“I actually knew very little about [Sweeney] when I bought The Nest,” says her editor at Ecco, Megan Lynch. “I didn’t know that, for example, she knew Amy Poehler well enough to approach her for a blurb. That was a happy bonus.” Poehler’s blurb is on the front cover of the book.
You don’t have to know a television or movie star to write your endorsement section. Your own contacts should work well. Don’t be intimidated.
The How:
How to choose? I tell writers to list their author friends writing in the same category or similar books. By “friends” I mean authors you can feel good about contacting should they be selected as endorsers. You are on good terms and have their contact information yourself.
How do I know I won’t be turned down? You don’t. Successful authors are busy and have their own deadlines to meet. Reading your ARC (Advance-Reading-Copy) might not work when the publisher actually needs the endorsement.
Isn’t that embarrassing? No. Because publishers work with popular authors, they are aware all of them have pressing deadlines.
Do I tell the authors I’m including them? No need. The publisher will help you choose endorsers after the book is contracted.
What if I don’t know anyone? Most authors, even newbies, have one or two contacts in the industry. If you don’t, solicit the help of your agent in writing this section.
Your turn:
Are you ready with a potential list of endorsers for your book?
What tips can you offer writers when they are choosing endorsers?
