This is basically a letter that expresses your support for a person of action. Writing: Front and Back Matter for your Self-Published Book, 10 Top Tips on How to Write the Best Book Blurb, 5 Top Tips to Create a Book Cover that Sells : JD Smith. A book review, by definition, is something that appears on your Amazon page, but excerpts of it could also appear on your book cover and/or inside your book under the “book endorsements” section. For my novel DESCENT, the front jacket endorsement is: “A vivid, chilling tale of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal…”– Barbara Fradkin, award-winning author of the Inspector Green Series. What you get back from the writer is just longer. Ideally, testimonials should come from authors in your field, and the more well-known the author is, the better for building credibility with potential readers. OVER TO YOU What’s your take on cover endorsements? Get all of this for an incredibly low price . Endorsements Lend Credibility to a Book. The back cover is also where you can place endorsements, if you have any. A “book blurb” is a quote from someone that says something positive about you or your book. Publishers say that the back cover can be as important as the front in creating a sale. Summary. Blurbs, Endorsements, and Testimonials. Since then, I’ve kept up communication with authors, sending them a message when I’d read their book and posted a review.. Currently dithering “to puff or not to puff” on the cover of my new mystery novels, I asked ALLi authors whether they thought soliciting endorsement quotes was worth the time and trouble. Take a look, Outlining vs. Creative Reasoning: 4 Powerful Writing Techniques for Beginners, Get Better Clarity, Flow, and Focus in Your Writing, 7 Easy Strategies To Make Proofreading a Game Changer for Your Writing, 9 Websites That Improved My Writing Skills in 2020. I was amazed. Endorsements provide a seal of approval, or testimonial about your book that convince potential buyers that the book is a worthwhile purchase, and an interesting read. The endorser may have read an early manuscript, or an Advance Reading Copy or galley made from typeset pages. One of the biggest struggles for those in self-publishing is how to design book covers that use professional looking typeface and font. For anything more than three endorsements, jump up and down and do the happy dance. It’s important to get endorsements early, so they can be incorporated into your book’s cover design and online listings. Securing Endorsement. The best blurbs come from someone with a reputation in the same space. Jessi Rita Hoffman … book editing by an industry professional . #1 – Find the right influencers for your book endorsement The most powerful endorsements are … An endorsement is an amendment to a document or contract, an authorizing signature, or a public declaration of support. Summary. Place a glowing endorsement from a well-respected publication or expert on your front cover and it can go a long way in convincing someone to purchase your book. It serves as an advertisement for your book, immediately generating interest and providing your book with added credibility. Normally, you want to secure endorsements before the release of your book. If you don’t have a print version of your book and it’s only sold online, everything in this article about back book blurbs can be applied to your book description in online listings. A book’s endorsements are like word-of-mouth advertising, says Larry James. Part of asking is the condition that if they didn’t like the book, I wouldn’t expect an endorsement. Would love to be enlightened. Insider secrets for writing compelling endorsements. A book endorsement is advance praise for your book from someone who influences your book’s target audience. They are just like celebrity endorsements of products in television commercials. You want to find authors who write in your genre that readers will recognize. (Unless your mom is a famous author. If you’re like most of us, an endorsement – known in publishing as a “blurb” – is often the tipping point. So I have come up with a suggested line: one that ties in your background to my project. Big brands have been using celebrities to sell products for ages. Questions For Us To Think About And Discuss 1. As authors of self-published books, we seek to combine the best ideas from trade publishing with the innovation that comes of being truly independent. The next two endorsements are on the top and bottom of the back cover. 6 ways you can use your powerful endorsements to help sell books. In fact, the book's subtitle was "The Outrageous Lives of Nine Kick-Ass Women." We all know a thank you goes a long way. A good book endorsement can make the difference between a few book sales and a multitude of book sales. The endorsement is to shine a spotlight on the author, not draw excessive attention to your own work. Endorsements are one of the easiest and most effective ways to generate interest and attention. To join or learn more, visit allianceindependentauthors.org/join. If you have several, they can take the place of the book description. Examples of Good Endorsements For Your Book. 2. When you publish a book, it is necessary to consider how to get reviews. Either I’d met them in person, or I’d connected with them on the Internet. Having an endorsement from your mom is nice, but it won’t help sell your book. 5. U pon completion of your book, you’ll want to get some quality endorsements. Here are some ways to use your endorsements: Book Cover: I like to include 3-4 of the best ones on the back cover of the book, and if you have a really great one, you can add it to the front cover. Ideally, testimonials should come from authors in your field, and the more well-known the author is, the better for building credibility with potential readers. This Week in Writing provides quick tips and encouragement for writers of all genres. As someone who is actively looking for someone to blurb-quote my first book, this was a very eye-opening read – thank you for sharing the wisdom! Publicity and Reviews. Kristina Stanley is a bestselling author, editor, and the CEO of Fictionary. I recommend a minimum of three. If you have endorsements from another author in your Genre the back cover is a great place to put them. Puff quotes from magazines and newspapers are less persuasive, probably because their readers are either not familiar with or enamored by those publications. It looks strange otherwise. Book cover by paganus for Donovanmneal. Our sales reps didn't get it. For anything more than three endorsements, jump up and down and do the happy dance. 3. We’d love to hear them! In doing so, authors increase their chances of creating full, marketable copy for their back covers. Despite my misgivings, there’s a method to the madness. When potential readers pick up my novel, they don’t even have to open the cover to see the promotional material. The full endorsement printed inside the book is: In this impressive debut, Kristina Stanley weaves a vivid, chilling tale of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal in a close-knit mountain ski village. Consider any comments you’ve had from editors are out of bounds! In case you are interested in delivering this endorsement, you will have to draft an endorsement letter. Online readers can browse a free sample of your book and the endorsements will be there to read. My covers have the highest profile endorsement on the top of the front cover. My covers have the highest profile endorsement on the top of the front cover. ARCs are sent before the final editing and proofreading is complete. After all, everybody wants to read and talk about the book that everyone is reading and talking about! Book Endorsements. But if you do, they can make  your cover look like a bestseller and, after all, your cover is selling your book…. Use the following script below as a template to follow: Your website address should be included on your book cover. Without actually reading the cover, a buyer should be able to see which group of words belongs to the title, which group is part of the author information, and which one is descriptive text or endorsements. The full endorsement is written on the inside of the book after the copyright page. A brief introduction of you and your book. Book cover by paganus for Donovanmneal. Alternatively, book covers can include a brief book description. Readers do not want to invest the time, or money, on books that have little to no feedback. They are just like celebrity endorsements of products in television commercials. A cynic might wonder how they find the time to read so much. B ack cover endorsements are a valuable part of your book’s design. For example, if a couple is getting divorced, one spouse may request an endorsement to remove an ex-spouse from home or auto insurance policies. Authors need to get their books reviewed in order to get noticed. If the subtitle is long enough, format it to look like an explanation of the material. Introducing “Blurbs, Endorsements, and Testimonials: How to Get Experts, Authorities, Celebrities, and Others to Endorse Your Book” This multi-media instructional program includes: 42-page e-book that walks you through the process step-by-step. There are several ways to signal that your book is serious and professional. 2. I think it’s a great compliment to be asked and an opportunity for some free publicity for your own books. Indie Author Fringe: Key Clauses Indie Authors Need To Watch For in Trade Publishing Contracts with Orna Ross and Toby Mundy. Article from buildbookbuzz.com. Where do endorsements go in a book? It is in many cases drafted by […] After my book is published, I mail a signed print edition of my novel to any author who endorsed it. Endorsements—or Not. #Authors - to puff or not to puff? It’s much easier not to seek one out. All of this doesn’t mean celebrities are always bad choices, as British novelist Mari Howard observed: On the whole, puff quotes put me off buying/reading a book if they are by a celebrity. Alternatively, book covers can include a brief book description. And if, even in this technological and social media-driven world, word of mouth is still the most effective form of marketing, then getting endorsements from the right people is well worth your time. A strategic quote can allow you not only to gain credibility in the non-fiction in particular, it can also allow you to give further clues as to the book’s content – a kind of supplementary strapline or subtitle. Your email address will not be published. Inside Pages: I also like to include some endorsement pages on the inside of the book where you can list all of them. Book reviews and endorsements are selling points for many target readers and they help lend the book credibility. For an unknown author, such endorsements are essential for compelling readers to take a chance on someone they've never read before. Inside the book in the front pages. Undertandably so. Email Script to Request a Book Endorsement: When seeking endorsements for your book, the usual protocol is to send a polite e-mail request. If you publish print, you need to get the ARC to your potential endorser, and that’s a relationship minefield. Blurbs, known more formally as “endorsements,” are one way you can make a book stand out to bookstores and consumers. Because copy often receives less attention on a book cover design than say, a graphic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of seemingly small details such as typeface and point size. British indie novelist Carol Cooper, who has also had many non-fiction books trade-published provided balance against the naysayers: I think puff quotes can be useful if they are from someone really well known, or they *add* to the info that’s already on the book cover. The book description will often include the back book blurb text plus endorsements and reviews (much like the entire back cover of a book). Book reviews and endorsements are selling points for many target readers and they help lend the book credibility. Are you writing a thriller? – Abraham Lincoln. Skeptics term these glowing phrases “puff quotes” to pour scorn on their sincerity, when so many of them come from “celebrities” – people famous for being famous, rather than for their literary judgment. Go to events. Endorsements are hard to get for your own books on first publication. Endorsements are critically important, and it all starts with the ARC. A puff with a purpose: Mari Howard’s review enabled me to spell out the humour in this story collection. Endorsements, also known as blurbs, are the 1-3 sentence quotes you see on the book cover. Book reviews and endorsements. Up to you what the definition of a "famous" author is. The endorsement could be on the front or back cover. Should Indie Authors Put Endorsement Quotes or “Puffs” on Self-published Books? 5. One example is the common practice among the big publishing companies to adorn book covers with endorsements from high profile readers. Your author bio. Are you writing a thriller? To learn what else belongs there, see my article Writing Your Book’s Back-Cover Copy, appearing next week on the popular writers’ blog: www.JaneFriedman.com. So often these words are used interchangeably. There is a difference between a review and an endorsement. Debbie Young writes warm, funny feel-good fiction, including the Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries series, which begins with the bestselling "Best Murder in Show". It’s made me wary of believing in puffs. I suspect cover quotes have never been for readers, but for the sales people who buy for book store chains. Send your endorsement to the author for preview. With so many books to choose from, most book buyers depend on name recognition when making purchase decisions. From France, novelist Jean Gill made a strong case for taking a positive stance to endorsements, but offered a reality check on actually getting them. US novelist Diane Capri advised on BookBub’s attitude: BookBub  say their readers like puff quotes from someone they know. It’s was wise not to let flattery lure you into a lapse of judgment. The thing was, it was confusing. 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I’d prefer to read a full review (e.g. When potential readers pick up my novel, they don’t even have to open the cover to see the promotional material. Policies, endorsements and covers: the book of insurance eBook: Fari Ali Ma: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store If any are long endorsements, pull a few of the key sentences out as an excerpt and put the entire endorsement within the opening pages of the book along with others that aren’t used on the cover real estate–these are placed in the first few pages of the book, before the Title page. You never know when you might meet someone who is one email away from … I kept a spreadsheet of the authors I’d sent a message to, which ones accepted my invitation and included a check mark when I sent a thank you. PDF, mobi, epub, print, etc.). The endorsements that go on your cover are ones that connect with your readers. An endorsement can add, remove, or change the coverage in the policy. Discover how easy it is to get powerful pre-publication blurbs, endorsements, and testimonials that will sell your book for you. If the subtitle is long enough, format it to look like an explanation of the material. […], […] Should Indie Authors Put Endorsement Quotes or “Puffs” on Self-published Books? This will give you a chance to network, and will also ensure you have the chance to use endorsements on your book cover and in any pre-release promotional efforts. In the months before your book is published, you should begin reaching out to fellow authors to request endorsements. Step #1: … However, getting endorsements is by far more beneficial. Your author bio. As indies, with total control over our print, and able to tweak our covers post-publication, although a great launch-edition quote would obviously be ideal. Book reviews and endorsements. Readers do not want to invest the time, or money, on books that have little to no feedback. The endorsements on the outside cover are edited to contain only the most enticing words. Endorsements made by reputable entities and authority figures within your subject area can help boost sales. ; HO-3: The HO-3 is a very popular homeowner’s insurance policy and protects against all perils except those specifically excluded. Insurance endorsements can be standard, which means they are published by an industry advisory organization, or non-standard, which means they are developed by insurers. The answers are … As ALLi's Author Advice Center Manager, she also writes guidebooks for authors. 3. Prewritten sample endorsements for their review. Read post A copy of the book cover, or a review copy of your book. I wrote a letter to each author as I would a query letter. — Barbara Fradkin, award-winning author of the Inspector Green Series. I want to make you even more famous by including your prestigious name in my new book with a testimonial on page one or the back cover. What if James Patterson agreed to endorse your book? Book Cover Quotes and Author Endorsements from Dudette Reads […] Weekly Paper (16) | Paper Breathers says: February 1, 2014 at 19:13 […] Dudette Reads challenged the use of book cover quotes and author endorsements and provided some examples to support her […] About. How to get Back Cover Endorsements for your Book. Readers have two chances to discover the endorsements, and that’s two chances that they will buy your book. The book cover, book title, and book description are three we have covered. Even if the famous author says “no” to the offer of co-authoring, the new writer has made an impression on the famous author, who may be happy to give at least an endorsement for the book’s back cover. Judge quoted as stating that the cover design is, “A visually arresting image” Thank you Talia for sharing you amazing talent!” ― Caroline Walken, Behind the Fan You see, a review is from a reader or a fan and an endorsement is from a respected leader or celebrity in your field or niche. It’s added promotional material every time someone picks up your novel. With the ARC was a letter from the editor. Good book blurbs can influence buyers, though, so you want to push past anxiety or discomfort and work to get at least one or two you’d be proud to share on your cover. However, those […] This back cover design features an author bio and photo. Others noticed it too. This book will be an outstanding resource for parents and teachers who want to protect their children from indoctrination. She’s the author of the Stone Mountain Mystery Series, Look The Other Way, andThe Author’s Guide to Selling Books To Non-Bookstores. Why do I stress myself out this way? A copy of the book cover, or a review copy of your book. If the reader likes the person giving the quote, it may be a good thing; if they don’t know them, are neutral, or dislike the quoter, it’s the opposite. Read 9 351 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. HO-2: The HO-2 is for mobile homes and covers specific perils named within the policy for both the structure and contents. They are great to showcase on the book’s website, in printed flyers advertising the book, and in email announcements of the book for the official launch or release. These 1-3 sentence snippets from recognizable names typically feature on the cover of a book and sing the praises of its content. It is best to secure endorsements for your book while it is still in manuscript form. The easiest and best method is a two-step process. on Goodreads). Add reviews to your query letters. When requesting an endorsement, send a complete copy of your manuscript for the endorser to review. Chris Well will show you how to create a media kit that answers questions anyone might ask about you or your books. If they all pass muster I’ll look into it further. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Said Richard Bradburn, managing editor of freelance editing service editorial.ie: I think a puff quote from anyone not an authority, be it a well-known writer in the genre (fiction), or an expert in the subject (non-fiction) looks distinctly amateurish. Endorsements are one of the easiest and most effective ways to generate interest and attention. It’s common to see endorsements on the… Front or back cover of your book. Your email address will not be published. Then plan to put the endorsements after the copyright page. And beware of taking praise out of context to turn it into a puff. Have you any advice or anecdotes to share? I would listen to the quote if the celebrity/well known person/specialist in the field was someone I knew and respected, but not if it is just someone we’ve all heard of. A book with a testimonial on the cover comes with an important influencer’s seal of approval. I chose authors that I had some connection with. But it’s not always easy to decide which conventions to echo and which to reject. I’m assuming it’s not the story arc! An insurance endorsement is an amendment to a property and casualty insurance policy. I’ve attended writing conferences, workshops and awards dinners. How does one find established authors willing to spend their time reading an about-to-be-published-for-the-first-time author’s novel? Have you tried to get endorsements and testimonials to use in your book… I’ve seen writers take a line of praise from a developmental report and use it as an endorsement for the whole book, with the editor’s name. Having celebrities endorse your book will lend credibility, prestige and authority. ... Blurbs, Endorsements, and Testimonials. 4. One of the first books I ever acquired at Seal Press was a series of profiles of kick-ass women. or gives you something so bleh you’d be embarrassed to put it on the cover? Fellow Irish author Sally Vince further cautioned: When a book has been endorsed by an author I like and the book is dreadful, it puts me off the puff-quote writer. 4. Authors need to get their books reviewed in order to get noticed. So choosing the right endorser is critical. A book’s endorsements are like word-of-mouth advertising, says Larry James. Posted on April 16, 2012 by indieauthorcounsel. If any are long endorsements, pull a few of the key sentences out as an excerpt and put the entire endorsement within the opening pages of the book along with others that aren’t used on the cover real estate–these are placed in the first few pages of the book, before the Title page. Once you have those locked in, a way to add credibility to your book is through the use of blurbs. Undertandably so. Endorsements are short testimonials (1-3 sentences) used on the front or back cover. It serves as an advertisement for your book, immediately generating interest and providing your book with added credibility. But last word must go to British novelist Tim Lewis for making me laugh with the best example of a fake puff: This Facebook post is the best I’ve read. A brief introduction of you and your book. This is possibly unfair to the celebrity. Earlier this month, the prestigious Historical Novel Society awarded its first ever award for self-published…. “Behind the Fan cover is a hit! When your book hits the shelves, endorsements on the front and back cover adds legitimacy. Additional text elements should be in 10-12 point type, and multiple lines of copy should be spaced between 1.3 and 2 (double-spaced).