My endorsement of Michael Hyatt's latest bestseller, Platform. Happy to see other authors I love endorsing it, including Donald Miller and Chris Brogan.
Earlier this week I gave you the top five of my ten tips for getting and managing book endorsements on your next book. (Want the audio version? Check out my podcast on the same topic.)
Here are the remaining five tips from the list.
6. If It’s a Glowing Review You’re After, Provide Some Suggestions. Here’s the thing: Sometimes, even when I love a book, I’m at a loss for words. More importantly, though, I’m sometimes at a loss for the right words. I know how important endorsements can be for authors, and so if I really love a book I want to make sure to say something that helps the message they are trying to convey. If you’re the author, have some suggestions for endorsers. It’ll make everyone happier.
7. Thank Your Reader With Social Media (or Blogging) Love.Thanking a reader for what they’re doing (a favor, remember!) is great, so think of simple ways to do it. No need to go over the top, but something small and sweet – a Tweet, a thank you page on your blog for reviewers, or just a simple email are all great ideas.
8. Scratch Your Reader’s Back When Their Book Next Comes Out. When someone reviews a book I put out, I immediately remember to email them from time to time offering to read whatever they’re putting out next. They don’t have to take me up on it, but I’m here if they need me.
9. Don’t Assume Your Reader Will Love It, and Don’t Make it Awkward if They Don’t. Every book you write may not change my (or another reader’s) life. That’s OK. Make sure if you are asking for an endorsement you use “breezy” language in the ask and follow ups. “I’d love you to read it, and if you like it I’d love a endorsement…” is a great starting point. In a follow up, something like, “Not sure if you’ve had a chance to read the manuscript I sent, but if you did (and you liked it), I’d love an endorsement…” works well.
10. If a Reader Really Loves It, Make Sure to Give Them Easy Ways to Promote the Book When It Launches. Michael Hyatt did a great job of this with his book, Platform. I read it beforehand, loved it, and gave a review on the back cover. When it came time for the book launch, I was eager to help promote it, and he made it easy for promoters, crafting a list of great tweets we could use to help direct folks to the Amazon link, with appropriate info and hashtags.
So, do you agree with these ten tips? If you’re an author, have you employed these when asking endorsers to read your manuscript? Alternately, if you’ve been asked to review manuscripts, have these tips been true to how you approach your endorsements?
Great post. Thanks! I just wrote two spiritual growth books (part of a series) and looking for endorsements for the next book. Would love to have you read them (and write an endorsement if you like ’em!). If you’re interested, happy to get print or electronic copies to you. Thanks!
Would definitely be interested in a book on spiritual growth. Why not send me an email to claire at clairediazortiz.com?
Great post and perfect timing for me too! Thanks for the helpful hints! In the process of getting endorsements for my latest book, Raising More with Less: An Essential Fundraising Guide for Nonprofit Professionals and Board Members.
As you said… “I’d love you to read it, and if you like it, I’d love an endorsement.” Let me know.
Thanks again!
Great post aunt Claire! Thanks for this hint, it was so helpful to my needs. I just a wrote a book titled “You are the Success Factor.” And I’ve been seeking to get endorsers to endorse the book and so i stumped on your page while Google searching for prospects endorsers. I really appreciate this post once again ma’am and “I’d love you to read it, and if you like it, I’d love an endorsement.”
Thanks aunt Claire.