Everyone
loves praise. Authors and publishers
especially need it for a book. Not just for bragging rights, endorsements help
persuade individuals, stores, libraries, and organizations to buy books. So what’s the best way of securing
testimonials?
The
most important thing about a testimony is who says something -- not what they
say. Additionally, you want a quantity
of testimonials if you can’t secure a bunch of A-listers. You want to impress others in a way that will
lead them to dig into their wallet -- or digital funds -- and buy, buy, buy!
The
ideal time to get testimonials is way before your book is out. You can:
·
Place
them on advance review copies to the media.
·
Post
them on your website.
·
Include
them when presenting yourself for speaking gigs, bulk sales, or introductions
to those you network with.
·
Share
them through your social media platform.
Where
do you get testimonials? You may already
have some. If someone emailed you or
wrote a letter that contained a relevant sentence of praise, use it. For instance, if you spoke before a group or
organization last year and its president, executive director, or managing
partner thanks you in a note for doing such a great job, quote him or her.
If
you received positive media for prior books use it. If a large magazine said of an earlier book
that “the writing is forceful,” go ahead and quote it.
You
should compile a list of who you know – for networking and marketing
purposes -- and look to see who would be good to get a testimonial from. It doesn’t matter how you know them -- relative,
friend, former school chum, college, etc.- just ask. Maybe you just met them or you attend the
same synagogue or you both volunteer at the same place. Just ask. What’s the worst that can happen? Nothing.
What’s the upside? Plenty.
Contact
a number of people and simply say you value their standing in the
community/industry and would love for them to support you by simply agreeing to
do a testimonial. The ask can be
brief. You can thank them for their
consideration and vow to help them down the road if you are in such a
position. You can even suggest you’ll be
glad to write the blurb just so they don’t have to feel obligated to figure out
what to say. Give them a few options.
Testimonials
can range in length, from a word to a paragraph. Vary their length. Generally, short is better. Rotate the adjectives and superlatives that
are heaped upon you. Reference things
that make the testimonial. Sound powerful, heartfelt, and reflective of your
truth.
Give
them a deadline -- express some urgency and importance to them responding within a
few weeks. Busy people need deadlines
and to feel wanted.
Think
of who to get a testimonial from. Any
big name works even if he or she is completely out of your industry. For instance, if you know a CEO of a major
company, a celebrity, a professional athlete or a politician – but your book is
on something like pet care or how to cook for diabetics – you should still slap
on a known name to your testimonials.
You can still contact, in the case of pets, veterinarians, best-selling
authors, and others related to the pet industry and animal world.
If
you don’t know a lot of people -- or the right ones -- track down the ones you
want. Ask others who they know and see
if they’ll introduce you.
There
are plenty of paid endorsements out there too.
It’s something to consider. Maybe
you pay a big shot to write a foreword or introduction to your book. Then you can quote from it.
Testimonials
you should not seek out are ones that:
·
Are
from people who are not known and don’t have relevant credentials.
·
Are
merely consumers/clients/patients -- but with no recognition.
·
Are
filled with negative impressions publicly.
Always
review your list of testimonials. Keep
looking to trade up for bigger names.
If someone has gone down in stature since you received their testimonial,
consider removing it. I mean, would you
want a testimonial from Bill Cosby?
Getting
great reviews and media coverage can also serve as a testimonial. In fact, if you were interviewed on
radio or T.V. and you recorded these appearances, listen to find a pull
quote. Maybe a radio host says you are a
great writer or a T.V. show host notes that your book is unique. Quote ‘em and reference the media
outlet. It’s fair game.
You
can have a lot of success going after testimonials. They are worth having, but can take time to
secure. Keep at it until you feel you
have the best possible ones from the best people. If you feel you can get more -- and better
ones -- go for it!
Maybe
someone will write a testimonial to reflect your approach to getting
testimonials!
Please Click On The Best Out Of 2,100 Posts
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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2016 ©.
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