Endorsements

The Art of the Testimonial: How To Get Great Endorsements for Promoting Your Book

Cathy Fyock — Wed, 14 May 2025 20:11:55 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Cathy Fyock on 5/14/2025 8:11:55 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to your work, and are an important book marketing asset. How do you get great endorsements for your book?

In this session, book strategist Cathy Fyock shares her tips and ideas for reaching out to the influencers for your target reader, and for getting the testimonials you need to turn book browsers into book buyers. She discusses what should be included in your endorsement package and how you can leverage these quotes to build a readership.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../The-Art-of-the-Testimonial_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheArtoftheTestimonialHowToGetGreatEndorsementsforPromotingYourBook25.mp4

About the Presenter:
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write nonfiction books as a business growth strategy. She is the author of 12 books, including “On Your Mark”, “Blog2Book”, “Authority”, “My New Book: The Upcoming Message that will Change the World”, and her newest book, “Writer Crisis Hotline”, co-authored with Allie Pleiter. Cathy's book, “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches”, became a #1 international bestseller in public speaking and speech writing, authorship, business consulting, publishing books and more. Since Cathy started her business in 2014, she has helped over 250 professionals become published authors. She believes that authors change the world, one word at a time.

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

The Art of the Testimonial: How To Get Great Endorsements for Promoting Your Book

Cathy Fyock — Wed, 14 May 2025 20:11:46 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Endorsements by Cathy Fyock on 5/14/2025 8:11:46 PM

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

The Benefits of Endorsements and How Authors Acquire Them

Author Learning Center — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:14:44 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 4/30/2021 3:14:44 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to a book, and are an important marketing asset. When authors include them on a book cover, in a book's front matter, and in marketing copy, endorsements can increase readers’ respect for the work and encourage them to more seriously consider purchasing it. Sometimes, getting a meaningful endorsement or testimonial can be as simple as just asking for one and offering a free copy of your book. In this collection of interviews, fiction and nonfiction authors (even a cookbook author!) share their stories about how they acquired book endorsements — some from big name celebrities — and the benefits of having them.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofEndorsementsandHowAuthorsAcquireThem.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

The Benefits of Endorsements and How Authors Acquire Them

Author Learning Center — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:42:00 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 4/30/2021 2:42:00 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to a book, and are an important marketing asset. When authors include them on a book cover, in a book's front matter, and in marketing copy, endorsements can increase readers’ respect for the work and encourage them to more seriously consider purchasing it. Sometimes, getting a meaningful endorsement or testimonial can be as simple as just asking for one and offering a free copy of your book. In this collection of interviews, nonfiction and fiction authors share their stories about how they acquired book endorsements — some from some pretty big name celebrities — and the benefits of having them.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofEndorsementsandHowAuthorsAcquireThem.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

The Benefits of Endorsements and How Authors Acquire Them

Author Learning Center — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:01:46 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 4/30/2021 12:01:46 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to a book, and are an important marketing asset. When authors include them on a book cover, in a book's front matter, and in marketing copy, endorsements can increase readers’ respect for the work and encourage them to more seriously consider purchasing it. Sometimes, getting a meaningful endorsement or testimonial can be as simple as just asking for one and offering a free copy of your book. In this collection of interviews, nonfiction and fiction authors share their stories about how they acquired book endorsements — some from some pretty big name celebrities — and the benefits of having them.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

The Art of the Testimonial: How To Get Great Endorsements for Promoting Your Book

Cathy Fyock — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 13:24:09 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Endorsements by Cathy Fyock on 1/20/2021 1:24:09 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to your work, and are an important book marketing asset. How do you get great endorsements for your book? In this session, book strategist Cathy Fyock shares her tips and ideas for reaching out to the influencers for your target reader, and for getting the testimonials you need to turn book browsers into book buyers. She discusses what should be included in your endorsement package and how you can leverage these quotes to build a readership.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheArtoftheTestimonial.mp4

About the Presenter:
Cathy is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write nonfiction books as a business growth strategy. She is the author of nine books, including On Your Mark and Blog2Book. Her newest book, The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches, became a #1 international bestseller in public speaking and speech writing, authorship, business consulting, publishing books and more. Since Cathy started her business in 2014, she has helped more than one-hundred-and-eighty professionals become published authors. She believes that authors change the world, one word at a time.

Tags: Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

The Art of the Testimonial: How To Get Great Endorsements for Promoting Your Book

Author Learning Center — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:44:12 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 10/14/2020 4:44:12 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to your work, and are an important book marketing asset. How do you get great endorsements for your book? In this session, book strategist Cathy Fyock shares her tips and ideas for reaching out to the influencers for your target reader, and for getting the testimonials you need to turn book browsers into book buyers. She discusses what should be included in your endorsement package and how you can leverage these quotes to build a readership.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheArtoftheTestimonial.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

The Art of the Testimonial: How To Get Great Endorsements for Promoting Your Book

Author Learning Center — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 18:50:11 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 10/13/2020 6:50:11 PM

Endorsements are blurbs from experts or other authors that lend credibility to your work, and are an important book marketing asset. How do you get great endorsements for your book? In this session, book strategist Cathy Fyock shares her tips and ideas for reaching out to the influencers for your target reader, and for getting the testimonials you need to turn book browsers into book buyers. She discusses what should be included in your endorsement package and how you can leverage these quotes to build a readership.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Cookbook Author Gwendolyn Rogers on Getting Featured on Oprah’s ‘O’ List

Gwendolyn Rogers — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 14:04:47 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Gwendolyn Rogers on 11/13/2018 2:04:47 PM

Cake Bake Shop founder Gwendolyn Rogers has received many awards and global recognition for her cakes, but knew her ultimate dream of making Oprah Winfrey's 'O' list was a little far-fetched. She was lucky enough to get connected with Oprah's team and was given the opportunity to send some cakes for review. Her Mint Chocolate Chip cake, with three layers of Valrhona French chocolate cake filled with mint chocolate chip buttercream and Belgian chocolate ganache, topped with mint buttercream and a large pink silk peony impressed Oprah's team. This cake is also a favorite of Academy Award Winner Allison Janney, Ina Garten of ‘Barefoot Contessa’, and Kay Cannon, writer and director of the Pitch Perfect films and Blockers. Now renamed "The Oprah Cake", the Mint Chocolate Chip Cake was chosen for the famous 'O' list in the April 2018 edition of The Oprah Magazine. For Rogers, this recognition has served as a huge testimonial to her business and to the cookbook she is planning to release in 2019.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../GettingFeaturedonOprahsOList.mp4

Tags: cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food & Wine

Cookbook Author Gwendolyn Rogers on Getting Featured on Oprah’s ‘O’ List

Gwendolyn Rogers — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 23:51:25 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Endorsements by Gwendolyn Rogers on 11/12/2018 11:51:25 PM

Tags: cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food & Wine

Acquiring Endorsements for a Nonfiction Book Project

W. Timothy Wright — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:38:29 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by W. Timothy Wright on 9/14/2018 5:38:29 PM

Musician and author W. Timothy Wright's book The Valley Boys shares the true story of a high school basketball team that came together for an unbelievable, unexpected, and historic season. In the summer of 1957, the Indiana towns of French Lick and West Baden decided to merge two high schools that had been fierce rivals for decades, especially on the basketball court. Wright was able to acquire impressive testimonials and endorsements for his book through personal connections and by simply asking. Since his book is about basketball, he reached out to relevant contacts such as a well-known sports columnist and a coach who went on to coach for the NBA. He also reached out to Bobby Plump who is best known as the basketball player that hit the winning shot in the movie Hoosiers. To add credibility to his book, Wright included many of these endorsements on his back cover. There is no big secret to getting meaningful endorsements, he says, you just have to ask.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Acquiring-Endorsements-for-a-Nonfiction-Book-Project.mp4

Tags: Sports and Outdoors, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Bob Morris on How Awards and Endorsements Affected The Success of His First Novel

Bob Morris — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:04:27 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Bob Morris on 3/30/2018 2:04:27 PM

Accomplished writer and author Bob Morris admits that he was very green when he wrote his first novel. He didn't consider if there was an audience for his work or think about a marketing strategy. All he cared about with the first book in his Zack Chasteen series was telling a great story. This paid off for Morris because Bahamarama attracted an agent and publisher and was a finalist for the Edgar Allen Poe award. While this critical acclaim did give his career a boost, what helped even more were the high profile endorsements he was able to secure. Morris had the unique privilege of being connected with well-known authors such as Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen, who gave him great endorsements to add to his book and marketing copy. Their praise has gone a long way in hooking readers and lending credibility to Morris' work. While awards and accolades are great, Morris strongly recommends putting the writing and story first.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Bob-Morris-on-How-Awards-and-Endorsements-Affected-The-Success-of-His-First-Novel.mp4

Tags: Mystery – Thriller – Suspense, fiction, Subscriber, video

Joanie Schirm on the Significant Endorsement of Her Book, Adventurers Against Their Will

Joanie Schirm — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 16:56:43 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Joanie Schirm on 3/2/2018 4:56:43 PM

Joanie Schirm's award-winning book, Adventurers Against Their Will, is a a narrative nonfiction based on the letters exchanged between her Czech Jewish refugee father and family and friends during World War II. Schirm had the opportunity to be involved in the raising of the statue of president Woodrow Wilson in Prague, Czech Republic in 2011, 70 years after the original statue was destroyed by the Nazis. For Schirm, the main rail station where the statue stands holds great meaning - it is the place where her father said his last goodbye to his parents in 1939. As an event sponsor she attended a reception where she met Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State. They shared similar stories with their family history so when Schirm was ready to release her book she requested a testimonial. She received a gracious letter from Albright with a wonderful quote for her to use on the book cover. Schirm recommends authors reach out to other authors or high profile individuals that share similar interests or passions for testimonials.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Joanie-Schirm-on-the-Significant-Endorsement-of-Her-Book_2C00_-Adventurers-Against-Their-Will.mp4

Tags: Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs, video

Phillip Done on Debbie Reynolds’ Endorsement of His Book, The Ornament Box - podcast

Phillip Done — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:14:20 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Phillip Done on 12/5/2017 6:14:20 PM

Author Phillip Done had the unique privilege of writing a celebrity biography, The Charms of Miss O'Hara, about the life of Hollywood screen star Ann Rutherford. He interviewed many of her friends and colleagues in the process including screen legend Debbie Reynolds. It took an entire year to secure that interview with Reynolds and during that time, Done established a good rapport with many of her assistants. When working on his next book, The Ornament Box, he wanted to include a foreword that was written by someone well-known. This important connection with Debbie Reynolds' assistants led to securing that endorsement from her. Done has found that having a foreword or endorsement from such a big name can greatly help open doors when pitching your book, whether that's to book buyers, venues, or readers. Done chose to self-publish this book so that he could better control the time line and the book was released just a couple of months before Debbie Reynolds passed away.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Phillip-Done-on-Debbie-Reynolds_2700_-Endorsement-of-His-Book_2C00_-The-Ornament-Box.mp3

Tags: Commercial Fiction, fiction, Subscriber, podcast

Phillip Done on Debbie Reynolds’ Endorsement of His Book, The Ornament Box - video

Phillip Done — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:14:17 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Phillip Done on 12/5/2017 6:14:17 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Phillip-Done-on-Debbie-Reynolds_2700_-Endorsement-of-His-Book_2C00_-The-Ornament-Box.mp4

Tags: Commercial Fiction, fiction, Subscriber, video

Rolonda Watts on Receiving Recognition for Her Work as an Author - podcast

Rolonda Watts — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 18:53:25 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Rolonda Watts on 9/19/2017 6:53:25 PM

Book awards can be a significant boost for any author, especially when received for a debut novel. Author and TV personality Rolonda Watts knew she had an important story to tell with her self-published book Destiny Lingers. Receiving the Editor's Choice and Rising Star awards from her publishing imprint, iUniverse, was a huge encouragement to Watts. She once dreamed of being an accomplished writer and now she is. Watts was also honored with the Bebe Moore Campbell Award for Excellence in Storytelling from the National Book Club Conference. Watts had the unique privilege of having the late Bebe Moore Campbell as a friend and mentor so this award is very meaningful to her. Author Bebe Moore was a great inspiration and Watts hopes to pass that inspiration onto others with her own writing.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Rolonda-Watts-on-Receiving-Recognition-for-Her-Work-as-an-Author.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast

Rolonda Watts on Receiving Recognition for Her Work as an Author - video

Rolonda Watts — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 18:53:22 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Rolonda Watts on 9/19/2017 6:53:22 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Rolonda-Watts-on-Receiving-Recognition-for-Her-Work-as-an-Author.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Writing the Blurb: Entice Readers with Your Book Summary - article

Author Learning Center — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:10:55 GMT

Current Revision posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 6/7/2017 9:10:55 AM

Bookstore shoppers first look for an attractive cover or a catchy title. If they find one, they pick up the book and instantly turn it over to read the back cover summary, also called a blurb. Blurbs are key selling points that can make or break a purchase.

Keep the Goal in Mind

The purpose of the blurb is to give readers a vague idea of the plot. Although some blurbs go into great detail, it is best to keep things simple. After reading the blurb, the reader should know the name of one or two characters, the genre, and a challenge that the main character should overcome.

As the author, you have spent months—maybe years—with your manuscript. The time you've spent with your manuscript may make it difficult to decide what to include and not include in your blurb. Ask a friend or relative to read it over for you, and ask them what they think is important. If you would rather choose yourself, read your book over again from the eyes of the reader. From this objective point of view, what do you see as important?

Be Mysterious

But don't be too mysterious. Be direct in describing the plot, but don't give anything away. If the readers know how the book ends, they probably won't buy the book. When describing the plot, leave out any surprising details that readers would want to find out for themselves.

The goal is to inform readers about the plot, not to trick them into the purchase by a vague and cheesy summary. Buyers know when they are being sold, so outrageous blurbs often lose the reader's interest (and the potential sale). Leave out phrases like "Buy me, please!" or "You'll love this book!"

Stand Out from Other Books

Blurbs give you the chance to show how your book is different from others. If your book is about dog training, use the blurb to highlight your fresh, new tactics on training Rover. Buyers are often looking for something new; providing them up front with what makes your book different—and better—than the one sitting next to it will persuade them to make the purchase.

Read your book over to find the phrases that stand out and make your book come alive. Copy down the most interesting, important, or stimulating facts, quotes, or paragraphs into a notepad. When it comes time to write your blurb, read over your notes to decide which facts or quotes to include. Use only one or two of the best to highlight the essence of your book.

Keep it Simple

The blurb should be easy to read. Leave jargon and hard-to-read words inside the book. Blurbs shouldn't be a medium for impressing readers with an enhanced vocabulary.

Generally, shoppers may only spend thirty seconds looking at a book. Thus, blurbs should be short—one or two paragraphs. Time yourself when you read it to make sure it takes no longer than thirty seconds to get through.

End with a Bang

The last statement of your blurb should be a hook. A hook, in the literary sense, intrigues the reader and leaves them wanting more. Often, blurbs will use a question as a hook. Are you ready to write your blurb?

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Writing the Blurb: Entice Readers with Your Book Summary - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:24:39 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 6/1/2017 6:24:39 PM

Keep the Goal in Mind

Be Mysterious

Stand Out from Other Books

Keep it Simple

The blurb should be easy to read. Leave jargon and hard-to-read words inside the book. Blurbs shouldn't be a medium for impressing readers with an enhanced vocabulary.

End with a Bang

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

Writing the Blurb: Entice Readers with Your Book Summary - article

Author Learning Center — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:59:18 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Endorsements by Author Learning Center on 6/1/2017 4:59:18 PM

Keep the Goal in Mind

Be Mysterious

Stand Out from Other Books

Keep it Simple

The blurb should be easy to read. Leave jargon and hard-to-read words inside the book. Blurbs shouldn't be a medium for impressing readers with an enhanced vocabulary.

End with a Bang

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction