As authors we are sometimes asked to endorse books and/or seek endorsements from others. I have a question for you today. How important are endorsements on books? If you see a recommendation on the cover by another author that you’ve heard of or read does that impact your decision to buy the book? What if the endorsement is from a reviewer? An expert in the field that is the topic of the book?
If you have a moment to comment I would love to hear your thoughts!
As an author, I’m in the position of both asking for and being asked for endorsements for books–awkward at times on both sides. As a reader, I will tell you that I AM swayed by endorsements by authors and reviewers–if I have experience with their work and trust their integrity. I’m grateful that there are folks who will spend precious time to help authors connect with readers. Thank you all.
Reviews are a huge component of my buying decision, especially if I recognize and trust the person making the endorsement. I will frequently buy a book based on a back cover quote alone!
I am not an author but I am a reader and I can say “Yes” to your question. I read a lot of Christian fiction and when I pick up a new book by an unfamiliar author and open the cover or read on the back, endorsements from my favorite authors, it does help me make my decision.
As readers, we begin to feel like we “know” the authors of our favorite books simply by reading the wonderful tales they weave – not only the characters become friends to us for a time but in a strange way, the authors do as well. A recommendation from a friend is very important in deciding to buy a book by an author we are unfamiliar with – I don’t know if I’m being clear or just rambling so I’ll just say, YES it does matter….to me and others that I know.
~ Janice
Absolutely! I put a lot of stock in an author I know and love making a comment on a book cover. If I like her writing style, I’m willing to try this book as well! Also, it is so true – we do judge a book by it’s cover. I admit I am drawn to books completely by the cover art!
Pam