Endorsements—Reviews, Testimonials, and Advance Praise...Oh My!

When I self-published my first book in 2019, it included advance praise on the back cover only because ... my best friend asked me "Aren't you going to include advance praise?!" I'll never forget that!

Due to publication timeline constraints or other reasons, an author may forego seeking endorsements for their book; however, I would caution against this. Endorsements can play a pivotal role in the success of your book, influencing reader interest and boosting credibility. For realz.

The words "reviews," "testimonials," and "advance praise" are often used interchangeably, and it can all be quite confusing. Which do you get? Do you get all three? Is there a difference?

Understanding each one is crucial for effectively promoting your manuscript. Additionally, deciding whether to share your entire manuscript or only select chapters with potential endorsers can significantly impact the feedback you receive.

Not to worry, though. I'm here to clear it all up for you, and no—it won't be clear as mud!

Get ready to find out the nuances of reviews, testimonials, and advance praise. Plus, I'll clarify why you should bother with getting any endorsements at all, and I'll resolve once and for all whether you should provide your full manuscript or only excerpts to those who are going to build your book's reputation.

Understanding Reviews, Testimonials, and Advance Praise

Reviews: Reviews are detailed assessments provided by critics, bloggers, or readers. They offer an in-depth analysis of your book and can be published in newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or social media. Reviews range from professional critiques to personal opinions, giving potential readers a comprehensive understanding of your book.

Testimonials: These are endorsements from well-known authors, celebrities, or industry experts. Testimonials are typically featured on book covers and marketing materials to lend credibility and attract readers. They often highlight the book’s strengths in a concise and impactful manner.

Advance Praise: Similar to testimonials, advance praise is garnered before the official release of your book. Selected individuals receive early copies and provide positive feedback or endorsements. Advance praise is a powerful tool in pre-launch marketing, building anticipation and credibility.

The Importance of Endorsements

Endorsements are vital for several reasons:

Credibility and Trust: Endorsements from reputable sources can enhance the book’s credibility and influence potential readers.

Visibility and Reach: Positive reviews and testimonials can significantly boost a book’s visibility and help it reach a broader audience.

Marketing and Sales: Compelling reviews and advance praise are powerful marketing tools that can drive book sales and generate buzz.

Timing Your Endorsements

Testimonials and Advance Praise: These should be sought well before the book’s release. Reach out to potential endorsers several months in advance to ensure you have ample time to include their feedback in your marketing strategy.

Reviews: You can get review at any stage, even after a book has published. However, it is best to engage reviewers a few months before the release date. Providing advance review copies (ARCs) allows for reviews to be published around the time of the book’s launch, maximizing publicity efforts.

Which should you get? Obtaining all three is best, but if you can manage only one, then put as much energy as you can into getting testimonials or advance praise because reviews can often come without a lot of effort on your part and from readers purchasing your book from online retailers' sites.

The Million-Dollar Question: Should You Share Your Full Manuscript or Select Chapters?

When seeking endorsements, the decision to provide the entire manuscript or only select chapters can shape the feedback you receive.

Pros to Providing the Full Manuscript:

1. Full Context: Reviewers can appreciate the complete narrative, understanding idea development and the overall message of the book.

2. In-depth Feedback: Comprehensive reviews can offer detailed insights on various aspects of the manuscript, including structure, pacing, and consistency.

Cons:

1. Overwhelming Volume: Reviewers might feel daunted by the prospect of reading an entire manuscript, especially if they have other commitments.

2. Selective Reading: Some reviewers might skim through the manuscript, potentially missing key elements.

3. Premature Exposure: Authors might be uncomfortable sharing the full manuscript before its official release, fearing potential leaks or negative early impressions.

Pros to Providing Select Chapters:

1. Focused Reading: By directing reviewers to specific chapters, you can highlight the best parts of your book, ensuring they read and review the sections you consider most compelling.

2. Manageable Length: A shorter, more focused excerpt is less intimidating, increasing the likelihood that reviewers will read and provide timely feedback.

3. Strategic Emphasis: You control which parts of the manuscript are highlighted, potentially crafting a more favorable review by showcasing the strengths of your work.

Cons:

1. Incomplete Picture: Reviewers might feel they are missing context, leading to reviews that may not fully capture the book’s overall narrative and themes.

2. Potential Frustration: Some reviewers might be dissatisfied with seeing only part of the manuscript, feeling unable to provide a holistic critique.

What's the final verdict?

Provide select content instead of the entire manuscript. You can (and should!) provide those you reach out to for advance praise with an autographed copy of the book after it's finished as a way of saying "thank you."

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