Today I’d love your feedback on endorsements ~ recommendations by authors, reviewers, and readers that end up on the front or back cover of a book or in the opening pages. I’ve had the privilege of having a quote from a review of mine appear in a number of books, most of which were complete surprises that I only discovered upon opening up the book – LOL!
More often than not lately, I’m seeing many publishers printing endorsements by other well known authors on their authors’ books which is interesting to me. For example, on opening a contemporary romance novel the other day, there were three pages of that writer’s peers recommending the book to the readers! On a personal level, I love that the Christian writing community is so supportive but as a reader, another writer’s endorsement of a book does not impact my decision to buy a book at all. I’m also of the view that writers need to be very careful what they endorse as it can impact how readers perceive them, particularly if they endorse a book that is less than stellar or outside their genre (or I should say their readers’ perception of their genre). There are also a few writers whose endorsements seem to be everywhere and to me, that lessens the impact of their words.
So, reader and writer friends, I’d love your thoughts…
Do author endorsements impact your decision to buy a certain book, or not?
March 17, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Rel, I appreciate endorsements on a book but depends on the endorser. If the.endorser is someone whose work I admire I will acknowledge the endorsement.
I think endorsements are important but I will typically look at other factors as well when selecting a book to read.
March 17, 2014 at 11:17 pm
I respect authors enormously as you know, Ian. For me, I base my decisions on other factors, though, as another author is too close for me. I read the endorsements (and everything else in a book!) and will give it credit if the author is one I respect but it won’t make me purchase a book, if that is the only factor I know about it.
March 17, 2014 at 8:33 pm
The endorsements are always interesting to me. I have to say though, I prefer a mixture of endorsements from not only other writers but reviewers and readers and wherever else endorsements may come from. I like the mixture because I feel like it gives me a broader, more thorough perspective on the book. You have a very wise and astute observation about how authors may or not be perceived based on the books they endorse and I wonder whether we will get to the point where it’s like celebrity endorsements of products that are not really that authentic? I’d like to think not, but I could understand why readers may be inclined to become cynical.
And you’re right, it is a little bit thrilling to see something you’ve written on that endorsements page….even if it is only in the ARC version, as it was in my case. That book is a precious one on my shelf!!
March 17, 2014 at 11:20 pm
I feel it is already a little like that, Tracy. I’m more likely to be persuaded by an “independent” endorsements from readers and bloggers, that’s all.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
March 17, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Reviews for the sake of reviewing will always come up short of ‘authenticity.’
As a writer I’m really interested to read your reader/reviewer take on this, Rel.
Rel – ‘Another writer’s endorsement of a book does not impact my decision to buy a book at all.’
Wow!
Your post today made me think just how little my reviewing matters to readers. I’m glad my reviews may encourage the author, (if it’s a positive review) but in terms of ‘selling the book’ to a reader, I can see how this could do the opposite.
Thanks for your take on this. Great post.
Dotti 🙂
March 17, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Hey Dotti ~ what a delight to have you drop by! I enjoy reading authors’ endorsements and I know they have great value in encouraging another writer but yes, I’m afraid in terms of influencing a purchase, they don’t work for me.
I enjoy writers’ blogs (and I know you do this) that promote fellow authors’ books – it’s more personal and to me has more value as you are taking time to promote a writer in your own space, so to speak, so I pay more attention 🙂
March 17, 2014 at 11:20 pm
Rel, I’ve been on both ends of this endorsement thing–asking colleagues to read my work in view of an endorsement (I never ask them flat out to give one if they don’t like the work) and being asked to review the work of others. Generally, if the genre of the book I’m asked about isn’t the same as what I write, I gently explain that my name won’t mean much to readers.
Although the final decision on what goes on the cover and in ads is made by the publisher, I agree with them that a review by a trusted source–Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, even USA Today–carries more weight than that of a writer, even a well-known name.
As a reader, however, I must admit that endorsements don’t matter as much to me as my experience with that author’s previous books or a sampling of the book in my hand (or on my computer).
Thanks for a thought-provoking question.
March 17, 2014 at 11:31 pm
Thanks Richard ~ I think you are spot on. I agree with you on PW, Library Journal, and USA Today endorsements. I take notice of those, especially in regard to Christian novels as they seem to be extra hard on them so you know a book is REALLY good if they have received a nod from them 😉
I appreciate that you have shared from both perspectives, as a reader and a writer.
March 18, 2014 at 12:08 am
Hey, Rel. As I commented over at CJ’s, as a reader, endorsements haven’t ever sold me on a book, and I do find the pages of endorsements overkill and annoying. As an author, endorsements mean the world to me, but I only have sought one or two who matter to me. That’s had a lot to do with self-publishing my work and not being required to provide any but doing it anyway – and as you mentioned, both endorsements came from authors who endorsed my books which were outside of their “perceived” genres, which, again as an author, made me particularly grateful.
March 18, 2014 at 11:55 pm
Nicole » Dear Nicole! So lovely having a visit from you 🙂 Appreciate your thoughtful comments, as always xo
March 19, 2014 at 12:15 am
Love you, Rel.
March 20, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Nicole » Backatcha, dear Nicole xo
March 18, 2014 at 12:29 am
In all honesty, I skip past all the author endorsements…UNLESS it’s a brand new author either in general (this is their first book) or brand new to me. So I may see if the authors they used as endorsements are ones that I like or recognize to see if I may like like it. Otherwise I ignore them especially when I know that some authors are close friends/critique partners who will always say something positive about each other’s works.
March 18, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Deborah » insightful comments, as always, Deborah – love it when you visit xo
March 18, 2014 at 1:43 am
I honestly skip them.
March 18, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Juju at Tales of Whimsy… » thanks Juju – good to know your thoughts
March 18, 2014 at 1:58 am
I must admit that if a book is endorsed by an author I like, I am more apt to give it a read. There are several authors whose style I admire and I feel if they are endorsing a book as one they like, then I will enjoy it as well. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case, but I would still be more swayed to try a book endorsed by a beloved author than by readers or reviewers….(unless it’s you of course – wink! wink!)
March 18, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Amy » ha, Amy – you’re sweet to say that 😉 I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on this topic. Beloved authors are special, aren’t they?!
March 18, 2014 at 3:52 am
I think I come at this a little bit differently. I had a person who works with promoting books at a publisher say that bookstores looked more favorably on books endorsed by bigger-name authors, especially if part of the endorsement is used on the cover. To an author, this is key as that bookstore person helps get the product into the hands of the people. If you work in a bookstore, you do not have time to read every book, so an endorsement can give you something to use to sell that book to the readers coming into the store. As for what authors say, I trust Christian authors to only tell the truth when endorsing. I know I won’t endorse something I don’t feel I can honestly. I will say that I can find something I like in most books. In some, I may love the storytelling even if the wording is not my favorite. Some authors I want to savor every word as I consider them wordsmiths but I may not care for the stories. And so on. If you read the endorsements carefully, you should be able to learn a lot about the book and maybe even about the author. I am so thankful for the author endorsements I have been blessed to receive, as well as for the kind words from readers.
March 18, 2014 at 8:52 pm
Aaron » I appreciate your perspective, Aaron, especially as a writer, and with regard to book sellers. I imagine there must be lots of readers out there who buy books because a well known author endorses it otherwise publishers wouldn’t use them so often 😉
March 18, 2014 at 4:17 am
Unless it’s one of my favorite authors, the endorsements don’t really sway me. If an author mentions on a blog post or other informal setting about a book they enjoyed, I give that much more credence. I rely mostly on friend recommendations and ratings/reviews on goodreads.com
March 18, 2014 at 8:49 pm
Heidi » I agree with you, Heidi – thanks for sharing
March 18, 2014 at 8:46 am
I dont really read the endorsements but when I have seen your name and I have I am impressed as you wouldn’t endorse a book you dont like. I think one page is more than enough endorsements. I will admit I find it interesting when a Contemporary author endorses a Historical or suspense (especially when you know they don’t really read those genres amazing what you learn about authors on the web)
March 18, 2014 at 8:48 pm
ausjenny » Thanks for your kind words, Jenny 🙂 appreciate your thoughts, as always
March 18, 2014 at 8:50 am
The first time I saw a Christian novel by an unknown author endorsed by an author I liked, I bought the book. But when the next book came out from unknown author, it had the same endorsement. So did the next one. Now I don’t trust author endorsements, because I don’t know if it’s a genuine endorsement of this book, or just a blanket endorsement of the author.
I’ve also had times where I found the endorsed book wasn’t up to the standard I was led to believe, and that affected my subsequent opinion of the endorsing author.
Anon makes a good point though, in saying endorsements are useful to booksellers (although can’t they read the PW reviews?). But to me as a reader? No.
March 18, 2014 at 8:29 pm
Iola » thanks Iola. I’ve noticed the same endorsements on multiple books. In fact one of my endorsements has appeared in numerous books of the same author but fortunately that publishers always notes the title of the book I was reviewing.
Authors do need to protect their reputation and I’m afraid I’ve had the same experience as you.
March 18, 2014 at 9:00 am
Author endorsements carry absolutely no weight with me, but I’m probably in the minority with that view, Rel. I feel that they’re either carrying out a publisher’s request or else doing a favor for a friend. But I do pay attention to reviews from bloggers who I feel give their honest opinions, both pro and con. I also look for reviews that don’t focus on plot, but give a feel for the author’s style of writing, characterization, and how the book impacted them personally.
March 18, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Carole » I appreciate your comments, Carole, and yes, reviews that consist of rehashing the plot are terribly frustrating.
March 18, 2014 at 6:31 pm
I will look at a couple, but can’t be bothered about a stack of them. It looks too much like they need to persuade you to read the blessed book!
March 18, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Rita S Galieh » there is a bit of that feel to a huge long list, I agree, Rita. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
March 18, 2014 at 10:52 pm
Such an interesting Bookish Question of the Week, Rel! I read all the answers from the perspective of both a reader, a well as an author who has sought endorsements and been asked to give endorsements. I value the endorsements my books are given — and hope that each one is genuine. If someone doesn’t like my book for whatever reason, then I wouldn’t want them to write an endorsement — and I always couch the request in that way. When someone asks for an endorsement, I always let them know that I will read their manuscript with the “possibility” of an endorsement. I am not everyone’s reader — and my reputation is behind my endorsement. Sometimes the reason for not giving an endorsement might be as simple as the fact that I am on deadline and can’t read the entire book. Or their could be other reasons … and I am free to explain why — or not.
As a reader, when I am purchasing books, I do look at endorsements … and I also look at reviews (like yours), as well as considering word of mouth recommendations.
March 18, 2014 at 11:52 pm
Beth K. Vogt » Really appreciate your thoughts on this topic, Beth, as a writer seeking endorsements, providing them, and as a reader. It’s a complex matter for you!! I found your responses interesting and helpful 🙂
March 19, 2014 at 12:15 am
I don’t generally read the endorsements before I purchase a book. I will look at book reviews if I am unfamiliar with the author. I do read the endorsements after I buy the book. I read a book from cover to cover, including the library of congress classifications and the designers of the interior and exterior and the author photographer! 😉 I am a real book nerd.
March 20, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Beckie B. » I’m a cover to cover girl, too, Beckie! You are not alone in your book nerdiness ~ wear it with pride 😉
March 19, 2014 at 7:32 am
I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments. I buy books based on a couple of things…a review by someone I respect, like you Rel ( I don’t know how many books I’ve bought after reading your reviews, but a bunch lol, by word of mouth–someone I know recommends a book–and by going to Amazon and reading the first few pages. I know right away whether I will like the book or not. As an author, I’ve always been thrilled when someone agrees to endorse my book. I can float on air for a couple of days. 🙂
March 20, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Patricia Bradley » Oh, Pat, you are very, very kind to say that! Made my day – I do this thing called blogging for the purpose of connecting readers to books so it delights me that it has worked for you. Hugs xo
March 20, 2014 at 6:35 am
Great question, Rel! Thanks for letting us chime in.
I don’t believe I have ever been persuaded by any author endorsing another’s book. If I am looking at a new author, I will see how other reviewers and friends rate the book.
I think it is unnecessary (and maybe a bit of ego-stroking :O ) when an author puts an outrageous number of endorsements from other well-known authors on their books – wouldn’t just a couple of recognizable names in the industry/genre be sufficient. It almost makes me wonder if they do that because they’re unsure (or maybe insecure) about their book being able sell on its own merit. And I mean no offense on that last statement, because I know lots of blood, sweat, and tears go into writing a book – and I’m sure I would probably be the same way.
One other thought…I prefer to see endorsements on the back cover under the synopsis, rather than inside of a book. Just easier to access, IMO.
March 20, 2014 at 7:21 pm
Jenny » Great comments, Jenny – insightful as always 🙂 I wonder about the pages and pages of endorsements, too. A little overkill, IMO.
March 20, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Back again … I’ve just finished reviewing a book I didn’t enjoy – one that has Amazon endorsements from several best-selling Christian authors.
Author A: “A wild roller coaster ride!”. I thought it was slow – but not nearly as slow as Author A’s last book. *Thinks twice about ordering Author A’s new release*
Author B: “Erin Brockovich on steroids!”. The similarities to Erin Brockovich attracted me to the book, but it didn’t deliver.
Author C: “Reaches towards Grisham-greatness”. Reaching, but not even close to achieving. Or maybe that’s what the endorsement implies.
Author D: “”I was on the edge of my seat and read it in one gulp”. It took me more than a week, which is unusual and not a good sign.
I’ve read books by all four of these authors. Yes, they’re best-selling authors. But three of the four, something was missing for me. And it’s missing from the book I’ve just reviewed.
I’ve no doubt these endorsements are intended to encourage people to purchase this title. But it’s just given me a handy list of authors I’m not especially interested in reading, because we don’t have the same taste in fiction.
March 20, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Iola » We all have different tastes, don’t we, Iola? It makes me glad there is now so much variety in Christian fiction to cater for the many reading preferences out there. We couldn’t have said that 10 – 20 years ago, as you would know. For me, an endorsement of a book I didn’t particularly care for doesn’t make me doubt the endorser’s ability as a writer, if I enjoy their work, but it does make me think the endorsement may be due to a personal friendship or obligation. I understand that is part and parcel of being in a relatively intimate industry where most people have a connection with many others. That’s the reason author endorsements rarely, if at all, sway me to purchase a book but a PW or other independent endorsement will. I remember being very impressed with the endorsement on the front cover of Lisa McKay’s novel, My Hands Came Away Red from PW: “This is one of Christian fiction’s best novels of the year.” That most definitely grabbed my attention and they were right, too.
Interestingly, I received a bundle of books today from one of the major players in the Christian fiction industry and nearly all the endorsements in each of the books were from PW, RT Book Reviews, Library Journal, Christian Manifesto, etc but funnily enough, in one of them, there was a quote from one of my reviews – ha!
March 21, 2014 at 6:15 am
You’re right – I’m much more likely to be swayed by a complimentary review from PW or some other unbiased source.
With the author endorsements, it’s not that I doubt their abilities as a writer, more that if they write books similar to those they enjoy reading, will I enjoy the same kind of books they do?
March 24, 2014 at 9:19 am
Iola » Yep, totally understand that, Iola 🙂