What a great question, Karen! To answer you, I put myself in the shoes of someone who might be interviewed for and quoted in a book, and how I might respond to a subsequent request for a blurb. If the author followed up and asked for a blurb, too, I’d decline, saying it feels like an either/or situation — either I’m quoted, or I provide a blurb. Otherwise, it feels like double-dipping. That’s just me — other people see these things differently — but I would err on the side of caution and not ask them rather than risk looking like you’re asking for too much. I hope that helps — and I wonder how others would handle this situation.

Sandy

I absolutely agree, Marcia. Someone asked me to blurb a book and sent the first chapter. No thanks. In theory, you’re being asked to endorse the book because of your reputation, so why risk it?

Sandy

I hope it helps, Janet.

Sandy

Janet S. Kleinman

Author of: Goodbye Russia, Hello America

First, Sonia, don’t limit your requests to people you know. I’ve gotten blurbs from total strangers who had the right connection to my topic so they were happy to oblige. Many are flattered to be asked.

And no, it’s not too late to use those endorsements. You want to get their permission first, though, and share with them exactly the feedback text or excerpt from their message that you’d like to use and the name and title you’ll use for attribution.

THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BE FAMOUS.

Thanks for asking!

Sandy

My greatest difficulty in getting blurbs is the lack of connections–but that will change for the next book. I am working on it daily!

The only expert I knew when I published my first book did not respond to my emails. Do I get to eat the cookies 2 years later?

I have, however, received positive feedback from therapists who have read my book and a professor of domestic violence counseling. Are these appropriate, even though these people aren’t famous? Is it too late to add them to my (back) cover? Thanks!