Have you ever chatted with a friend and listened to them tell you how much they loved the last book they read? Without realizing it, they were giving you a testimonial.
If you’ve been in the world of books for any period of time, you likely understand the importance of word-of-mouth marketing.
Testimonials are one of the best ways to market your book. Yes, you can pay for ads, you can build your newsletter, and you can promote your book in numerous ways—all of which are important.
However, testimonials are one of the most natural ways to spread the word about your latest release. In fact, testimonials are a free form of marketing. If you want to get your book into as many readers’ hands as possible, it’s crucial to discuss testimonials, why they matter, and why they can help.
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What Is A Testimonial?
A testimonial, otherwise known as a blurb or endorsement, and acts as a stamp of approval from another credible reader. For instance, before releasing your book you will want to create a launch team. As your release day draws near you will likely ask your readers to write up a review for your book.
Once your book goes live, or in some cases, prior to your book going live, your launch team will post the reviews of your book. Reviews help potential readers understand what other readers love about your book and why they should read it.
Testimonials are often written by credible sources and act as a formal statement endorsing your book.
If you worked with a writing coach, have a connection to a bestselling author, or have other connections in the writing industry, you will want to reach out to them and request a testimonial. Their approval helps bring additional credibility to your book.
Why Do Testimonials Matter For Writers?
Consider this scenario: You want to grow in your understanding of different writing techniques and are looking for a new book on the topic. You’ve read all the famous books written by bestselling authors and are looking to broaden your horizons with some lesser-known works.
You scroll through Amazon and come across a favorable title. You click on it and see that it has a five-star rating. You scroll down to reviews and see that two people have written a few sentences on why they liked the book.
Continuing your search, you discover another book written by an author you’ve never heard of before. The front cover reveals a famous author has endorsed it.
“Wow,” you think to yourself. “I loved this author’s book on writing. I should purchase this book if they put their testimonial on the front cover!” You click Buy Now and boom, the author just made another sale.
This is one reason why testimonials matter for writers.
Testimonials And Why They Help
Below is a list of real testimonials and why they help these books. Notice the length of each testimonial, the genre it is written for, and the name attached it to.
#1 – Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White
Did you also grow up with this beloved title? Eudora Welty’s review foreshadows the success this book would see.
Welty said, “What the book is about is friendship on earth, affection and protection, adventure and miracle, life and death, trust and treachery, pleasure and pain, and the passing of time. As a piece of work it is just about perfect, and just about magical in the way it is done.”
This testimonial shows the power this book has to reach not just the audience it was written to, but adults as well.
#2 – Where The Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens
The New York Times Book Review describes this novel as “Painfully beautiful… At once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative, and a celebration of nature.”
If you resonate with one of the following, you are bound to enjoy this book:
This review broadens the target audience, and of course, a review by the Times is a big help as well!
#3 – The Boys In The Boat, Daniel James Brown
“Breathtaking” is what The Seattle Times has to say. Simple, concise, and makes you want to crack into the book to see what they mean. If one word is enough to sum up an entire novel, that speaks.
#4 – Tales and Stories for Black Folks, Toni Cade Bambara
Toni Morrison had only published one book when she wrote a testimonial for Bambara. Her testimonial read: “It is a most remarkable collection. Joy aches and pain chuckles in these pages, and the entire book leaves you with the impression of silk—which is so nice because it was made by a living thing that had something on its mind, its survival no doubt.”
This review has likely grown in its credibility as Morrison’s career has. But even at the start of her writing, Morrison’s beautiful review makes you want to add this title to your to-read-next list.
#5 – The Body Keeps The Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
“A masterpiece that combines the boundless curiosity of the scientist, the erudition of the scholar, and the passion of the truth teller.” Judith Herman, M.D.
Not everyone wants to read a book written by a medical doctor, but add the words “curiosity” and “passion” and this book feels much more attainable.
#6 – American Sniper, Chris Kyle (with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice)
“Jaw-dropping… Undeniably riveting.” Chicago Sun-Times’ testimonial of this story makes you think you’ll be reading fiction…but believe it or not, it’s nonfiction.
#7 – Beloved, Toni Morrison
A spellbinding read, Morrison’s book earned the testimonial of none other than Margaret Atwood. Her 1987 review said: “‘Beloved’ is Toni Morrison’s fifth novel, and another triumph. Indeed, Morrison’s versatility and technical and emotional range appear to know no bounds. If there were any doubts about her stature as a pre-eminent American novelist, of her own or any other generation, ‘Beloved’ will put them to rest. In three words or less, it’s a hair-raiser.”
When writers help writers, it’s a beautiful thing. Now both well-known giants of literature, Atwood’s review of Morrison’s book is insightful, thoughtful, and concise. If the woman who published The Handmaid’s Tale two years previously has this to say, it makes me want to read it.
#8 – Book Proposals That Sell, W. Terry Whalin
“Following Terry’s advice will give you the edge you need to create a slam dunk proposal!” Michael S. Hyatt.
Whalin’s book is a step-by-step masterpiece, and Hyatt’s testimonial gives any additional credibility you need to make this oh-so-worth-it purchase.
#9 – I’m Possible, Jeremy Cowart
“The world is a better place because ofJeremy and his work. Once you read this book, you’ll understand why.” Chip Gaines
If you wonder why you should read the memoir of a photographer, Gaines’ review is why. Curious how one man can make the world a better place? I would be too…if I hadn’t already read the book!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to established authors, professionals, doctors, or anyone else who could add a level of credibility to your work. You’ll likely be surprised who willing people are to help!
