Most publishers will want to see three to five blurbs on your book jacket (also known as “advance acclaim”). Writers, perhaps wincing in advance at the spectre of more rejection, are often reluctant to ask for assistance, particularly when it involves self-promotion.
Here are some ideas about who might be more likely to be helpful and courteous:
* editors who have published your writing or a poem inside your current oeuvre;
* an author for whom you’ve done a favor recently or, at the least, who has shared some pleasant past history, e.g., being on the same panel, chatting with you after a reading, etc.;
* a former instructor who is well-published in the same field;
* an author who is either published by the same house or a mutual friend of a writer;
* an author who has written on the same subject;
* members of your critique group;
* writers’ associations that count you as a member.
Don’t fret if too many agree to do it. You can always select which blurbs go inside the book, on your website, and on press releases. When I received eight blurbs for my chapbook of erotic verses “Concupiscent Consumption” [Red Ferret Press, 2020], praise from notable poets went on the back cover, compliments from my editors were ushered inside. It may be worth mentioning that if someone does take the time to pen a cover quote, it’s rude not to use it.
What if the blurb sounds lame? Revise it and send it back for approval before using it. I’ve often done this and have yet to meet anyone who resents sounding more quotable on a book jacket.
Warming up the “ask”: remind the author that you are familiar with their writing and refresh the person’s memory about any shared connections or experiences, for example, you reviewed the writer’s first book. Also, explain why a quote from this person will be meaningful.
Be respectful of time constraints: give a brief description of what your book is about, include a sample, and indicate if you can provide your book via .pdf, hard copy, etc.
Be specific and professional: indicate what date you will need the comments by and mention that some of their credits can accompany this quote.
Afterward, always thank each person who made time to read and support your work with a quote. Offer to send a note along with a signed copy of your published book. (I always ask first if they would like my book; some will decline.)
Pay it forward by promoting their books on your social media channels, posting a review of their books on Amazon, GoodReads, etc. Be a good literary citizen by supporting other writers in their journey.
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