Asking for and Delivering Endorsements

An open book against an orange background.

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

The word ‘blurb,’ which is what publishers used to mean ‘endorsement’ has gradually changed in meaning to ‘book description,’ so I’ll use ‘endorsement’ to be clearer.  Regardless what you call it, endorsements have been a source of chagrin for authors for ages.  It’s tough asking for them and it can be tough to deliver them.  But the general feeling is that they’re good for visibility.  Do they help?  Who knows? They definitely don’t seem to hurt.

I’ve written endorsements for a long while.  I learned not to feel awkward about them when a  bestseller in my genre told me in an email that she felt terribly inept blurbing and that she never really knew what to say. That’s when I knew that everyone has that feeling.Continue reading

Accidental Spoilers

A senior man covers his face with one hand, looking worried.

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I have a quick, cautionary tale for you today.

I released book nine in the Southern Quilting series in late-April.  I consider the series to be one that can be read out of order with no problem…there’s really no continuing story arc for the main story, since each mystery is wrapped up at the close of every book.

But there are subplots that arc for this series.   As usual, I tend to think that nothing is more important than the mystery.  That’s been a stance that I’ve had to reconsider through many years and many editors, but my first instinct always concerns the mystery.

Another note: I always write my book description before I write the book.  In fact, I write it months before I write the book…when I have my cover designer create the cover.  I’m focusing so hard on the wording that maybe I have tunnel vision.Continue reading

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