“Cultivating Generosity & Investing in Passion”
Dear writer, I hope you had a fantastic week and took a stab at exploring the world of marketing! Because here’s the thing: it’s never too early to start cultivating relationships that strengthen your connection to your readers. Over the next few weeks, we’ll examine different aspects of the marketing process and key points you may want to consider as you begin cultivating those relationships. This week, we’re going to take a look at book endorsements and reviews.
Whether you have books in print—or waiting in the wings—book endorsements and reviews are something you will want to begin considering now. There is nothing like well-timed words from voices of authority and from enthusiastic readers to help curious would-be readers understand the value and heart of your message.
But before we jump in, let’s take a look at others who’ve known the value of timely endorsements that opened doors.
Endorsements in History
William Pitt the Younger is an excellent example of a man who methodically built connections and endorsements in order to bring about a lasting change in his nation. Pitt was one of the youngest men to be appointed Prime Minister in British history. Though the King of England offered to appoint him three times previously, Pitt wisely declined the earlier offers, recognizing that without first gaining the support of the British House of Commons, a position as Prime Minister would be fruitless. Pitt’s patient and strategic work to pave the way for influence through relationships allowed him to bring the much needed reform to Britain and important wartime intervention that changed the course of the nation.
In the same way, writer, the process of seeking endorsements and reviews is much like Pitt’s work. It takes proactive, patient, persistence in cultivating connections with readers and even other authors. Because here’s the thing. All of marketing is like a garden. When we begin planting seeds now, it will serve us and others well in the future.
Endorsements in the Bible
Joseph is another great example of a man who cultivated relationships and boldly asked for the endorsement of others. While in prison, Joseph served his fellow prisoners with excellence. When Pharaoh’s head butler and baker were thrown in prison, Joseph’s personal interest in them established a connection with both men, so that they readily entrusted Joseph with their dreams. When Joseph saw that the head butler would be restored to his original position, he boldly asked the butler for his “endorsement” to Pharaoh for Josephs own release. Though it took two years, the butler’s endorsement not only freed Joseph, but gave him an audience with Pharaoh, himself. All because Joseph took the time to connect and had the courage to ask.
Here’s the thing writer. Sometimes, seeking reviews and endorsements can seem a little desperate, like Joseph’s plea to the butler. But like Joseph, the gift you carry is from God. Joseph kept his God-given dream in mind and was prepared when opportunity came. It’s often the same for us. Regardless of where we are, we should take the initiative to grow connections and to recognize and boldly seize the opportunities God presents us. After all, though it seemed self-serving, Joseph’s bold request led to the saving of thousands of lives. In the same way, you never know how investing in relationships and boldly asking may open surprising doors for God to move through you.
Endorsements in Life
I experienced the power of endorsement when I participated in a weekend competition that voted for the top five business startup ideas of the participants, who then attempted to launch their business before the weekend was over. For the voting, everyone had five dollars to “invest” in the startups they thought were best. I immediately put one dollar each into my favorite three startups. As I debated what to do with my last two dollars, two men approached me.
“Are you going to invest in your own startup?” one asked.
My eyes got wide. “Isn’t that cheating?” I asked.
The man smiled a little and said, “No. Why should I invest in your idea if you won’t?”
I stared. It seemed so self-serving. But it also made sense. So I took a deep breath and put my dollars in my own envelope. So did the man and his friend. To my surprise, my startup made the top five! And I was launched into two days of exhilarating production to try and get it started, a process that God ultimately used to launch me into what would become a lifelong career of leadership and public speaking.
Here’s the thing, writer. Before you can ask others for endorsements, you have to believe in gift God has given you and in His heart and intentions to bless others through it.
Endorsements in Your Life
Asking for reviews and endorsements can feel awkward. It feels like fishing for compliments! But when we build relationships, people are often excited to have an opportunity to share their experience with others, because here’s the thing. Asking for endorsements isn’t actually about you. It’s about the story God has given you and the people He means to reach. Asking for endorsements is asking others to join you on the journey. Because here’s the thing…
The most powerful way we grow is through community and through learning from one another. I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read and new experiences I’ve tried based on the recommendations, “endorsements,” and invitations of friends, family, and people I admire. And here’s the thing interesting thing. This principle applies to all areas of life. Not just to our writing. Let’s take a look…
- Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9,12
- Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. – Proverbs 27:9
- A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1
- Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. – Proverbs 27:2
- A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. – Proverbs 18:16
You’ll notice from these verses, writer, that our reputation has everything to do with our relationships. When we take the time to invest in others—when we are generous—doors open up to give the gift we’ve been given.
Where to Start with Endorsements
So are you ready to get started? Here are some things to consider:
- Build Relationships. As you begin cultivating endorsements, it’s truly all about relationship! Readers who share the most enthusiastically are often those who have developed a connection to you. Also, consider whether or not you know anyone of in your target market who might be willing to read and endorse your work. Don’t be afraid to ask! Boldly take every opportunity you can to build a real relationship. It may surprise you to find what doors open.
- Leave Reviews for Others. One good way to cultivate relationships is to read the works of others in your field and to review and endorse their work. Share about them on your blog or newsletter or on social media. Consider inviting them, as it suits, to be guest in your media channels (if you have them!). Nearly everyone appreciates opportunities to have their work shared, directly or indirectly. And taking the time to rave about someone else’s work that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed can sometimes be the start of a beautiful relationship.
- Consider Giving Pre-release Copies. Often those who are already excitedly anticipating your book would love both the opportunity to read early as well as the chance to share about it! Prayerfully consider who might thoroughly enjoy being part of your “release” team by reading and reviewing an early copy of your book!
- Start Early. But Don’t Rush. Remember you are giving a gift and building relationships that invite others into the process of what the Lord is doing. This perspective shifts YOU out of a desperate mindset into one of abundance and generosity, not only seeing what you have to give through your story but also helping you recognize moments in which you can make significant investments in others.
You see, writer, the process of gaining endorsements is all about growing influence and using that influence. And the best way to grow and use influence is to begin investing it in others. God has gifted so many with stories that need to be heard, and often the answers to our own needs come as we begin to seriously invest in meeting the needs of others. The best endorsements are simply a byproduct of a beautiful and robust system of relationships that amplify the glory of God.
Because here’s the thing. While we may not, can’t, and probably shouldn’t invest in a deep intimate relationship with every reader and peer in our genre, it is important to recognize those who are engaging with a particular passion—whether with your story directly or in sharing their own God-given stories with others—and to help cultivate that gift. Because, here’s the final thing…
If you think back, likely your own start in writing came through or was greatly influenced by a person who recognized and invested in the passion and gift they saw in you. Part of the world of marketing and endorsements is simply being bold enough to realize you now have something of value to share and can make that same investment in others. Just like I learned at the startup contest. Just like Joseph as he interpreted dreams. Just like William Pitt as he first supported others in their seats of power before accepting the King’s appointment for himself.
So in conclusion, writer…if you are preparing to market your book, you will want endorsements and reviews. There is no question about it. But I encourage you, as you prepare to dive into the world of marketing, begin investing in those the Lord places in your path. Both readers and fellow writers. Both those who may seem insignificant and those who seem far above you. Ask the Lord to highlight individuals and guide you, remembering that it’s about Him and the gift He’s ready to give through you. As you do, you have no idea what beautiful relationships will unfold and what countless lives will be touched as those relationships bloom.
#relationships #endorsements #boldness #generosity #investment #EveryWriterWriting
