Introduction
A great way to add credibility to your book is with testimonials. Nothing helps give your book more credibility than a positive quote from a prominent figure or person who is knowledgeable in the field of your book’s topic. Credibility is essential for your professional success and for the sale of your books.
Here are eleven sources for finding free testimonials that you can use in your book, on your website, and in your marketing materials:
1. Teachers, professors, educators: Think of some of your favorite educators you had in school, especially those who taught a subject similar to the one in your book. Be sure to also consider educators with impressive titles such as “Dean” and “President” and so on. Many of the members of this group will have published as well, so make sure the title of your most famous, most successful, or most recent book is attached to their name.
2. Authors, bloggers: If you’ve already written your nonfiction book, you already know who these people are. Email your editor or on their blog and kindly ask for a testimonial.
3. Industry insiders: It can be difficult to get testimonials from the bigwigs in your industry, but you should give it a try anyway. These will be much easier to come by if you are actively involved in your industry. But anyone else in your industry who has good achievements, or many years on the job, or who has written a book, will be just as good for you.
4. Leaders of professional organizations: For national leaders, this may also be difficult to come by because they will fear that by giving you a testimony it will appear that your organization is endorsing you and your book. But getting this kind of testimonial will be like hitting the jackpot. It will be much easier to get a quote from local professional organization leaders.
5. Local celebrities: This group is worth following. Small local celebrities, such as those on the local television news, or successful business owners, newspaper reporters, and anyone with a fancy title. The biggest celebrities who regularly appear on national television shows can be very hard to come by.
6. Suppliers, manufacturers: Talk to some of the vendors or manufacturers that you and your business deal with. The best testimonials will be from anyone from these companies with a professional degree. But don’t forget that the ones without a fancy degree can be good too, especially if they have direct knowledge of you and your work.
7. Charities: Any charity or religious organization you belong to, especially if you are actively involved in the group. Again, try to get someone with a title.
8. Government officials: Nationally, these can also be very difficult for the average person to come by. Try the local first.
9. Social networks: Social media quotes can be great, especially if you want to get a lot of testimonials. Strive for quotes from those who have a large following and who have also written a book.
10. Current customers: These may be some of your most powerful testimonials and they should be very easy to obtain.
11. Friends, family: Yes, even these can be good, especially from those who don’t have the same last name as yours. It is imperative that they write an honest testimonial about you and your book, using their own words.
conclusion
Make sure you get a variety of quotes from different professions and different industries, as well as some from regular readers that are not necessarily on this list. The testimonials from those with big, fancy titles are certainly impressive and can help you sell more books. But testimonials from those who don’t have those fancy titles can also help you sell more books, as well as build a larger number of devoted followers. A variety of voices and opinions is key to building and maintaining your credibility.
