Do I need endorsements at the proposal stage?

Bumping this - I'd like to see the answer, too.

If you are not a public figure or established authority, endorsements will certainly help

What are you writing? narrative or practical nonfiction?

If you have some "names" in your life who'd be willing to endorse your manuscript, go for it--and if the manuscript isn't written but you have people who'd put in a good word for you (people whose names the agent or publisher would recognzie, they can only help your proposal. If you're a freelancer and have worked for some big-name pubs, list those. They'll help, too. Good luck!

I will share how this worked for me:

My agent asked me to ask people in my field to write a short testimonial about me and the book concept (not necessarily the manuscript). I sent the first two chapters to folks that I respected who I thought probably respected me, too. What they were really doing was vouching for my credibility since the book hadn't been written yet. Most of the people said yes, about half met the deadline (so, of course, I extended the deadline) and then I was able to post their comments on my website and in the version of the proposal that went to publishers. These weren't famous people. They were professionals and parents who knew of my work. One of those people (from the most notable organization among the group) also agreed to write a book jacket blurb upon publication.

I have a testimonials page on my website with three sections: about the book, about me, and about my workshops. I do that so it's easier for the reader to digest the information.

I think once people become a fan of your idea, they will want to support you - at least that's been my experience.

good luck

In my experience, when it comes to works of nonfiction, endorsements, testimonials--whatever you want to call them--are crucial and need to be a part of a query letter, synopsis, or proposal. That is, unless the writer himself is a recognized expert in the field (even then, endorsements from other experts helps a lot). I suggest you get such endorsements before submitting to an agent. They will look for them, and if not there the best you can hope for if their asking you for same. At that point you are on defense and under the gun.

They were professionals and parents who knew of my work

What they were really doing was vouching for my credibility since the book hadn't been written yet. Most of the people said yes, about half met the deadline (so, of course, I extended the deadline) and then I was able to post their comments on my website and in the version of the proposal that went to publishers. These weren't famous people. They were professionals and parents who knew of my work.

rab,

Whatever the subject of any nonfiction book, I think it's a big mistake, and frankly unprofessional, to include the comments of parents and laypeople in a proposal. The same holds true for professionals unless they are in some way credentialed in your subject area. Better to say nothing than think agents or publishers will be impressed. If you quote comments or their like they should be from credentialed people in the field you are writing about--in your case, cultural history. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's my firm belief.

Scope, I'm pretty sure rab123 is just a spambot. We banned him. Thanks for your excellent advice, though.

Lauri B,

Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated. Color me foolish.

escritora said:

What are you writing? narrative or practical nonfiction?

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How would the approach differ between the two types?

For practical nonfiction, I would provide endorsements if I had them. I wouldn't go crazy searching, tho. Especially if the book isn't completely written. How can someone endorse a book she hasn't read? That said, I'm known as an expert in my field and understand that my qualifications stand on their own. Others may not have that luxary and seeking endorsements to provide the editor is probably in their best interest. That said, I wouldn't let the lack of endorsements stall my efforts to get published. I would move ahead without them.

Narrative nonfiction on the other hand, one doesn't have to be an expert on the given topic so the endorsements are not a big deal, IMO. Of course an endorsement from a big name wouldn't hurt, but as far as the OP's question regarding whether an editor wants to see endorsements before going to contract, I wouldn't sweat it.

Hmmm...I don't know if I'm answering your question. So I'll try again: for practical nonfiction I would probably seek endorsements if I weren't an expert, but the lack of endorsements wouldn't put a frown on my face. And for narrative I probably wouldn't seek endorsements.

You answered it just fine. And that's just how I thought it to be, primarily pertaining to narrative non-fic.

escritora said:

For practical nonfiction, I would provide endorsements if I had them. I wouldn't go crazy searching, tho. Especially if the book isn't completely written. How can someone endorse a book she hasn't read?

I believe that one should go crazy searching for endorsements and such for a work of nonfiction. Agents and publishers want to know that what a writer says is authenticated by a credentialed expert(s) and that the respected individual (ideally a "known name") backs your work to the point of lending his name to it. Agents and publishers are not going to vet a nonfiction book for authentication of the facts presented. It's not their fundamental job, it's ours as writers.

You interest an expert and get him involved by first discussing your fantastic idea and later on presenting a proposal and sample chapters. You go from there.

That said, I'm known as an expert in my field and understand that my qualifications stand on their own. Others may not have that luxary and seeking endorsements to provide the editor is probably in their best interest. That said, I wouldn't let the lack of endorsements stall my efforts to get published. I would move ahead without them.

I certainly don't doubt that you are an expert in your field, but that's not really the point. Are you a well know expert who the agent and publisher will relish?
And even if you are, getting other experts involved can only help you. As for the non-expert, moving ahead without endorsements, authentication and such, is IMO initially okay, but at some point prior to or after completing the work it's crucial to get an expert involved.

Narrative nonfiction on the other hand, one doesn't have to be an expert on the given topic so the endorsements are not a big deal, IMO.

Why not, it's still nonfiction?

Of course an endorsement from a big name wouldn't hurt, but as far as the OP's question regarding whether an editor wants to see endorsements before going to contract, I wouldn't sweat it.

Me, lI would sweat it, for the same reasons I mention above.

Hmmm...I don't know if I'm answering your question. So I'll try again: for practical nonfiction I would probably seek endorsements if I weren't an expert, but the lack of endorsements wouldn't put a frown on my face. And for narrative I probably wouldn't seek endorsements.

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Again, why not for narrative nonfiction? It's not fiction. Narrative or practical, it still has to be 100% accurate.

I certainly don't doubt that you are an expert in your field, but that's not really the point. Are you a well know expert who the agent and publisher will relish?

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Yes. That's how I landed my first book. I was sought for my expertise. Meaning, the publishing world came knocking on my door.

And even if you are, getting other experts involved can only help you.

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After I wrote my first book, I approached other experts in the field, asked them to read the book, and provide a blurb. Since I'm an expert, all I had to do was pick up the phone and ask. However, I only did so when my book was finished.

As an expert in my field, I don't like nor do I appreciate it when another expert or writer asks for my endorsement with only a proposal and a few chapters. Other experts may have a different process on how they handle such requests. I'm simply sharing mine.

All that said, I didn't need the endorsements before or after because the publisher came to me. I'm just taking the time to clarify my experience. At the same time, I realize my situation is unique to most.

So yes, for other experts who publishers don't "relish" over, endorsements are a good way to stand out. But if I were them (the experts), I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about endorsements if no one agrees to provide one.

As for the non-expert, moving ahead without endorsements, authentication and such, is IMO initially okay, but at some point prior to or after completing the work it's crucial to get an expert involved.

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I'm not knocking endorsements. I'm simply stating that I wouldn't let the lack of endorsements stop my quest for publication.

You interest an expert and get him involved by first discussing your fantastic idea and later on presenting a proposal and sample chapters. You go from there.

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Again, I'm just sharing my experience as an expert: please don't come to me with your fantastic ideas and sample chapters (unless I know you). Reach out to me when the book is finished.

Again, why not for narrative nonfiction? It's not fiction. Narrative or practical, it still has to be 100% accurate.

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Because getting a narrative nonfiction book published isn't heavily dependent on experts or platforms. The book stands on its literary merit - just as fiction.

Bottomline for me: endorsements good. can't get them. move ahead anyway.

Again, I'm just sharing my experience as an expert: please don't come to me with your fantastic ideas and sample chapters (unless I know you). Reach out to me when the book is finished.

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For those seeking endorsements in the proposal stage. Please don't let the above statement discourage you. Every person is different. I was just sharing my thoughts with Scope.

What if you are an "expert" in your field and have some really good testimonials on your website? Ones that are explicit about your expertise and their opinion of it. Could you send those testimonials, as a form of endorsement, to the publisher with the proposal, or following an expression of interest? Would you need their approval?

escritora,

Thanks for the clarification. I agree with a lot of what you said, but not all. However, there's no point in beating this to death. We've each stated our viewpoints and other interested parties will judge and do as they wish.

Just one point about narrative nonfiction. Since I view narrative nonfiction as the inclusion of facts within a story format, I agree that the story line is imperative. However, I also think that the facts must be 100% accurate and authenticated. Of course this is particularly true if one is not a recognized expert in the area under discussion. For example, let's say that within a narrative nonfiction book there's a discussion (or whatever) about how one or all of our five senses work with our brain. Well, there's only one correct way, whether we state it in narrative form or "how-to" form (practical nonfiction). Therefore, given either format, don't we have to be just as vigilant about the info we put forth? Don't we have to be absolutely positive that what we say is correct? Again, in this example, assuming the writer is not a recognized expert in area.

For example, let's say that within a narrative nonfiction book there's a discussion (or whatever) about how one or all of our five senses work with our brain. Well, there's only one correct way, whether we state it in narrative form or "how-to" form (practical nonfiction).

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That type of book isn't considered narrative nonfiction.

Narrative form and a narrative nonfiction book are not the same. A narrative nonfiction book is one where a true story is told in a novel form.

Therefore, given either format, don't we have to be just as vigilant about the info we put forth? Don't we have to be absolutely positive that what we say is correct? Again, in this example, assuming the writer is not a recognized expert in area.

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A general nonfiction book whether written in a how-to or narrative style should be vigilant about the info. I'm not sure why you brought this up as a talking point since I didn't make a statement to the contrary.

So in the end it seems that the definition of a narrative nonfiction book is what caused the conflicting points of view.

What if you are an "expert" in your field and have some really good testimonials on your website? Ones that are explicit about your expertise and their opinion of it. Could you send those testimonials, as a form of endorsement, to the publisher with the proposal, or following an expression of interest?

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I think it's fine to send the testimonials as long as it is clear that the endorsements are for your expertise and not the book.

Would you need their approval?

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I would ask for approval.

Thanks Escritora.

"Narrative form and a narrative nonfiction book are not the same. A narrative nonfiction book is one where a true story is told in a novel form."

Call me confused. Are you saying that within a narrative nonfiction book it's not important that "facts" stated are correct, only that they be appropriate for the story being told? If so, are you saying that it's okay to have factual errors in a narrative nonfiction book since the story is true. If so, does author bear any responsibility to point out the inaccuracies, no matter how s/he does so?

Scope, this discussion started because I said that I wouldn't get an endorsement for a narrative nonfiction book. My original thought and your conclusion - that I'm suggesting that inaccurate facts are acceptable - don't mesh.

ETA: The intention of the quote you italicized was meant to clarify that the brain book example you used isn't narrative nonfiction. That's all. I made no claims beyond that.