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I think I had a titling problem. So I'm reposting my comment and question with a new topic heading:
Just read this article by Rebecca Johnson on getting published authors to blurb her book: http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2008/08/04/blurbs/index.html
Anyone have any experience with this? Seems like the Muse and Grub St are good places for networking, but I can't imagine being so forward with strangers.
And does anyone care about the blurbs? Anyone ever buy a book based on a good blurb by a favorite author?
Nathan Bransford just blogged about this yesterday. You can find his thoughts on book blurbs here: http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2008/08/referrals-and-blurbs-and-quotes-oh-my.html
For myself, I usually buy the book off of entertainment factor. If it happens that an author I enjoy has blurbed it, that solidifies my rationale for purchasing. But I'm usually the minority on my purchasing techniques anyway.
I have had great luck with writing to authors with whom I feel a link and striking up an online acquaintance. For my recent book proposal, I reached out for several early endorsements, which read just like book blurbs. One was from an editor I knew pretty well, one was from an author I knew only moderately well from online correspondence, and one was from a stranger. I was delighted to find they were willing to look at a synopsis (or in one case, a proposal) and write something up. I think many authors are flattered to be asked, and it also helps build their own name (assuming what they endorse is a good read)! Of course, this might not apply to some really, really, big names who must get asked many times every day!
Katherine
