With that kind of endorsement, I figured I ought to follow through. If blurb requests were a game, I would stop right now and revel in my perfect an untarnished record. But that's not how the blurb game works, so I know I'll be writing more requests in the near future.
Backing up, I should clarify something. Novel blurbs are those quotes, usually by someone famous, telling you why the book you're looking at (by someone you may not have heard of) is worth reading. Authors pursue these quotes to give their books a stamp of respectability. Even the best blurb may not sell a book by itself, but it may nudge someone who's on the fence, and it gives us authors something to talk about when we plug the book in social media, beyond just repeating, "You should read my book. Please read my book," over and over.
This is going to be a two-part post. Today I'll talk about the mechanics of writing the request. My next post will include the actual request, to serve as an example (and because it's funny, and I want to share it with people).
Here, in six deceptively difficult points, are things you should consider as you write your blurb request. They're not written in any particular order, but you should cover all of them.
1. Establish a connection
Give the author a way to relate to you. This might include mentioning times when you actually corresponded or met in person, or might be as simple as explaining you read and enjoyed their books. Let them know why you think of them as a good blurbing authority. (And no, never actually refer to them as a "blurbing authority." That just sounds wrong.)
2. Be clear about what you're requesting
Make sure you actually tell them what you want, i.e., a blurb. Believe it or not, I almost forgot this step in my first request. It's easy to get caught up writing to someone who's a bit of a celebrity, trying so hard to make a good impression that you leave out the thing you're asking for. Don't do that.
3. Be nice, considerate, understanding, obliging
This should be obvious. You're asking for a favor, and both of you know it. So it behooves you to show good manners at all times. Don't presume to send a copy of your book with the blurb request, wait for them to agree first, and then be sure to ask what format (print, digital - and which type of digital document) makes things easiest for them. They may also tell you that it's a three-month wait list for blurbs, and you will have to decide whether to accept or decline politely.
4. Offer them something
I'm not talking about a bribe here. Blurbs are supposed to be honest quotes, so you're not buying their endorsement. But there's plenty of room to put into your request something they can appreciate. This might go back to just telling them how much you've enjoyed their work, or how it relates in your life, but it could also mean including humor or a little creativity, for instance. There may be a delicate balance here, but I think if you can present something enjoyable to a busy author, it makes it easier for them to say yes to finding time for your request.
5. Speak to your audience
As a writer, you darn well better already know how to speak to a specific audience. With a book you're writing for a large audience, so the lines may be fuzzy, but with a blurb request you're speaking to one person, and this is an excellent opportunity to fine-tune your message to that person. Don't be bland and generic.
6. Offer your thanks
This should be obvious. It's included here because it's so important you don't want to forget it. Express your gratitude with each correspondence, too, not just the first one.
