Expert endorsements (blurbs and forewords) for a heritage e-book

Harvested 27 Oct 2026 (skills harvest). Scope: getting one or two credible endorsements from historians, archivists or place-name authors for a self-published heritage e-book. Drafts only; nothing goes out without the project lead's GO.

What the sources show (read 27 Oct 2026)

• Size of the effect, honestly: BookNet Canada consumer survey (2018): the single most important purchase influence was familiarity with the author 35.5%, then synopsis/sample 25.8%; author or celebrity endorsement was 3.1%. ALLi-published reader survey (3,974 responses, 2017): author known 68%, cover 53%, friend's recommendation 38%, description 36%, reviews 20%. => An endorsement is a credibility signal, not a main sales lever.
• Under-used by indies: IngramSpark blog (Sarah Bolme): an informal survey of independently published books found only 20% (1 in 5) carried an endorsement; endorsements are "a powerful no-cost" tactic. Endorsement = an influencer's statement of support; distinct from reader reviews.
• Barbara Linn Probst on janefriedman.com (3 novels' worth of asking, plus being asked):
• Who blurbs matters more than the words. Balance "aiming high" (clout, low odds) vs "aiming safe" (peers, low value).
• Her yeses came from requests that showed she'd read and understood their work and a book-related point of contact (common acquaintance, an event attended). Her nos came from generic letters ("Because of all the awards you've received...") - "a direct path to no".
• Email: clear subject line; genre and length (so they know the commitment); a short summary pasted below; link to site; the date you need it, allowing a few months; why them specifically and why it will resonate.
• Offer sample pages or synopsis and a print or PDF copy; don't attach the whole manuscript unasked.
• Expect "maybe"; "I can't get to it until April" is a better sign than "I'll have a look". One follow-up, two at most, then thank and let go. Thank in deeds (share their work), not only words.
• Penny Sansevieri (Author Marketing Experts) on janefriedman.com: build a hit list of people with a direct interest in the subject (alignment), check for conflicts (their own competing book) and mutual connections, study their work first; a foreword by a recognised expert is a stronger form for non-fiction. Start as soon as there is a near-final manuscript.

The method

1. List 8-12 aligned people whose own published work touches the subject (local historians, place-name scholars, archive/society officers who publish). Record their public role address (society, university, archive) and their relevant book/article.
2. Read one of their works and note one specific point the e-book connects to.
3. Draft the ask (<=200 words): subject "Endorsement request: