I was recently working with a lovely first-time author who was filled with excitement and enthusiasm when it came to promoting her book. It was well written, her message was clear, and she was doing all the right things that we all know to do (or should), including building her platform, creating a media kit, keeping social media current, and getting her book covered.
Then one day she emailed me, absolutely thrilled. “I already have five reviews! I’m so excited!”
When I asked where they were from, she replied, “My editor, my sister, and three of my friends from my book club.”
Deep breath.
I picked up the phone.
“Emily,” I said gently, “those aren’t quite what your publisher means when they ask for endorsements or blurbs.
A pause.
“…Wait,” she said. “Is there a difference?”
Oh yes. And it’s a big one.
Here’s the simple way to think about it:
Blurbs or endorsements are those glowing quotes you see on the front or back of a book, which are often from a well-known author, expert, or celebrity. You ask for them before the book comes out, and they’re meant to lend credibility and excitement. The idea is to tap into that halo effect. People see a well-known expert endorsing your book and that may be the very thing that gets them to buy it.
Reviews or testimonials, on the other hand, are what you get after your book is released. They’re from readers, book bloggers, trade publications, or places like Amazon and Goodreads. They build buzz, social proof, and long-term momentum.
Emily wasn’t alone. I’ve seen many smart, savvy authors blur the line between them.
So, let’s make it easy:
- You ask for endorsements.
- You use them as blurbs.
- And you earn your reviews.
All three matter. All three play a role in your publicity.
Bottom line
Blurbs and endorsements are typically short, pre-publication praise from notable individuals to build anticipation, while reviews are post-publication assessments, both positive and negative, that help readers decide if they want to read your book.
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. Curious how to land the right blurbs (even if you’re not “well connected”)? We’re covering that and plenty more in the next upcoming Publicity Master Course. If you want to know how to promote your book, join me here.
P.P.S. Right place, wrong time!
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