11 Testimonial Sources for Non-fiction Authors

The Business of Self-Publishing

Updated September 7, 2023 Subtitle Testimonials from a wide variety of people are a great way to bring credibility, exposure, and higher book sales Synopsis Testimonials from various people are a great way to bring credibility, exposure, and higher sales for your book. Here are eleven sources to find free testimonials that you can use to help promote your book through your website and marketing materials. What You Will Learn 1. You will learn where to get free and powerful testimonials for your book. 2. You will learn about the power of a testimonial to bring credibility, exposure, and higher sales. 3. You will learn why various testimonials from many different types of people will significantly enhance your credibility and book sales. Introduction Testimonials are a great way to bring credibility, exposure, and higher sales for your book. Nothing helps to give your book greater and faster attention than a positive quote from a prominent figure or celebrity knowledgeable in your book’s subject matter. But regular people can also be a great source of honest, credible, and powerful testimonials. Using a variety of testimonials from many different types of people, celebrities, and non-celebrities in various professions and industries will significantly enhance your credibility and book sales. Here are eleven sources to find free testimonials you can use to help promote your book through your website and marketing materials: Source # 1. Teachers, professors, educators: Think about some of your favorite educators in school, especially the ones that taught a subject like your book does. Ensure you also consider the educators with impressive titles, like “Dean” and “Chairman.” Many in this group will also have been published, so make sure that their most famous, most successful, or most recent book title is attached to their name. Source # 2. Authors and bloggers: If you have already written your non-fiction book, you will know who these people are. Email them at their publisher or blog and ask for a testimonial. Source # 3. Industry insiders: Prominent people within your industry can be challenging to get testimonials from, but you should try anyway. These will be much easier to get if you are socially active within your industry. But anyone else within your industry who has exemplary accomplishments, many years on the job, or authored a book will be just as suitable for your needs. Source # 4. Professional organization leaders: This one might also be difficult to get for national leaders because they will be afraid that by giving you a testimonial, it will look like their organization is endorsing you and your book. But getting this type of testimonial will be like hitting the jackpot. Professional organization leaders on the local level will be much easier to get a quote from. Source # 5. Local celebrities: This group is worth pursuing. Some obvious choices would be minor local celebrities such as those on local TV news, successful business owners, newspaper reporters, and anyone with a fancy title. More prominent stars that appear regularly on national TV shows can be complicated to approach, and sometimes want to get paid for their testimonial. Never pay for a testimonial. Source # 6. Suppliers, manufacturers: Talk to some suppliers or manufacturers you and your company deal with. The best testimonials will be from anyone at these companies with a professional title. But don’t forget, those without a fancy title can also be good, especially if they have direct knowledge of you and your work. Source # 7. Charitable organizations: Any charity or religious organization you belong to, especially if you are actively involved with the group, is a good source of testimonials. Again, try to get someone with a title or impressive credentials. Source # 8. Government officials: On a national level, these can also be difficult for the average non-fiction author. Again,