Introduction
It’s very easy to get someone to write the foreword to your book. The hard part is finding the best person for the job. You need someone with a proven track record, such as being a published author, or a successful person in your industry, or who has a large following on social media. In addition, they need to understand what a foreword is about, why a book has a foreword, and what role it plays in the success of their book. These are the basic steps to finding the right person to write the foreword for your book.
1. Make a list of names
This list should be a very easy task to accomplish. I’m sure you’ve come across all the “big names” while doing research for your book. Also, doing an Amazon search will help you find the names of the authors whose books are selling. And an Amazon search will help you find the authors of newly published books. Also check out their websites. Ideally, you want someone to write your foreword who has a large following on social media or substantial coverage in the press.
2. Start making contact
Find your email address on the Internet, usually at your website or work. If you can’t find your website, you can email your publisher directly. Many authors will give you their email address somewhere in their book. Making contact is a two-step process:
(1) Send them your first email with a compliment about a book of theirs that you have read and mentioned in your writing. Instead of that email though, you could try connecting with them on LinkedIn and congratulating them on their writing or book.
(2) Send them a second email in a few weeks asking them to write the foreword for your book.
3. Make it easy for them
Do this in three easy steps:
(1) In that second email, attach a PDF of the book.
(2) Make sure your book is highly polished. No typos, no misspellings, no errors. You should include a very professional looking book cover in your PDF. All this will help you look like a professional. Like someone they can trust and don’t mind attaching their name to.
(3) And finally, keep your request simple and short. Your request must be very honest and sincere. If there is any indication of dishonesty or insincerity in your application, they will never deal with you again.
4. Explain the benefits
(1) The main benefit you will get from writing your book’s foreword is exposure or publicity. Be sure to tell them that you will include their name on the cover of your book. Celebrities, industry “big shots” and “big name” authors are just as interested in publicity as the rest of us. We all want to attach our name to someone we think has a good chance of giving us that exposure.
(2) Explain to them that you value their opinion and that it is very important to you that you include their opinion in your book.
(3) A PDF of your book will show them how well designed and professional looking your book cover is, plus see how well written your book is, plus read the great testimonials you’ve already received for your book. Also, your website, blog, and LinkedIn page should look amazing. Your website and blog should have great content and look very professional. All of this will show that you are serious about your topic.
5.Follow up
Wait about a week. Send them a third email asking if they received your last email asking them to consider writing the foreword for your book. Tell them that if they have any questions or need more information about you or your book, please send an email anytime. Keep it short and simple. If they’re really interested, they’ll usually let you know within a week. If not, move on to the next option on your list.
conclusion
Asking someone to write your foreword is a simple process. Be nice to them, show them you’re serious about their topic, and then ask them. But remember, you must first have everything complete and in good order. And never forget that you need them more than they need you, so don’t be a bother and don’t sound desperate. The worst that can happen is that they say no.
