Ask and Ye Shall Receive

As an author, one of the questions I’m asked most often is how did I get renowned poet and author Nikki Giovanni to endorse my book. My response is, “I just asked.”

I knew I wanted a well-respected, well-known name in the literary field and since Ms. Giovanni and I are members of the same sorority, I thought I would take a chance and ask her to not only read my manuscript—but to also give it her blessing. In return, she wrote a glowing review which is prominently placed on the back of my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age.

Was her endorsement the reason my book became a best seller on Amazon.com? I can’t say that for sure but it certainly added to prestige of being a first-time author.

So how does one go about getting a celebrity endorsement? Here are my tips:

Find a connection: As I mentioned, Ms. Giovanni and I are members of the same sorority. I made reference to that fact when I called and wrote her. Research your celebrity and find out what things you share in common and then make your appeal on an emotional level.

Send free samples of your product. My good friend, Jean Newell, invented a wearable organizer called The PUP. She sent one to Kelly Ripka from the Regis & Kelly Show and got a very nice response back along with Kelly’s picture. Kelly’s words are an endorsement. Jean also donated bags to the Montel Williams Show, which he turned around and gave to his studio audience—and gave a big plug to her on National TV.

Being in the right place: This is a lesson about always having your product with you. You never know who you might run into. For example, I was at a gas station in Virginia last year when I ran into Harvey Walden IV from TV’s Celebrity Fit Club. You know him. The tough, “I don’t take no mess!” Drill Sgt. He was pumping gas and I recognized him and took the opportunity to give him a copy of my book. He even asked me to sign it.

Just Ask: After you’ve searched and found no possible connection, just ASK. With social media being the way it is today, there are some celebrities who are really involved. When I met R&B Singer Natalie Cole and invited her to become a part of the baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame (now known as Boomer Diva Nation), I had no idea she would say OK but she did.

Find Celebrities Looking for Publicity: You’d be surprised at the number of celebrities who aren’t in the limelight anymore that would welcome the opportunity to get some positive exposure. Start with older actors/actresses who haven’t done much lately. Connect with them on MySpace/FaceBook, etc—establish a relationship and then JUST ASK.

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