Praise quotes, celebrity endorsements, whatever you want to call them. In a recent study, it was found that these things are the LAST reason kids will buy a book. So why are they so important to us as writers? I don't have any yet. I'm okay with that. My novel is a long way out and I've only sent it to one (very busy) writer thus far, and two others have offered to read it, and I just sent a request to another. This study *points upward* tells me it's no big deal. To readers. But to us, the writer (at least to me), it's like acceptance. It's like being a freshman and getting taken under the wing of the popular seniors and them in turn telling everyone how cool you are.
The writers I've asked to read my novel have all inspired me in one way or another. I've read their books and in some ways want to emulate them, whether it be solely for their talent, but also because they are so approachable, they make themselves available. They've taken the time to answer my questions and talk to me and offer me guidance. That's the kind of writer I want to be. And that's why I respect them so much. That's why I've chosen them to endorse me.
