“It’s time to ask for endorsements,” my writing coach said.
I could hardly believe we were at that milestone, but my manuscript was progressing rapidly after being stuck for so long in the messy middle.
“Relying on endorsements has become commonplace in almost every area of life. Why? Because with so many options, few of us have time to do the evaluation ourselves. Instead, we rely on the opinions of people we trust. This reduces the risk and helps us make a decision more quickly.”
Michael Hyatt, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
Have you purchased something extravagant on a big-name website lately because your friend bought it and liked it?
That’s an endorsement.
Have you tried out a fancy new restaurant because someone told you it had great food?
That’s an endorsement.
“While the process is sometimes difficult and time-consuming, it is absolutely crucial to getting the visibility and credibility you need.”
Michael Hyatt
If you’re excited about what you’re writing, your enthusiasm will be contagious, and others will be compelled to celebrate with you.
Hyatt says, “Endorsements can make a huge difference in whether or not your product gets noticed by the gatekeepers, trendsetters, and your target market. Take the time to get them. It is worth it.”
Exercise:
Who were some Biblical characters who were endorsed?
- John 1:34-36
- Genesis 6:8
- Ruth 2:11-12, 3:11
- 1 Samuel 25:16
- Ephesians 6:21
How can you endorse other writers?
- Share their work. Galatians 6:10
- Encourage them. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Celebrate with them. Romans 12:15
Your words of affirmation may be just the thing someone needs right now.
Extend kindness to let them know their words make a difference in your life. You may be a Jonathan who can encourage a David when life is against them.
“And Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.”
(1 Samuel 23:16 NASB)
Jonathan and David became friends when Jon’s dad was king over Israel. Things got rough when King Saul put a warrant on David’s head. In spite of that, Jonathan’s loyalty to David remained firm and trustworthy. To this day, their relationship stands as an endorsement to the healing power of friendship. (link: https://www.almostanauthor.com/creating-community/)
And, that WIP I mentioned at the beginning? I did reach out for endorsements and received gracious, life-giving responses. They bolstered my confidence and reminded me that my words are needed, too!
Who will you celebrate today?
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net
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