If you do not know someone that makes sense, then you have two options: 1. Reach out to people you don’t know and ask them to write a foreword 2. Do not have a foreword For many reasons, #2 is the best option. While it may be possible to get a foreword from someone you don’t know, it will be very hard. It’s easier to get a blurb than a foreword, and the best people to ask are those who you have a personal con- nection to. The best way to ask someone to write a foreword is to call them on the phone. If you’re not comfortable picking up the phone and dialing their number, then they’re probably the wrong person to ask. If you don’t know them to call them, why would they ever write a foreword for you? A foreword tends to be a “personal vouch,” and that sort of thing is much easier to get from someone with whom you already have a relationship. It’s also a lot of work. Unlike a blurb that is only a few sentences, this person has to be willing to write a substantial piece of work for you. Also, their name in your book reflects on them, either positively or negatively. If you reach out to someone you don’t know, it is hard to ask for both of those things. If you are unsure about asking someone to do a foreword, you are better off asking for a blurb instead. A rule of thumb we like to use with our authors is that if we won’t put the “Foreword by [NAME]” on the cover of the book, then you are better off asking the person for a blurb. WriTE yOUr BOOk fOrEWOrD · 217