Direct solicitation can sometimes be risky, unless you have an absolutely generic name. it could be used against you in a reverse hijack dispute case by using the solicitation to prove you as a cybersquatter instead of a domain speculator. My recommendations:
First, park it a while to see if they come to you. You're in a better bargaining and potential dispute position if they solicit you for the sale.
Second, if you can put up a site, even with affiliate links it makes the domain more than just a name. Many would pay more to close a competetive site than just buy another name.
Third, if you do decide to direct solicit, send the email to at least 5-6 other potential buyers, putting all visible in the "to:" box with the dot-com owner listed last. It can create more desire to know you aren't the only potential buyer, especially if the others are potential competitors. This probably won't work unless the name is generic.
Last, don't ask too much. Most will respond to a quick easy sale of <$1000, but will consider higher amounts as blackmail and could try a dispute instead.
BTW, I've sold about 5 or 6 .net and .org names to the .com owners, but only directly solicited one of them as above. Prices from $100 to $600, and all generic.