Guidelines for Crafting an Acknowledgments Section that Avoids Embarrassment
In the world of authorship, the acknowledgements page is a crucial yet often overlooked section of a book. This page serves as a heartfelt thank you to those who have contributed to the creation of the book, from mentors and editors to family, friends, and colleagues, as well as any professional assistance such as funding or libraries.
To make an acknowledgements page truly impactful, consider the following key tips on what to include, how to format, and managing its length.
**What to Include**
Begin by expressing sincere gratitude to everyone who has played a part in bringing your book to life. Be specific about the contributions made, whether it's editorial support, emotional encouragement, or research assistance. Using complete names and titles for everyone acknowledged maintains professionalism and clarity.
Consider the order of acknowledgement by importance or nature of contribution, starting with the most significant supporters. Optionally, include dedications separately, often found in the book’s front matter, which is more personal and can be creative or quirky.
**Formatting**
The acknowledgements page typically appears either in the front matter (after dedication and before the foreword) or in the back matter; placement depends on your book type and preference. Write in complete, well-formed sentences using a professional tone while maintaining warmth and genuine respect. Use first-person narrative ("I" or "we") to keep it personal but concise. Label the page clearly as "Acknowledgements" (or "Acknowledgements" in British English), according to the style guide you follow, as this heading is important for formal recognition.
**Length and Style**
Keep it concise and to the point to maintain readers' interest—usually a few paragraphs up to 500 words. Avoid excessive flattery or overly long, novel-like messages; aim to be clear, specific, and heartfelt without overwhelming readers. Review and update your acknowledgements if additional help arises during later stages of writing or publication to ensure no one is overlooked.
By following these practices, you can create a polished, respectful, and effective acknowledgements page that honours contributions appropriately while fitting well within your book’s overall structure. Whether you're writing a scholarly tome or a general read, these guidelines will help you craft an acknowledgements section that truly shines.
Remember, the acknowledgements page is a chance to show gratitude and pay tribute to those who have supported you on your writing journey. So, take the time to craft a heartfelt and personal message, and let your readers know just how much their help means to you.
[1] The Write Life. (2021). How to Write an Acknowledgements Page. https://writelife.com/how-to-write-an-acknowledgements-page/ [2] Reedsy. (2021). How to Write an Acknowledgements Page. https://blog.reedsy.com/acknowledgements-page/ [3] The Balance Small Business. (2021). Acknowledgments: What to Include and How to Write Them. https://www.thebalancesmb.com/acknowledgments-page-2949231
A home-and-garden indie author may want to express appreciation for the cover designer who brought their book's visual style to life in the acknowledgements section, ensuring recognition of different contributors in the writing process. To maintain a professional yet personal tone, the author should use complete names and titles while also considering the order of acknowledgement by importance or nature of contribution.
