Introduction
Finally, your book is nearing the finish line. And now he may be agonizing over the final title of the book, the cover design, the thank you page, and the dedication. And everyone has an opinion on all of that, except for the dreaded dedication. But do not worry. With a little planning, dedication can be one of the easiest things to create. So don’t get stressed about your next dedication. Follow this helpful guide to create a great book dedication.
1. Choose the right person or people for your book dedication
This process is not as difficult as it might seem at first. You already know who the important people in your life are. Like family members who had a big impact on your life earlier or much more recently. You also know who was instrumental in helping you start and finish your book, such as emotional support, financial support, or actual physical help in putting your book together. If this is your first book to be published, you will most likely want to dedicate it to someone in your immediate family. If you have a spouse/partner and children, you already know the answer to this one. But beyond this, think of an important business partner, colleague, university professor, book publisher, research assistant, sibling, or close friend, for example. This is a very personal choice, so there really is no wrong decision.
If there is a second person who is equally important to you and your book, then don’t be afraid to dedicate your book to two people. But you should limit it to no more than a couple of names. If you dedicate your book to more than this, you will diminish the importance of your dedication. And don’t forget that you can still list all the other important people you want to acknowledge in the acknowledgments section of your book. After all, dedication is a great honor.
2. Use the appropriate title for that person
Once you’ve decided who you’re going to dedicate your book to, you need to decide how you’re going to identify them. This is also not a difficult process. This step will also be based on your personal preference, based on your relationship with that person. The title can range from formal to informal, or something in between. On the formal side, your dedication could be addressed to Dr. James Freeley or Mr. Deke McClelland, for example. On the casual side, your dedication could be addressed by using someone’s nickname like “Jimbo” or “Bubba,” for example. There is also something between formal and informal where your dedication could be directed at Jim Freeley, Mom and Dad, or my good friend Gene, for example.
3. Explain your reasoning for the dedication of your book.
This is your chance to explain why you chose the person you chose for your dedication. This will double as an explanation for that person, as well as their readers. And by explaining your reasoning to your readers, you’re helping to create an emotional connection with your reader. Although your explanation for choosing this person may only be a very small opportunity to make an emotional connection with your reader, you should NEVER pass up an opportunity to make an emotional connection with your reader. And everyone reads the dedication. You must never forget that to have a financially and critically successful book, you must make an emotional connection with the reader. To get book buyers to buy your book first, and then get them to read the whole book, and then like what they read, and then want to buy more of your books, you MUST make an emotional connection with them. Therefore, do not waste this opportunity. Don’t just write “To my wife and children.” You must be much more creative and communicative. For example: “To my wife Michele: It is a privilege to share my business, life, and love with you. And to my children, Eric and Erin: Your growth is a constant source of joy and pride.” But a word of caution here. Do not write a funny anecdote or inside joke about the person here. This could backfire on you and make you seem silly and unprofessional, unless you’re a professional comedian.
4. Direct the dedication
This is the simplest and easiest step in the process. Here are some examples: “This book is dedicated to…”, “To…”, “To…”, “I dedicate this book to…”, “In loving memory of…”, or just start writing your dedication without any formal address. I’m sure you can think of other ways to approach your dedication. But the general rule here is to keep it simple and respectful.
