Adding a Dedication or Acknowledgements to Your Book

Overview: Including a dedication or acknowledgements in your book is a wonderful way to recognize the people who have supported and inspired you during the creative process. Whether it’s a heartfelt message to a loved one or a professional thank you to colleagues and collaborators, these sections add a personal touch to your book. In this article, we’ll guide you through adding a dedication or acknowledgements in the Storyboard workspace and explore the best locations for placing these sections in your book layout.

Follow these steps to add a dedication or acknowledgements to your book:

1. Navigate to the Storyboard Workspace

From your project dashboard, go to the Storyboard workspace, and locate the spreads where you’d like to add your dedication or acknowledgements.

2. Click on the “Text” Button

In the Storyboard workspace, click on the Text button located at the top of the page. This will allow you to add a new text block to the spread. Drag the new text block to the place you would like to place your dedication or acknowledgements.

Tip: Keep the text block small and centered on the page to create a clean and focused look for your dedication or acknowledgements.

3. Type Your Dedication or Acknowledgements Text

Click inside the text block and start typing your dedication or acknowledgements. You can format the text using the toolbar options to change the font style, size, and alignment.

Tip: Use a slightly different font or size from the main body text to distinguish your dedication or acknowledgements section from the rest of the book’s content.

Where to Place a Dedication or Acknowledgements in Your Book

The placement of a dedication or acknowledgements section can vary depending on your preference and the overall flow of your book. Here are some common location options to consider:

• Before the Title Page – Placing a dedication on a left-hand page before the title page is a traditional option that gives readers a personal message right at the start of the book.
• After the Title Page – Alternatively, you can place a dedication or acknowledgements on the right-hand page immediately following the title page. This allows the title to stand alone while still giving prominence to your dedication or acknowledgements.
• At the End of the Book – Some authors prefer to place acknowledgements at the end of the book, particularly if they are lengthy or if the book has multiple contributors. This keeps the focus on the story while still offering space to recognize collaborators.
• On a Separate Spread – For larger books or those with multiple dedications and acknowledgements, consider placing these sections on a dedicated spread (left and right pages). This gives you ample room to include longer text and ensure the layout looks balanced.

Tips for Writing a Dedication or Acknowledgements

Keep It Personal and Sincere

Whether you’re writing a short dedication or a longer acknowledgements section, be sincere and specific in your language. Mention the people who have made a difference and express your gratitude.

Use a Professional Tone for Formal Acknowledgements

If you’re acknowledging professional collaborators, such as editors, illustrators, or colleagues, maintain a professional tone and include their full names and roles.

Limit the Length for Dedications

Dedications are typically short, one or two sentences at most. Keep them concise and meaningful.

Consider the Flow of the Book

Think about how the dedication or acknowledgements fit into the overall flow of the book. Place these sections where they will not disrupt the reader’s experience but still be easy to find.