What's up front...?

Well, that depends on whether its fiction or nonfiction...

Have you tried looking at other books of the same general type to see what they have done?

I really wouldn't worry about that aspect, myself. Just keep plugging away at the guts of the thing.

I was asked that same question on allexperts. I did some research but could not find a satisfactory explanation, so I simply gave the dictionary definition. I got an awful rating!

If anyone finds an answer for this, I would surely like to know it.

Worry about this after your book is complete, and sold.

How weird! I answered this earlier, and my post has disappeared. To sum up, a preface is an introduction written by the author, a forward is written by someone else. If you have both, the foreward comes first. You would emphasize in your bio any particular qualifications you might have for writing this particular book.

I agree that the best way to get a feel for them is to check out books similar to yours and see what other authors have done. But your agent and publisher will probably be the best guides.

Good luck!

Generally a publisher will tell you want they want. Forwards are often written by someone else who is an expert in the field. The preface is a kind of introduction. In non-fiction, the author sometimes discusses things like his or her research techniques or controversies the book addresses in the preface - a sort of heads-up to the reader about possible biases. The author bio is usually backmatter written in the thrid person and the publisher will give you a word limit, often about 150-200 words. Author bios usually include previous publishing credits, educational background if applicable to the subject of the book and a personal line about residence and/or family. None of this is important until you find a publisher, so don't waste your time on it, as each publishing house has its own preferences.

Prosperity7 said:

I'm moving along with my book, but I have a question concerning the possible information found in the front of a book. Is there any type of general rule about what type of information goes into a Forward, Preface and the About the Author.

Thanks in advancef or the info.

Click to expand...

Just my take based on what I know of the industry:

Forward - This is usually a short piece about the history of the book contents--how the idea came about, why it's necessary, etc. It can either be written by the author or by a third party. If there isn't an amazing story behind the writing of the book ("I wrote this on the leaves of a tree with bits of charcoal while I was stranded in the desert.") , it's often left out unless you can find an expert in the same subject whose name on the front cover (Forward by James Scott Bell!) will sell the book. People who enjoy the other author might pick up the book, even though you're unknown, just because of Bell's name. It's a marketing thing.

Preface - This is also sometimes called an "Introduction" and discusses the contents of the book itself--how it's divided and how logical, but conflicting things, are handled in the pages. "Candles are used for prayer by a number of different denominations. Rather than have a section on "candles", I've organized the book so that there's a paragraph on the use of candles in each denomination." Etc., etc.

Author Bio - This is a BRIEF bit about yourself. Often what's included is where in the world you live, what other books/articles you've written, kitchy stuff about your family or pets, your church, if you so desire and your website. It needs to fit into about 100 words inside the back cover.

Hope that helps!