Introduction, Preface, Author's Note, or Foreword: Which One Is the Right Front Matter for Your Book?

I have received several versions of this question over the last few days from authors I'm collaborating with. I'm writing this brief blog post in hopes that it will help you to structure your own book. The straightforward answer to the question above is this: select the option that best suits your book. You can use all four options within the same book if you wish. There are no rigid rules regarding this. However, it's crucial to label each one accurately, as they each have distinct functions.

Author’s Note

When an author includes a note in a book, it serves to clarify their reasons for selecting the book's subject. This note provides readers with insight into the author's mindset during the book's creation. Particularly with controversial topics, the author's note conveys the author's firm beliefs about the subject and its personal importance to them.

Introduction

The introduction of a book serves to familiarize readers with the subject matter. It can be written by the author or someone else and aims to clarify the author's reasons for writing the book, their expertise on the topic, and the significance of the story being told.

Preface

The preface is a personal message from the author, providing insight into the process of creating their book. It reveals the background and its relevance to the book's theme. Usually written by the author, the preface often includes a personal story. Contrary to the notion that prefaces are overlooked and should be excluded, I disagree. An engaging and well-written preface can not only introduce the book effectively but also enrich its attraction and storytelling flow.

Foreword

Usually, a book's foreword is written by someone other than the author, often an expert on the subject matter. Authors sometimes choose celebrities or well-known figures to write their forewords as well. The main purpose of a foreword is to boost the credibility of both the author and the book. Additionally, forewords act as powerful endorsements for the book's launch.

Choosing whether to include any, some, or all of these elements in your book is important, and it's just as important to organize them properly. The sequence should start with the author's note, then the foreword, preface, and introduction. These sections precede the main content or the first chapter of your book and are often referred to as the front matter. After your copyright page, dedication, and table of contents (if applicable), they should appear in this order:

Author’s Note

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Use this setup to help you decide what to include in your book's front matter and ensure each section is properly labeled. If you're uncertain, it may be helpful to seek advice from a professional editor.