The ultimate author’s guide to writing a book dedication, including the 3 main types of book dedications!
It’s kind of ironic that, as authors, we often write thousands and thousands of words yet still struggle to write a book dedication that sounds meaningful.
It may seem like a trivial thing, but it’s often writing the book dedication where authors have the most trouble.
Book dedications are often one or two sentences that can leave some authors scratching their heads and contemplating their life choices, while for others, their book dedication isn’t a big deal at all.
As we break down what a book dedication is and how to write a book dedication, we’ll also cover some popular book dedication examples to help you write the perfect book dedication for your novel or book.
In the following guide, we’ll not only discuss how to write a book dedication, but also:
- What Is A Book Dedication?
- The Difference Between A Book Dedication and An Acknowledgement Page
- 3 Types of Book Dedications
- Do I Need A Dedication Page?
- Book Dedication Examples, Including Famous, Funny, and Notable Book Dedications
- Book Dedication FAQs
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What Is A Book Dedication?
A book dedication often gives readers a subtle glimpse into the personality of the author. A book dedication is a short piece of writing, often one or two sentences, intended to thank or express gratitude to a person, people, or a group.
It’s an opportunity for an author to express thanks to someone special, and the book’s dedication is placed on its own page at the beginning of the book and is considered front matter.
Your book dedication is your opportunity as an author or writer to say, ‘Hey, I appreciate you or thank you for your assistance and help while I wrote this book. This book wouldn’t have happened without your assistance.’
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The Difference Between A Book Dedication and An Acknowledgement Page
Don’t confuse your book dedication with your acknowledgement page. It’s become popular in recent years to place the acknowledgement page at the end of the book, or back of the book, but it can also be placed at the front.
Your acknowledgement page is much longer and more structured than your dedication page. An acknowledgment page is typically structured like an awards acceptance speech. Contributors are listed, along with how they contributed, and typically include thanks to publishers, editors, cover designers, formatters, beta readers, and many others.
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3 Types of Book Dedications
There are 3 main types of book dedications, but if your book dedication doesn’t fall into one of these three categories, don’t worry.
Commemorative Dedication
A commemorative dedication is often used to thank someone who helped support the author during the drafting or production stage of your book, and even before the book started. Remember, it’s not an acknowledgment page.
Some examples of commemorative book dedications include:
- “To [insert name] without whose support this book wouldn’t have been possible.”
- “In honor of [insert name] whose memory and legacy lives on within the pages of this book.”
- “This book is dedicated to my [insert title] [insert name] whose passion and integrity inspired me to write this book.”
Thematic Dedication
Thematic dedications lean a little more toward humorous or cheeky, and could be an inside joke, or something the author finds humorous from the book. They’re also typically the longest of the three dedication types and sometimes include a quote or statement.
Some examples of thematic book dedications include:
- “Dedicated to the coffee and baristas that fueled this project.”
- “To those that doubted, I didn’t need your approval anyway, and to those who believed, I knew I could always count on you.”
- “To all the readers of my first book for your trust, and lack of sound financial judgement.”
Tribute Dedication
A tribute dedication is most often used to recognize the memory of someone who has passed away, and includes loved ones, mentors, and teachers. For non-fiction books, a tribute dedication may be directed toward a historical figure who inspired their work.
Some examples of tribute dedications include:
- “Dedicated to [insert name] your memory will live on.”
- “In loving memory of [insert name] who inspired me to chase my dreams and pursue my passion.”
- “For [insert name] who never stopped believing in me.”
Do I Need A Dedication Page?
According to the Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS), section 1.40, the dedication, or choice to include a dedication, is up to the author. So, it’s entirely up to you as the author whether or not you choose to include a dedication in your front matter.
Some authors choose to swap out their dedication with a simple yet meaningful quote.
Book Dedication Examples, Including Famous, Funny, and Notable Book Dedications
If you’re leaning toward a humorous or memorable book dedication, this section is for you. We’ll cover some of the most famous book dedications and some that will make you laugh out loud!
“For everyone with a red line under their name in Microsoft Word, this book is for you.”
“To my baby sister who stole the love and attention of our parents, I wrote this book to spite you. However, you’ll probably never read this anyway as it’s not a book about you.”
How about this dedication from author E.E Cummings, who wrote this dedication after being rejected by traditional publishers and ultimately self-publishing his book:
“NO THANKS To: Farrar & Rinehart, Simon & Schuster, Coward-McCann, Limited Editions, Harcourt, Brace, Random House, Equinox Press, Smith & Haas, Viking Press, Knopf, Dutton, Harper’s, Scribner’s, Covici, and Friede.”
“For Mom. (Just skip over the sex scenes, please).” No Way Back by author Matthew Klein.
“This book is dedicated to all the friends and family members that were angry at me for not dedicating my first book to you. Better luck next time.”
“To my brothers and sisters. What… a bunch of assholes.” Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Author, Comedian, and Actress Chelsea Handler.
“Dedicated to everyone who thinks I use them as inspiration for my characters. I do.”
“For everyone who knows that there was enough room for Leonardo DiCaprio on that door.” My Lady Jane.
Book Dedication Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a book dedication? ~ A book dedication often gives readers a subtle glimpse into the personality of the author. The book dedication is a short piece of writing, often one or two sentences, which is intended to thank or express gratitude to a person, people, or a group.
- Do I have to include a book dedication? ~ No. Whether or not you include a book dedication is entirely up to you.
- Where does the book dedication go? ~ Your book dedication is always part of your front matter, typically the third page after your title page and copyright page.
- Is a book dedication and acknowledgment page the same thing? ~ No. Your acknowledgement page is typically placed at the end of your book and lists everyone who made a significant contribution to your book or book production. Your dedication is placed at the front of your book and is often a short and personal message.
- Can I dedicate my book to multiple people? ~ Yes. However, remember that if you make your dedication page too long, or include too many people, it can lose its impact. You can also include an acknowledgement page at the end of your book.
How To Write A Book Dedication | Conclusion
Whether or not you choose to write a book dedication is entirely up to you, as is what you choose to include in your dedication. Don’t feel as if you have to include one, or that it has to be written in a specific way. After all, it’s your book, so your dedication, if you choose to include one, should make you happy.
If you are writing a book and need any assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark Publishing, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services.
For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing platform for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.
Other Indie Publishing Group writing guides and articles that you may find interesting:
- How Long Should A Book Be? An Author’s Guide to Word Count
- How To Craft Your Own Fantasy Fiction Book
- Tips For Writing A Great Book Description
Chrissy Hobbs is the owner and founder of Indie Publishing Group, a self-publishing services provider based in Ontario, Canada, which helps authors self-publish their books on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark Publishing and other self-publishing platforms. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry and also being a best-selling children’s book author of The Day My Fart Followed Me to Hockey and Hockey Wars, you know your book is in good hands.
Chrissy Hobbs is the owner and founder of 
