Nonfiction writers often ask me, “What’s the difference between a foreword, preface, and introduction?” Writers also want to know where these three elements go in a book and whether all three are required.
Have no fear, friends, the answer is here.
What’s the purpose of a foreword, preface, and introduction?
Each is designed to sell the book before Chapter 1. They are meant to grab a reader’s interest and provide reasons why the book is a must-read from beginning to end.
These elements go in the front of the book before Chapter 1. Foreword first, then preface, then introduction.
Whether all three are necessary depends on the strength of a potential foreword and whether the reader would benefit from understanding why an author wrote a book as well as how to use the book.
Here are the details of what to include in a foreword, a preface, and an introduction.
What’s a Foreword?
A foreword is written by someone other than the author—someone credible and respected—and typically serves as a recommendation for the book and the author. Their name appears at the end of the foreword. Be careful not to spell it forward or foreward.
The foreword writer may talk about the book’s subject matter and why the reader should read the book. A foreword will probably also address the relationship between the writer of the foreword and the author.
Forewords are short—one to two pages. Use Roman numerals for page numbers.
What’s a Preface?
A preface is written by the author and answers these questions: why did I write the book, why me (credentials), why now? A preface also discusses how the book came about and the scope of the book. An author can also talk about why the world needs their book right now and where they got their information.
A preface does not include the book’s topics, the point of view, or arguments that the book presents.
Think of it as the “making of” or a “behind the scenes” look at a book.
The preface should:
- arouse the reader’s curiosity about why the author wrote the book and their credentials.
- provide the reader with a chance to get acquainted with the author—their personality, background, passion, and journey.
- be included in the front matter of a book and numbered with Roman numerals.
The Preface should not:
- include anything the reader absolutely needs to understand the book (That information is part of an introduction.)
What’s in a Preface?
Ponder these questions to craft a preface:
- Why did you write the book?
- How did you become interested in the topic/approach? What inspired you?
- Why are you passionate about the topic/approach?
- Why are you qualified to write the book?
- How did the book come about?
- Did you have any personal challenges related to the why of your book?
- Did you overcome any challenges while writing the book?
- How did you put together the book?
An author can sign a preface, include a date, and even provide the location of writing.
The ideal length is one to two pages. Use Roman numerals for page numbers.
What’s an Introduction?
An introduction is written by the author and serves as the roadmap for how the reader should use the book. Think of it as a book’s GPS.
It can include everything that would be in a preface: how the book came about, the scope of the book, and why the book was written. You might ask, “ Isn’t this always covered in the Preface?” Well, it might be, but readers don’t always have good memories, so it doesn’t hurt to repeat some of this in a different way.
An introduction talks to readers about the main content and how to use the book to get the most out of it. How are the sections and chapters organized? Are the chapters meant to be read in chronological order, or can the reader skip around and still benefit from the information? Are there important, consistent aspects the reader needs to be aware of? Sidebars? Tips? Anecdotes?
The introduction is an optional but a highly recommended element of a book’s front matter and is placed after the Preface and before Chapter 1. Use Roman numerals for page numbers.
What Does an Introduction Include?
Essentially, readers need to know what they’re about to read, how to read it, why they’re reading it, and why they should listen to you.
- Book’s overall concept
- Clear, engaging overview of the problem
- Clear, engaging solution (methodology). This is your promise. “In this book, I am going to show you . . .”This book is going to solve your problem by . . . “
- Knowledge and/or skills readers will gain from the book
- What is and isn’t included in the book
- Organizational structure
- How are the contents arranged? Chronologically? Conceptually? Can the reader pick up the book at any interesting point they discover, or should they read it front to back?
- Sections? Chapters within sections?
- Thematic headings
- Sidebars
- Quizzes
- Fill-in-the-blank spaces
Aim for two to two and a half pages tops. Use Roman numerals for page numbers.
There you have it—the basics of a foreword, preface, and introduction. Go forth and write!
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