A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honour on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book. It would normally be placed as the third page of your book – coming after the title page and the verso (copyright) page. Note: Different publishing houses may have different flow of pages. What is highlighted here is what is common in most books.
So, Who Can You Dedicate Your Book To?
Anyone you like really. Below are the categories of people that are common focuses of a book dedication:
- Your family members (spouse, children, siblings, parents)
- Your close friends
- People impacted by the book or featured in it
- The readers of your book
- Inspirational or supportive figures in your life
- People you wish to highlight in some way
Is A Book Dedication Compulsory?
No. Most authors dedicate their books, but it’s not required or mandatory.
Tips on How to Dedicate Your Book
Filter Who The Focus Will Be
You can start by thinking about the people to whom you want to dedicate this work. Make a list of several people or groups of people.
The next step is to filter them on the basis of who is the most important person on that list? The seminal influence? The people you care about the?
Many authors dedicate their books to a spouse, or to a child or to a friend who’s impacted their creative process. There’s no specific formula. This should be short and sweet, and there are no wrong answers. You are expressing a personal sentiment, so only you can decide what that sentiment should be. Therefore, you should not worry too much about the dedication page. Anyone you leave out can be thanked in the Acknowledgments (which comes a few pages into the book).
Think About How Your Readers Will Be Impacted By These Few Lines
As the dedication is at the beginning of a book, many of the readers will read it and be influenced by it. Think not just about the person or people named in the book’s dedication, but also about all of the readers who will pass by this page and be impacted. Make a conscious choice about what you want that impact to be.
And yes, though everyone will see it, no one but the person you mention will remember it. Want proof? Name your favorite book dedication. Chances are you can’t name one.
Make It Short and Precise
This page should be short and to the point. You should not mention everyone who contributed to the book’s creation because that’s what the Acknowledgments section is for (if you want).
Look At Other Authors’ Examples
The easiest way to get examples of books’ dedication is to pick up any book on your shelf and look at the selection. Almost every book has a dedication, so you can find endless examples.
Most of them are very basic and simple, something like this:
To my husband Patrick, and children Makena, Amani and Imara.
Others can carry a complex message like this:
To Patrick and Abiah – the persistent police force over my workaholism. And to the little ‘policelets’ you are raising, Ella and Ethan. What a nagging reminder of my imperfections!
This concise line holds enormous depth for both the readers and the person mentioned. If you’ve read my book “Too Busy for Worship” you’d know that the entire book is about my recovery from workaholism and restoring the heart of worship in my daily work. In this dedication, my husband Patrick and grown up daughter, Abiah clearly played a big role in the creation of this book (it’s also an inside joke for my family).
Here’s the dedication that C. S. Lewis wrote to his goddaughter in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe:
My dear Lucy,
I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result, you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather.
This book was listed as one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Novels ever written, and yet he wrote it for his goddaughter. This dedication gives real substance to the book and the author before you even dive in.
Just Write Your Book Dedication
The number one thing to keep in mind is that there is not a specific formula for this. The dedication is one of the most personal sections in the book, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to use it.
What’s inside your book is more important, and getting it out into the world is the MOST important thing.
Next we will look at how to write the Acknowledgement Section.
Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango
Getting Started: Publishing Books
Preparing to Write/Publish
Step1: Prepare Yourself to Get Published…
Are you ready to publish your book? Here is how you need to prepare. Have your manuscript ready and explore the oprions available today. If you are stuck in getting it started or finished, there is several ways to get help. Explore and get published today! #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep2: Let’s Talk About Publishing
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Read MoreStep3: Factors to Consider Before Self Publishing
Jesus, while talking to the disciples about following Him, asked them to count the cost. The same Scripture applies to authors today - you have to count the cost from the beginning to ensure you don't stop at some point in your book project's journey. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreStep4a: Requirements for Self Publishing
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Read MoreStep4b: Publishing Steps – Review
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Read MoreElementary Skills: Publishing Books
How to Write
5a: How to Write a Book Dedication
A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword
A well-written foreword can function as the ultimate third-party recommendation or endorsement for your book, generating interest and helping when it’s time to market your book. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5c: How to Write a Book Introduction
Are you stuck on writing your book introduction? Here's how to... Hook the reader right from the beginning with a personal story from your life, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes him/her to want to continue reading. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion
If your readers are in the conclusion chapter, it also means they read the whole book, they liked it, and now they want you to wrap it up. So don’t rash it. Give them what they want. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio
People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter by writing an appropriate bio. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb
A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5g: How to Write an Acknowledgment
An acknowledgment section in a book provides the space to go into lenghty details in thanking the people who were sources of inspiration and support for your book and life. Here'show to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More5h: How to Write a Table of Contents
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Read MoreTechnical Skills: Publishing Books
Refining Your Manuscript
6a: How to Write a Devotional
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Read More6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing
Effective dialogue is characterized by authenticity, clarity, and relevance to the story. It should sound natural and believable, reflecting the unique voices and perspectives of the characters. Dialogue tags, such as "said," "asked," and "replied," help identify speakers and maintain clarity in conversations. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More6d: How to Use ‘Show Don’t Tell’ in Story Writing
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Read More6e: How to Elevate a Non-fiction Christian Book to Make it Personal and Engaging
Transforming a flat non-fiction Christian book into an engaging and impactful read requires authenticity and connection. Share your personal testimony, use relatable real-life examples, and offer practical applications to make your message resonate. Being vulnerable about your faith journey fosters trust, while reflective questions and actionable steps encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More6f: How to Ethically Use Other People’s Public Stories in a Non-fiction Christian Book
Using public stories in your Christian book requires integrity and respect for the individuals involved. Always seek permission where possible, give proper attribution, and ensure the story aligns with your message while preserving the dignity of those featured. Avoid embellishment or distortion for dramatic effect, and focus on presenting truth with grace. By handling stories ethically, you honour both the subjects and your readers while maintaining your credibility as a Christian author. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More6g: How to overcome the challenge of mixed languages in writing a manuscript
Writing a manuscript with mixed languages can be both enriching and challenging. To overcome this, establish clear guidelines for when and how to incorporate multiple languages. Use translations sparingly and only where necessary, ensuring they don’t disrupt the reader’s flow. Consider adding footnotes or a glossary for clarity and consistency. Tools like professional editors and language experts can help refine your manuscript while maintaining cultural authenticity. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More6h: How to Peer Review Fiction and Non-Fiction Christian Literature Manuscripts
Peer reviewing Christian literature requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the manuscript aligns with Biblical principles while engaging readers effectively. For fiction, focus on character development, plot consistency, and spiritual themes. For non-fiction, assess clarity, theological accuracy, and practical application. Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering actionable suggestions for improvement. A thorough peer review not only refines the manuscript but also upholds its spiritual impact. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More6i: How to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion in Christian Writing
By embracing diverse voices, ensuring equitable access for underrepresented authors, and encouraging inclusive storytelling, authors and publishers can reflect the richness of God's Kingdom. This includes actionable strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote cultural representation, and create a more inclusive literary ecosystem. With initiatives like multilingual publishing, fair contracting, and global partnerships, CLC Kenya leads the way in advancing DEI while staying true to Biblical principles. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreAdvanced Skills: Publishing Books
Going the Extra Mile
7a: Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?
A subtitle is a powerful tool for non-fiction books, offering clarity and appeal to potential readers. It provides additional context about the book's content, target audience, and benefits, helping it stand out in searches and on bookshelves. A well-crafted subtitle enhances discoverability, boosts SEO, and communicates your book's value in just a few words. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More7b: Why Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Is Important
Organising your non-fiction book into clear, well-structured chapters enhances readability, engagement, and comprehension for your audience. Chapters create a logical flow, making complex ideas easier to digest while guiding readers through your message step by step. A structured layout also improves your book's professional appeal and allows readers to quickly locate topics of interest. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More7c: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?
Self-editing is a crucial step before submitting your manuscript for publishing. It allows you to refine your ideas, correct errors, and enhance the overall quality of your work. A well-edited manuscript not only demonstrates professionalism but also makes the publishing process smoother and more efficient. From grammar to flow and consistency, self-editing ensures your book is the best version of itself before reaching an editor's desk. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More7d: The Art of the Author Photo: Essential Specs for a Professional and Polished Image
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Read MoreContractual Skills: Publishing Books
Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)
8a: Why Every Author Needs a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
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Read More8b: What to Include in the Copyright Page and Complete the Copyrighting Process
Copyright law gives creators of original material the exclusive right to further use and duplicate that material for a given amount of time, at which point the copyrighted item becomes public domain. Here's what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More8c: Terms and Conditions for Traditional Publishing/Adapting Existing Books into Other Versions
Adapting existing books into new versions, such as translations, audiobooks, or special editions, requires clear terms and conditions in traditional publishing agreements. These terms outline rights, royalties, and responsibilities for both the author and publisher, ensuring a smooth adaptation process. Properly defined agreements protect the integrity of the original work while maximising its reach and impact across different formats. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
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Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More8e: How to Get ISBN in Kenya and Other African Countries
Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
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