When you read a novel, do you also read the acknowledgements that the author has included with the book? This question has been bouncing around social media, and I have a few points to share on the topic of acknowledgements. Whether you read them or not, there is a purpose behind this part of the book.
The author will often choose to make a personal dedication at the beginning of a novel. It is a personal yet concise “For So-and-So,” statement that appears on a page of its own. This is something separate from the acknowledgements section. An acknowledgement is personal too, but centres around those who contributed to developing a manuscript into the polished product. It serves as a formal statement of gratitude and recognition coming from the author. In this way, it is an official public statement. The names and organizations listed in this section will be seen in each copy of the novel and are meant to be read (although you’ll probably skip it unless you truly loved the story). There are three main sources that the author is acknowledging:
- Helpers
- Funders
- Inspiration
If you are a writer, the acknowledgements section is an important one to read. You gain insights into the whole process, not just the image of a singular writer typing away on a manuscript.
Helpers – Although a good chunk of the work gets done by the writer, it is not a solitary pursuit overall. Remember, you’re reading the finished product—the published novel. The writer had to distill the draft into something for others to read. And this process requires help. There are many people involved along the way.
For example, Elizabeth Hay’s “Snow Road Station” includes acknowledgements at the end. As I read the book, I did wonder how Hay went about conducting her fact-checking for this historical fiction. Hay not only listed names of readers who assisted her in fine-tuning her manuscript, but she described the exact components with which each person helped her in creating a story that reflects a real point in Canadian history. Additionally, she consulted her own daughter to read and make suggestions about aspects of the protagonist’s career path and associated challenges (she explains in the acknowledgements that her daughter is experienced in that same job). Knowing this gave me better perspective on the process of writing. The book wasn’t publishable immediately after the initial draft. Finishing the job required asking for help.
Funders – Simply, you’d have two types of patrons. 1) those individuals or agencies that support artists unconditionally 2) those who provide funding so long as the artist or the product itself meets a specific set of conditions to qualify for it.
Money talks. Check the acknowledgements section to see who or what group(s) funded the work. Even Shakespeare relied on funding for his work. Reading the acknowledgements will assist you in discerning how or why the writer chose to present a particular aspect or angle in the story.
Inspiration – And of course the author may choose to include a personal note regarding what or who inspired the work itself. In her book “The Hating Game,” Sally Thorne included a short paragraph in her acknowledgements to say that a single word prompted the entire story: Nemesis. She names and thanks the person, albeit in a cryptic sort of way, who gifted her with that one word. Well, sometimes it’s surprising to learn that something to tiny can be the catalyst for a bestseller.
Let me know in the comments: Do you read the acknowledgements section? If so, what sort of things have you noticed? What stood out to you? Stay tuned for my next blog post. Wanna get it in your email inbox? Subscribe to stay informed of my newest articles, story reviews, updates, and more.
Cover Image: Photo by Min An on Pexels.com
Pauline Shen 