Prologue, Preface, Foreword, Introduction
A Nonfiction Author’s Guide to Front Matter
Each part of your book’s opening serves a distinct purpose. Here’s what they do, who writes them, and when to include them:
Foreword
Written by: Someone else—typically an expert or respected figure in your field.
Use it to: Add credibility, offer context, or endorse your work.
Include if: You’re a debut author or your topic benefits from third-party authority. Remember to send them a copy of the book when it publishes, as a thank you.
Preface
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Share your motivation, writing journey, or personal connection to the topic.
Include if: Your backstory adds depth or relevance for the reader.
Here’s a brilliant example of confident brevity in a preface, taken from a beloved Italian cookbook found in nearly every grandmother’s kitchen. It simply says: “Don’t be surprised by the brevity of this preface. This is a book that speaks for itself.”
That’s the kind of clarity and confidence readers appreciate. If your book delivers, your preface doesn’t need to over-explain: it just needs to invite.
Introduction
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Orient the reader, outline what’s ahead, and preview key ideas.
Include if: You want to build trust and help readers feel grounded from page one.
Tip: If you’re choosing just one section, make it the introduction: it’s the most reader-focused.
How is it different from a preface? I like to think of it this way:
The preface is about you and why you wrote this book.
The introduction is more about the book itself and where it’s going to take your reader, like a map.
See my blog post about How to Write a Non-Boring Introduction (Even on a Serious Topic)
Prologue
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Open with a compelling scene or moment that sets the tone
Include if: Mostly used in fiction, but can also be used if you’re writing memoir or narrative nonfiction .
Also known as: Opening anecdote, scene-setter.
Author’s Note
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Clarify methodology, historical liberties, or positionality.
Include if: Your book involves sensitive topics, research ethics, or cultural context.
Acknowledgements
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Thank collaborators, mentors, or supporters.
Include if: You want to honor those who helped you; just keep it concise.
Here’s a structure example:
Creative Support: writing group, critique partners
Professional Help: editors, designers, formatters
Personal Encouragement: family, friends, readers
Inspirational Sources: books, quotes, experiences
Epigraph
Written by: Someone else (quoted).
Use it to: Set the tone or theme with a short, resonant quote.
Include if: You’ve found a line that encapsulates your book’s spirit.
Tip: Make sure you get permission to publish it, if necessary!
Dedication
Written by: You, the author.
Use it to: Honor someone personally meaningful: often a loved one, mentor, or group of people.
Include if: You want to acknowledge someone’s role in your journey or simply express gratitude.
Tone: Poetic, heartfelt, or minimalist. It’s often just one sentence, but it sets a deeply personal tone.
Example:
To every reader who’s ever felt unseen—this is for you.
To sum it up
Be strategic with your front matter. These opening pages shape how readers enter your world: what they expect, how they connect, and whether they trust you to guide them. A well-chosen foreword lends credibility. A thoughtful introduction builds clarity. A brief, confident preface—like the one in Il Talismano della Felicità—signals that your book knows exactly what it’s here to do.
In nonfiction, where structure and trust are everything, front matter is your first impression.
So choose with intention. Include only what serves your reader and strengthens your message. And if you’re unsure how to shape those opening pages, I help nonfiction authors craft manuscripts that are clear, compelling, and built to last.
Reach out if you'd like expert support.
