Writing the Acknowledgements Page of Your Book: The Art of Saying Thank You

by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock

My mother taught me that when you receive a gift, you must write a thank you note. In fact, I was not being allowed to play or even leave the writing table until my thank you notes were written.

Mother’s advice still holds true: it’s important to say “thank you,” especially once your book is written. You needed the help of others during this experience, and your “Acknowledgements” page should honor all those who supported you in this journey.

Who should you thank? Consider these who may have contributed to your book.

Possible Acknowledgement List

Work colleagues and staff. Did you have members of your staff conducting research, re-reading your manuscript, or providing valuable feedback? 

Clients. Did you learn invaluable lessons from your clients? Did you use some of their experiences in your book to illustrate key points?

Mastermind groups. Did your peers cheer you on and encourage you during this process? 

Editor. Writers are never able to edit their own writing, since they only see what they intended to say and not what they actually said. Did your editor make your writing stronger? Did your editor make you look good? Does your writing sound like you, only better?

Book coach. Did you need help in creating the strategic plan for your book? Did you need an accountability partner to hold your feet to the fire? Did you get feedback and support from an objective expert who wants the best for you?

Editorial board. Did you get additional feedback from a team of individuals with differing perspectives? Did you learn about your writing and your topic by virtue of their feedback? Were you able to make your book stronger?

Beta readers. Did early readers give you critical feedback and direction? Did you learn more about what was working and what wasn’t?

Critique groups. Did you get ideas about how to make your writing more powerful, clear, or more authentic? 

Family and friends. Who listened to your whining and complaining about your writing journey? Who supported you and cheered you on when no one else did? Who is celebrating this book’s completion?

Authors have many to thank for the gifts of feedback, support, and commitment. Have you written your thank you note in the form of your Acknowledgements page?

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Tips for #writing the acknowledgements page of your book - @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Who do authors need to thank in the acknowledgement section? Tips from @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a book as a business development strategy. She is the author of eight books, including On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and serves as the Acquisitions Editor for Silver Tree Publishing. She can be reached at Cathy@CathyFyock.com.