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How to Make a Dedications Page

"In token of my admiration for his genius, this book is inscribed to Nathaniel Hawthorne." Herman Melville penned these words for the dedication to his classic, "Moby Dick." A dedications page is an optional component for a novel, short story, text book or thesis. If you would like to pay tribute to a mentor or an important person in your life, then a dedication is a fine addition to your written work. It is not to be confused with an acknowledgements page, which thanks all who specifically helped you with researching or proofreading your written piece.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide to whom you would like to dedicate your book, thesis or other written text. It can be one or more people, but avoid turning the dedications page into the acknowledgments. Think about who may have inspired you to come up with your initial idea for the piece or who has mentored you in the art of writing. Reflect on who encouraged you to keep writing during those times of feeling self-defeated or who is most important to you in this present moment.

    • 2

      Experiment with the wording of your dedication by writing numerous phrases or sentences until you come up with a statement compatible with what you wish to express. Some dedications are short: Margaret Atwood wrote, "For my family," on the dedications page of her book, "Moral Disorder."

      Other dedications are longer to express why the author is appreciative. For example, in "Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer," Jenna Glatzer wrote, "To my parents, Lori and Mark Glatzer, who always knew I was going to be a writer and never tried to convince me that clown school was far more practical."

    • 3

      Type the dedication phrase or sentence centered on the page, approximately two to three inches from the top. Do not include a heading. The dedication phrase or sentence should be the only item on the page.

    • 4

      Insert the dedications page ahead of the table of contents page in your written work.

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