What's the difference between acknowledgement and dedication?

[Chris Guillory]

I have to add these into my manuscript, and just asking for a little clarification on the difference between the two.

I would assume that dedication would be more on a personal level, while acknowledgement would be professional.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

This is not a formal definition of the two terms, but just my own subjective opinion on how I see them:

"Acknowledgement" = I would like to thank so-and-so for helping me with this work. Anything from library research to making coffee. It would not be uncommon (particularly in a non-fiction book) to have a very large number of acknowledgements.

"Dedication" = I would like honor so-and-so with this work. The person to whom it is dedicated may not have given "help" in any direct way.


Examples: I might acknowledge the staff of a research library, but dedicate the work to a friend.

 

[The Judge]

I'd agree with Victoria as to the difference between the two. The only thing I'd add is that nowadays the dedication is unlikely to be as formal as her wording suggests. Most novels have something like "To Pete for being there" or just "To Pete" -- though obviously it could be more formal if you wanted.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I'd suggest looking in a few books and see what approach you like.

 

[Ray McCarthy]

Neil Gaimen has dedicated a couple to the readers.

 

[Juliana]

I though dedication was the short one at the front (To my dog, Rex) and the acknowledgement the long windy one at the back, the Oscar speech where you thank your agent, editor, betas, Chrons friends etc. As well as any academic help.

 

[FibonacciEddie]

I would also try to make the Acknowledgements short/snappy/witty ... as a browser in the local book shop will often go to this page after the back cover blurb to find out more about the author.

 

[HareBrain]

Note that you don't have to have either.

I would also try to make the Acknowledgements short/snappy/witty ... as a browser in the local book shop will often go to this page after the back cover blurb to find out more about the author.

I can't say I've done this to find out more about the author -- there's usually a mini-bio somewhere, which is different to the acknowledgements. I would keep the acknowledgements short, yes, but professional. I have come across some of these where an attempt at wit was made, and it sometimes came across as so chummy and in-jokey it put me right off the author. Humour can work, but you need to be sure what its effect will be.

 

[Chris Guillory]

Awesome feedback, thank you all. Yeah, author bio will be included as well as a separate section.

 

[Chris Guillory]

Also, Springs, I was going to do just that.

 

[Juliana]

I check the acknowledgments to see who people's agents are...