Before becoming a writer, I never really took any notice of dedications. I mean, it was just another page to scan past to get to the good stuff, you know? If I did see one, I might glance at it, but I’d still flip on by. I never gave much consideration to what they contained or why an author might go to the trouble to create one. That was, until I was asked by my editor what I wanted to include for the dedication in my very first published book.
Honestly, I kind of blew it off. I wrote right back with something meaningful, but kinda generic. It was my editor who asked if there was anyone special I wanted to acknowledge, would anyone be disappointed if I didn’t mention them and reminded me I’ll only ever have one first book. Huh. It gave me pause and it got me thinking. Perhaps these dedications were more purposeful that I’d thought. Perhaps there really were people out there who took note of them, found them interesting, actually read them! And she was right about something. There was only one first book.
I really wanted to acknowledge the aspiring author first and foremost. I’ll never forget what it’s like to be there, how difficult it was and is, how much effort it takes just to continue to write each day. And there were two writer colleagues I was especially thankful for and wanted to acknowledge specifically. And so…my first dedication was born.
I decided then and there that I’d include a dedication for each of my books moving forward and Rise of Hope, my latest from Carina Press, was no exception. Of course, I’m not going to publish it here, but it’s the thought that came from my heart and soul as I wrote the book, the thought that I wanted most to share with readers at the time. Dedications for me now will always be that. A special message to the reader. From heartfelt me. And if no-one reads them? Well, that’s OK because I know it’s there and it’s the very special something I wanted to say at the time.
So…do YOU notice dedications? Do you read them and if so, have there been any that stood out to you? Or are you too eager to get to the good stuff 
? [I'll choose a random commenter by 5 pm Eastern, Thursday August 29 to receive a $10 gift card to the online bookstore of the winner's choosing!]
Rise of Hope
A secret ancient race of humans with fantastical abilities, the Vadïm are on the brink of extinction. Many of their women are imprisoned by an organization known as The Assembly, their history all but lost . . .
Devon Monroe has been a prisoner her entire life. She’s determined to make sense of the strange markings on her body, to learn why no one may touch her, to find where she belongs. That means escaping into the unknown, where she has no choice but to trust her self-appointed protector.
Soldier for hire Seth Eastman has a job to do: deliver Devon to safety. When Seth discovers the markings on Devon’s body, he’s stunned at what it means. And at how she awakens his long-suppressed needs. As they struggle to escape detection and search for the truth of the Vadïm, can he ever hope to claim her for his own?
Rise of Hope, book 1 in the Fabric of Fate series, released from Carina Press on August 27!
About Kaily Hart
Kaily Hart, a seemingly straight-laced mother of four, left corporate America and a high-powered, lucrative career to be a stay at home mom. Right… That lasted about four weeks, during which time she realized she had a deeply repressed dream—to write. And (gasp) romance at that! Who knew? By day, Kaily plays conservative wife and soccer mom, but at night crafts hot and steamy tales of romance and love with gorgeous heroes who wouldn’t dream of leaving the toilet set up. Ever. She’s smart and sassy, at least in her own mind, and is creating as many happy ever afters as she can, one hot story at a time. Kaily never would have thought she’d be doing this, but now that she is? Well, you couldn’t pay her enough to do anything else.
You can find out more about Kaily and her books from her website. She’s also on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Of course, only when she’s not supposed to be writing.
Tags: Authors, Behind the Scenes, Books, Carina Press, Cover Art, erotic romance, Fabric of Fate Series, giveaway, Kaily Hart, Paranormal romance, Series
I often do pay attention to the dedication page. It can sometimes give you an insight into the author, the type of people they cherish, from a mom to a significant other, to a mentor to a good friend.
I do read dedications and acknowledgements. I always have. The only ones I skip are those that go on for pages and pages. I believe that if the author felt strongly enough to dedicate a book to someone or to thank them for their help, that as a reader, I need to know about it and acknowledge the mention by reading it.
I always read the dedication, I like to see who the writer considers important to them. I think it gives insight as to who they are.
I’m another that usually reads the dedication, and often the author bio too, however, I can’t say any particularly stand out for me but then I read too many books (don’t let my husband hear me confess that though LOL)
If/WHEN my first gets published I’ve already got a fair idea of who I’d need to thank. Nothing like being prepared ;o)
I also read the dedications.I like to see who they thanks.There isn’t one that sticks out though.Then I skip over the rest.I want to get to the story.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
I was once a reader that would skip to the “good stuff” in books, but since connecting with several authors on twitter I have started to get to know them, who they interact with and such. I now read the dedications and acknowledgments to see where they get their inspiration or who they were thinking about while writing a book or who helped them with the book. I am starting to understand the process of writing a book better and that makes me understand the dedications as well.
I read them. Initially it was just part and parcel of my reading the book: scan chapter list if there was one, read dedication, read book. But now I do it because I noticed that you can sometimes find out a little more about the author and the way they work, for example if they say thank you to their partner with putting up with their walking back and forth to the desk during the night (though I made that up). They bring more personality to the author, which was especially appealing in the days before Twitter and blogs.
I have always read the dedication – I see it as a wonderful insight into the writer, whether it is thanking a family member or in memory of someone, or even to their editor. They wanted the world to know they appreciate someone so I can take a moment to read it!
ALWAYS. Always always always.
I always read dedications, letters to readers, bios.
One dedication that sticks out is one that one of my favorite authors did to herself, “because some years are harder than others.” Made me cry to think that she wrote that book – the one that I would enjoy for all of two hours – through a hard year. I’ve no idea why that year was hard for her, but it still touches my heart.
I like funny dedications, but the ones that are popping into my head are the sad ones. The one from the author to the heavens b/c her mother always knew she’d get published and must know that it had finally happened even though she wasn’t here to see it. Or the one where she had sold but her mom passed away before it hit the shelves.
Okay, I need to go find some of the funny ones b/c you have me crying.
Penn
I usually read the dedications.
Thanks for this post. My 11th book, Soul of Kandrith, is due out next spring and I’m stuck for a dedication. I’ve already done my parents, siblings, husband, children, one cousin and my writer’s group. I’ve been leaning toward blowing it off and not writing one at all, but you’ve convinced me too think a little harder about it.
I do read dedications, however the truly personal ones really make me smile
Sarah S
Sarahs7836(at)gmail(dot)com
I always read dedications, because they give some insight into the book. (Also a great way to find agents and editors!)
I got a thrill when I was asked to write the dedication for my debut book. I already had several quotes ready, because I’ve got a ‘Dedications’ file in Word.
I always read dedications, because they give some insight into the book. (Also a great way to find agents and editors!)
I got a thrill when I was asked to write the dedication for my debut book. I already had several quotes ready, because I’ve got a ‘Dedications’ file in Word.
Some really great responses! Actually, I’m surprised by how many people do read the dedications. Perhaps it was just me then
. Also, I never really thought about it before, but a lot of you mentioned the same thing–that you can learn more about an author from a dedication. I think that’s so right.
i always read the dedications, as well as the acknowledgements and even the “About the Author.” ok, i even look closely at the author pic too.
sadly, i can’t recall any especially good ones right now. (that just means i read alotta books, right? not that i’ve got a bad memory…? – what was i saying again?)
i do admit to tearing up when i see that a book’s been dedicated to a loved one who’s passed on. and it’s sorta cute when established authors have a string of grandchildren they can keep dedicating books to.
i love getting a sense of the writer in those dedications and acknowledgements. ’cause that’s them being real: mentioning real people and being grateful and loving to them.
I’m a dedication reader as well. As previously noted, it gives a special insight into the writer, and perhaps a little more into the story. I am reading ‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth right now, and it’s dedicated to her mother for providing the inspiration for the main character’s mother. Needless to say, I have been dying to learn more about the mother in the book, and pay close attention when she is mentioned.
All of my stories spring from some special place, person, or event, and my dedications will be appropriate to each.
I always like reading the dedications. I love the ones that have personal messages to people who have helped get the book out there for me to read.
I do now. I had a bit of an embarrassing moment when an author I am a fan of (and had sent messages to demanding the sequel) mentioned ME in his dedication. I read his sequel and never knew it until another fan/friend mentioned I’d made the acks…I was like “WHAT?” It was a “bury my head in the sand moment.”
I’ve always loved reading them. Some are funny, some poignant. I enjoy reading about what inspired the author as well as the people that are important to them. Now that I’ve been in a few dedications, words can’t describe how amazing it is.
I read dedications.
I always read them. The people in my own are so important to me and often to the story that I like thinking others’ dedications are the same way.