: Author's notes: yay or nay? Should a writer include author's notes in their book that either express thanks to the reader or provide background information on the book itself? If so, should

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Short thanks and dedications (about a page's worth, tops) can go at the front of the book, any lengthy "author's note" should, in my opinion, go towards the back, as "bonus material" 9as it were).

If it's needing to be in front to make the book readable, there's more work to be done on the book.

Sometimes, more lengthy introductions work, but the few times I've seen that, it's either been a case of "early manuscript finished by new author" or "collection of stories" and that is not your typical book.

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I personally love it when an author takes the time to put an "author's note" into the book. it makes it feel so much more like they're writing it for you. if you are going to put a writer's note in the book, it should always be at the back. Why, you ask? Because if you put it in the front, you may ruin the ending for the reader. (Always beware of spoilers in the synopsis as well.)

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There is only one question you need to ask when considering whether to include anything in a book: will the reader find some use for it? Is it entertaining and/or interesting? If so, put it in. If it's more a chance for you to show off how much research you did, but the reader will not care one whit, leave it out. Or at least leave it for later -- when the book is as popular as Harry Potter, and fans are clamoring for anything more you might have, at which point they will pay you for it.

If that doesn't happen, putting it on your Web site is a good idea for a few reasons:

It allows you to write this material after your manuscript has been accepted and while it is in production, instead of being on the critical path.
You can update it when you find mistakes.
You can use it as a springboard for engaging your readers in conversation.

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Sure, why not?

I think thanks should be in front and information should be at the back. Gratitude should be expressed early on, and homework should only be offered if the reader is still interested. Otherwise the frontspiece turns into tl;dr.

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