how to write a research dedication

Dedication in Dissertation: Examples and Guidance

The dedication section of your dissertation is where you can express your appreciation and gratitude to those who have been instrumental in your academic journey. It’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of the support, encouragement, and inspiration provided by individuals or groups that have played a significant role in your life. Below are some examples and guidance for writing a meaningful dedication in your dissertation.

“To my beloved parents,

Your unwavering love, endless support, and sacrifices have been the cornerstone of my academic journey. Your encouragement and belief in my abilities have been my guiding light through the highs and lows of this doctoral pursuit. This dissertation is dedicated to you, with deepest gratitude and love.”

“I dedicate this dissertation to my mentor and friend, Professor [Name],

Your mentorship, wisdom, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional growth. Your dedication to excellence and passion for research have inspired me to pursue this scholarly endeavor with diligence and determination. This dissertation is a tribute to your guidance and belief in my potential.”

“This dissertation is dedicated to the memory of my dear grandmother, [Name],

Your love, wisdom, and strength continue to inspire me every day. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit lives on in my heart and my work. This dissertation is a testament to your enduring influence and the values you instilled in me.”

Guidance for Writing a Dedication

Identify the recipient..

When deciding who or what to dedicate your dissertation to, it’s crucial to reflect on the individuals or entities that have profoundly impacted your academic journey. Consider those who have provided unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration throughout your pursuit of knowledge.

This could include family members whose sacrifices have enabled your education, mentors who have offered invaluable wisdom and encouragement, friends who have stood by you during challenging times, or even influential figures who have shaped your academic interests.

Additionally, it’s essential to recognize entities,, such as organizations or causes, that align with your academic goals and values. By identifying the recipient(s) thoughtfully, you ensure that your dedication carries genuine significance and reflects the essence of your academic journey.

Express Gratitude

The dedication section of your dissertation provides an opportunity to express profound gratitude to those who have contributed to your academic achievements.

Use heartfelt language to convey your appreciation for their support, encouragement, and belief in your abilities. Share specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate their influence on your academic trajectory, highlighting moments where their guidance or presence was particularly impactful.

Whether it’s the sacrifices made by your parents, the mentorship provided by a respected professor, or the enduring legacy of a departed loved one, expressing gratitude allows you to acknowledge the profound influence of these individuals or entities on your academic journey.

Furthermore, by expressing gratitude sincerely and authentically, you honor their invaluable contributions to your personal and intellectual growth, reinforcing the importance of community and support in the pursuit of scholarly endeavors.

In crafting your dedication, brevity is key to maintaining the sincerity and impact of your message. While it’s natural to want to express your gratitude elaborately, it’s important to resist the temptation to include extraneous details that may dilute the essence of your dedication.

Instead, focus on distilling your sentiments into a concise and impactful statement that captures the essence of your appreciation. By keeping your dedication short and to the point, you ensure that the message remains clear and resonates deeply with the intended recipients.

This concise approach not only respects the time and attention of your readers but also allows the sincerity of your gratitude to shine through without being overshadowed by unnecessary embellishments.

In essence, brevity enhances the effectiveness of your dedication, allowing it to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Consider Relevance

While the dedication section of your dissertation is a personal expression of gratitude, it’s essential to ensure that it remains relevant to the overarching theme or subject matter of your academic work.

Your dedication should align with the context of your research, reflecting the connections between your academic pursuits and the individuals or entities you choose to honor.

Consider how the dedication contributes to the overall narrative of your dissertation, reinforcing themes of support, inspiration, or mentorship that may have influenced your scholarly journey.

By maintaining relevance, you underscore the symbiotic relationship between your academic endeavors and the supportive network that has facilitated your growth and development.

In doing so, your dedication serves not only as a token of appreciation but also as a reflection of the intrinsic ties between personal gratitude and academic excellence.

Personalize Your Message

Infusing your dedication with personal anecdotes, memories, or meaningful experiences can elevate the emotional resonance of your message, making it more heartfelt and impactful.

By sharing specific instances where the recipient(s) played a pivotal role in your academic journey, you not only convey your gratitude but also create a deeper connection between your dedication and the individuals or entities being honored.

Consider recounting memorable interactions, pivotal moments of encouragement, or instances where the recipient(s) provided unwavering support during challenging times.

These personal touches serve to underscore the genuine appreciation you feel towards them and highlight the profound impact of their influence on your academic growth.

Moreover, by weaving personal narratives into your dedication, you create a narrative thread that honors the past and celebrates the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual support.

Proofread Carefully

Before finalizing your dedication, it’s essential to meticulously proofread it to ensure accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness. Grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies can detract from the professionalism of your dissertation and undermine the sincerity of your message.

Take the time to review your dedication carefully, paying close attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and overall coherence. Consider seeking feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or advisors to gain fresh perspectives and identify any areas that may require refinement.

Additionally, ensure that the tone and language of your dedication align with the overall style and tone of your dissertation.

By conducting thorough proofreading, you demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to presenting your work with the utmost professionalism and precision.

Ultimately, a carefully crafted dedication, free from errors and ambiguities, not only enhances the overall quality of your dissertation but also ensures that your message of gratitude is conveyed with clarity and sincerity.

Dedication in Dissertation: Final Remarks

In conclusion, the dedication section of your dissertation serves as a poignant tribute to those who have played a significant role in shaping your academic journey.

By following the guidance provided, you can craft a dedication that honors the individuals or entities that have provided unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration along the way.

From expressing heartfelt gratitude to ensuring conciseness and relevance, each dedication aspect contributes to its overall impact and resonance.

Personalizing your message with anecdotes and memories adds depth and sincerity and strengthens the emotional connection between you and the recipients of your dedication. Furthermore, careful proofreading ensures that your message is communicated with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on your readers.

Ultimately, the dedication section is more than just a formality—it’s a meaningful opportunity to express appreciation for the invaluable contributions of others to your academic and personal growth.

Through thoughtful reflection and expression, your dedication becomes a testament to the supportive network that has accompanied you on your scholarly journey, enriching the narrative of your dissertation and reinforcing the importance of gratitude and community in academic endeavors.

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How to Study

How to Write a Dedication for a Thesis or Dissertation?

Writing a dedication page for your thesis or dissertation is a great way to honor the people who have supported you throughout the journey of your research and writing. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about writing a dedication page for your thesis or dissertation. From formatting it to what you can include, we’ll run through all of the details to help you write your dedication page with confidence and gratitude.

What is a dedication page?

In academic writing (as well as book writing), the dedication page is where you can honor the people who have inspired or emotionally support you throughout your research and writing in a personal manner.

The dedication page is an optional section in a thesis or dissertation when it comes to academic writing.

Why should I include a dedication page in my writing?

The dedication page is not mandatory in most academic writing.

However, by paying tributes to the individuals or even the higher power who meant the most to you, you attach meaning to your work beyond the academic level.

A song is merely a song with lyrics, and that’s that. But if the same song is dedicated to someone, it will certainly entail special meanings to those who are dedicated and the dedicator (yourself). In other words, dedication serves to connect your work with the people who mean the most to you.

The same goes for your work. Do you agree?

Where does the dedication page appear in a paper?

The dedication page should appear before the main body of a thesis or dissertation. But every institution has its own requirements. You should always check the formatting guidelines provided by your school, faculty or department.

For this matter, we took a quick tour of the formatting guidelines for the top three universities in the US. And we’ve already found 3 variations.

How long is a dedication page?

A dedication page can be as short as one sentence, if not in a few short paragraphs.

Who should I include on the dedication page?

In academic writings, the dedication page is where you can show your gratitude to the individuals (and even the higher power) who have inspired you or emotionally support you on a personal level throughout your work. 

They may or may not involve in your research work. You may include:

• God or the higher power

What is the formatting of a dedication page?

Always check the formatting guidelines provided by your school, faculty, or department.

As a general rule, the title, as well as the text, should be aligned in the center of the page like this:

What is the tone and style of a dedication page?

The tone of the dedication page can be formal or informal. It can be personal, sometimes even emotional and spiritual.

Formal phases to begin a dedication:

*Work: thesis/dissertation/report/research

This [work] is dedicated to…

Example: This project is dedicated to Mr. Smith, our teacher who helped and guided us to successfully complete this work.

I dedicate this [work] to…

Example: I dedicate this thesis to my father and my mother, who with love and effort have accompanied me in this process, without hesitating at any moment of seeing my dreams come true, which are also their dreams

I am dedicating this [work] to…

Example: I am dedicating this thesis to my late grandfather who taught me all about perseverance. His memories continue to keep me going in every single day of my life

Informal phases to begin a dedication:

Example: For my Almighty God, the reason for my existence.

Example: To Bruno, who has been my support in the difficulties.

Example: To my dearest wife Jenny, to my lovely little girl Jin, to my parents, to my brothers William, John and Paul, and to all those who made this thesis possible.

The dedication page vs the acknowledgement page, what’s the difference?

While both the dedication page and acknowledgement page let you show appreciation for the help and support in your research and writing, there are some major similarities and differences between the two.

Dedication in academic writing

On a dedication page, you honor a particular group of people or an individual for inspiring or motivating you for completing the project or paper. It can be personal, emotional, or even spiritual and does not necessarily have anything to do with the academic aspects.

You dedicate your research work to the people who mean the most to you, such as the higher power, your core family members, a particular individual, friends, or someone who has a special role in your life.

Acknowledgment in academic writing

In acknowledgments, you recognize resources (e.g. grants or funding), institutions as well as individuals that are involved or have support in the course of your research and writing. These parties directly play a role in your academic career. Here, you disclose as much academic-related information as possible.

The Similarities

These sections, usually optional, should be no longer than one page.

Depending on the requirements of school or academic department, they can appear before or after the table of contents in your paper.

The Differences

The key difference between acknowledgement and dedication is that the former is more formal and the latter is more personal.

Acknowledgement usually recognizes the contributions of those who were directly involved in the research, whereas dedications are a way for the writer to pay tribute to individuals who have had a significant personal or emotional impact on their life or work.

It is common for people to dedicate their writing to God or another higher power who they believe provided them with spiritual support during the writing process.”

Here’s a brief comparison table showing the main differences between the two:

If you want to check out examples of dedication for projects, reports, theses, dissertations, and books, also read: Examples of Well-Written Dedication Section

Acknowledgement Examples for School/College Projects

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How-to Guides on Academic Writing and Others

Most popular How to Write an Acknowledgement: The Complete Guide for Students How to Write an Acknowledgement for College Project? How to Write a Dedication Page for a Thesis or Dissertation? More on acknowledgements How to Write Acknowledgment for a Dissertation or a Thesis? Is Acknowledgement and Dedication the Same? Thesis or Dissertation How to Write a Master’s Thesis: The Ultimate Guide How to Write a Thesis Proposal? How to Write an Abstract for a Thesis? How to Write a Preface for a Thesis? Others How to Write an Introduction for a Research Paper? 7 Real Research Paper Examples to Get You Started How to Write Cover Letter for an Internship Program? How to Write an Internship Acceptance Letter? How to Write a Leave Application? For Schools and the Workplace How to Write a Resignation Letter?

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Dedication, acknowledgements, & preface

Dedication, Acknowledgements, and Preface sections are all optional pages. But, what is the difference between these three?

Dedication — A personal tribute to someone or a group of people. Example: "To my parents."

Acknowledgements — A professional tribute to a person or people who helped you with the thesis. Example: "I wish to thank my thesis advisor for the hours of help in the lab making sure the experiments were set up properly and guiding me through the thesis process."

Preface ( sometimes confused with Foreward or Prologue ) — A very rarely included section that details why you are qualified to write about your topic of your thesis or why you became interested in the topic (for example, an anecdote about a childhood incident that led you to become interested in the topic). Do not confuse this with the literature review; this is more of a personal story.

The video below gives more examples of what can be included in these sections. Note: If your dedication is short (like "To my parents"), you may choose not to include the "Dedication" heading at the top of the page. A demonstration of how to format the dedication page this way is shown below.

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How to Write a Dedication

#scribendiinc

And the dedication goes to…

When you have finally completed the gruelling yet wonderful process of writing a book, short story , dissertation, etc., you are then faced with the difficult decision of dedicating this source of all your hard work to someone special. Here are some helpful tips to ease your anxiety and assist you in writing a dedication page.

Picking a person 

The most difficult part of writing this piece of front matter is choosing who you would like to dedicate your work to. Some writers may find it to be the most difficult part of the whole process. When choosing who to write your dedication for, think about the process you just went through and who helped you get through it. This could include a variety of people, including a parent, sibling, or other family member, a spouse or partner, a friend, a supervisor, a colleague, or even a pet. This is a very personal choice and there is no wrong decision.

Naming names

After you have decided who you will write your dedication for, you must decide how you are going to identify them. This will be based on your own personal preference and what is appropriate, according to your relationship with that person. The identification could vary from formal to informal.

On the formal end of the spectrum, your dedication could be addressed to Dr. So and So, Mr. X, or even Mother and Father. In between formal and informal, there are options like Mom, Dad, My sister, My friend, a person’s first and last name (no title), etc. On the informal side, you could use the first name or nickname of someone you know.

Reason for the dedication

The next component in writing your dedication is explaining why you chose this person. Many authors provide a reason for their dedication selections. As with the whole dedication process, this is an extremely personal and subjective decision. The dedication could simply be: "For my mom"; others may choose to explain their decision: "For my mom; without her I would not be here." You may want to write a funny anecdote about the person, an experience you shared, or even a private joke shared only by the two of you. As seen in our example dedication page, there are many types of dedications, each with it's own style. Your reason is completely dependent on your personality and your relationship with the person to whom you are dedicating your work.

Addressing the dedication

There are many ways you can address your dedication. You could write, "I dedicate this book to …", "This is dedicated to …", "To: …", "For: …", or simply just start writing your dedication without any formal address. It should be on its own page so everyone will get the hint that it is a dedication page, even if there isn't any formal address. Take into consideration the person you have chosen to dedicate your work to, your personality, and the formality of your relationship and the address will follow suit.

Alternative dedications

It has been extremely popular over the years to write a dedication page using alternative formats. Authors have used poems or funny anecdotes to express their gratitude. In the past, many dedications were often written in the style of a formal letter.

The most important things to remember when writing a dedication are to keep it simple, concise, and ensure that it truly reflects your personality and your relationship with the person the dedication is for. Remember to get your finished dedication edited by one of our book editors . You don't want to overlook calling your spouse the pettiest person in the world when you really meant the prettiest person in the world!

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Examples of Dedications

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The Dedication Page is optional. If you choose to include a Dedication Page, please ensure that:

• You are using the same font as in the rest of your manuscript.
• No images are included.
• Page number ii appears centered at the bottom of the page.

​Please note that the Dedication Page is different from the Acknowledgements Page.

Dedication Page Example

Here is an example of a dedication page from the template:

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Writing Your Dedication and Acknowledgements

When it comes to writing a thesis, the chapters get most of our attention – and so they should! They are the bulk of the thesis, and they contain the actual research. But there are other sections to think about as well, and two of them can be particularly fun to write.

The dedication and acknowledgements pages are where you can show your love and gratitude to the people who have helped you to achieve your goals. They tend to be less prescribed than other sections, so you have a little freedom to get creative in the way you express yourself!

While they might seem similar, there is a difference between the dedications and the acknowledgements. The dedication, as the name suggests, allows you to dedicate your thesis to someone (or multiple people). This is quite a personal matter, and dedications are often made to family members, spouses, friends, or community groups.

The acknowledgements page, by contrast, allows you to express thanks for specific contributions, and often features people that the author knows professionally as well as personally. If a person or group helped you by giving advice, funding, mentorship, editorial assistance, or practical support, it’s a good idea to give them a shout-out in the acknowledgements. This is more than just a courtesy – it’s an important part of maintaining your relationships by formally recognising the people and organisations who have made a contribution to your work.

As an example – I dedicated my PhD thesis to several members of my family, and wrote short personal notes about their contributions. In my acknowledgements section, I thanked my supervisor, a mentor, a friend who provided technical advice during my research, and my scholarship provider.

My dedication and acknowledgements sections were fairly conventional, but that doesn’t mean yours have to be! I’ve heard of writers dedicating their thesis to their pets, their computers, and even their local barista. There have even been rumours of one acknowledgements page which included a coupon for a free beer for anyone whose name was listed!

Other scholars have been known to thank:

• Public transport providers “for making the task of writing in buses and trains such an enjoyable exercise” ( source )
• The “spell-check function of Microsoft Word, without whom ‘institution’ would be misspelled differently 197 times” ( source )
• “The U.S. Immigration Service under the Bush administration, whose visa background security check forced [the author] to spend two months (following an international conference) in a third country, free of routine obligations” ( source )

One enterprising paleontologist even proposed to his girlfriend via the acknowledgements section of his journal article. (She said yes, apparently.)

So if you haven’t already, have a go at drafting your dedication and acknowledgements pages. After all, it’s not often you can gush about your favourite people while still technically being productive!

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Home / Book Formatting / How to Write a Dedication Page: A Complete Guide

How to Write a Dedication Page: A Complete Guide

There are two types of readers: those who skip over the “front matter” of a book, and those who read every single word (even the copyright information and publication date).

Okay, maybe that's a little black-and-white. Chances are, you've read one or two dedication pages in your time as a reader. Maybe you've even had a book dedicated to you (we should all be so lucky). No matter the type of reader you are, if you're writing a book, you may want to know how to write a dedication page.

Keep reading to find out how!

• What a book dedication page is
• Who to dedicate your page to
• Tips for writing a dedication page
• Examples of dedication pages

Table of contents

• Dedication vs Acknowledgements
• Are There Rules for a Book Dedication?
• Choose Your Subject(s)
• Express Gratitude in Your Own Way
• Remember Your Readers
• Try a Few Different Versions
• You Don't Have to Wait
• Take Inspiration from Other Authors
• 1. No Thanks, E. E. Cummings
• 2. My Shit Life So Far, Frankie Boyle
• 3. Ruins, Dan Wells
• 4. The Selection, Kiera Cass
• 5. The House of Hades, Rick Riordan
• 6. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis
• 7. Death on the Nile, Agatha Christie
• 8. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
• 9. Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman
• 10. Visions of Cody, Jack Kerouac
• Writing Your Dedication

Why Should You Trust Me?

I've actually been writing and formatting books for a long time. Over 10 years so far, and counting.

But that's not the real reason, because there are plenty of authors who have lots of experience, but know next to nothing about the different parts of a book, or book formatting in general.

The real reason you should trust me is because I actually created my own formatting software that solved all my problems. I called it Atticus.

But this isn't meant to be a sales pitch. I just want to make sure it's clear that I know what I'm talking about. The amount of research that went into not only formatting my own books, but also creating a formatting software is huge.

I researched everything, which led me to learn all about every. single. part. of. a. book. And there were a lot more than I realized.

And of course, that includes Dedication Pages.

So if all that makes sense, hopefully you'll come along with me as show you everything I've learned.

What is a Dedication Page?

A dedication page is the author's chance to write a personal note to a person or people who have influenced them in some way. As the name suggests, it's the author's way of dedicating the book to that person or those people.

A book dedication is often short and generally comes at the beginning of the book , before the preface, foreword , and prologue but after the title page, copyright page , and table of contents. This portion of the book is also called the “front matter”.

See my other articles on the many Parts of a Book and How to Format a Book .

If you've read a dedication at the beginning of a book, you've likely also read an acknowledgment page at the end of a book. While these two sections may seem similar, there are some distinct differences.

As mentioned above, a dedication comes at the beginning, before the body of the work. Acknowledgments come at the end, after the body. Another difference is that acknowledgments usually mention people who worked on the book. Common mentions include editors, research assistants, proofreaders, and the like.

Dedications are usually (but not always) reserved for someone not directly involved in the book's creation. Friends, husbands, wives, children, or other family members are often mentioned in the dedication.

Another difference between these sections is length. Sometimes, acknowledgments can be significantly longer than a page. Dedications are typically short and sweet; often only a line or two.

Format Beautiful Professional Books

Easy to use, and and full of amazing features, you can quickly turn your book into a professional book.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for dedicating your book to someone. It's really up to you. Often, there's a personal (rather than professional) connection that you want to recognize.

And there's no rule saying you even have to have a book dedication. It's okay to not have one at all.

If you do have one, you don't have to know the person you're dedicating your book to. Some authors will dedicate a book to their readers or to an author who inspired them, even if that author is no longer around.

You can even dedicate a book to your entire family! And no, you don't have to list each family member by name if you don't want to.

Tips for Writing a Book Dedication

While there are no rules for writing a book dedication, there are some norms that you may consider following.

The first step in writing your book dedication is to choose your subject or subjects. In other words, who are you going to dedicate your book to? Once you know the person or people you'd like to dedicate it to, then you can start crafting the dedication itself. Here are some common options for book dedications:

• Spouse, Partner, or Significant Other
• Family Member or Loved One
• Close Friend(s)
• Writing Teacher or Mentor
• Favorite Writer

Think about the writing process of the book you'd like to dedicate. Writing a book is hard work. Did someone help you along when you were stuck? Did you regularly bounce ideas off of someone? Maybe someone gave you the idea for the book with an offhand comment in a conversation. These are the kinds of people whom authors dedicate their books to.

The dedication section of your book is the one place to express gratitude in a way that's uniquely yours. The power of a dedication comes from the number of people that will read it. But that doesn't mean that it has to make sense to everyone who lays eyes on the page.

Sometimes the dedication references an inside joke between the author and the dedicatee. Other times it's straightforward and sweet. And it can also be funny or sardonic. Really, there are as many different ways to write a dedication as there are authors.

Think of the person or people you're dedicating the book to. Then write something specifically for them . But also remember that lots of other people will read it.

A book dedication is not the place for secrets. Although it should be personal, often highlighting an emotional connection between author and dedicatee, it's not like a private note or letter. As you write it, remember that lots of people will read it. Maybe highlighting that embarrassing incident that your dedicatee would like to keep secret isn't the best choice in a dedication.

Most dedications are pretty short. Some are just a sentence long. Others are a couple of short paragraphs. You can make yours as long as you want, but you generally don't want to go over a page.

Since they're relatively short, you can try a few different versions and see which one you like best. Maybe one is a short poem, one is a couple of sentences, and one is just a line. It's up to you what style you use. As an author, it's good to write multiple versions of anything. Usually, my best work doesn't come out on the first try. It takes a little bit of poking and prodding to get things where I want them.

If you're still not sure who to dedicate the book to, write a different dedication for each of the potential candidates on your list. It may help you decide which person or people to go with.

It may seem like common sense to wait until the book is finished before you decide on a dedication. But really, there is no specific time to write your book dedication. If you have an idea of who you'd like to dedicate it to before you've even written a word, you can write it first.

Nothing is set in stone until you've published (and even then, it's pretty easy to update your manuscript if you're a self-published author). Re-read the dedication as you write and edit your book. If something happens while you're writing and you want to change your dedication, go for it! 

Unless, of course, you've already told someone you're dedicating the book to them. Then you should probably stick to your word and keep it as is — although you can change the style and tone if you want.

If you're not sure what to write in your dedication, see what other authors have done in their books. You can head over to your digital or physical bookshelf and start looking in the front matter, checking for dedications. You can also use the Preview feature that most online booksellers have to look for dedications in books you don't own.

But before you do either of those things, keep reading, because I've gathered some excellent real-life dedication examples.

Book Dedication Examples

The following book dedication examples highlight the wide range of possibilities at your fingertips for writing your own dedication. Choose a dedication example that you like from the list below and use it as inspiration for your own!

1. No Thanks , E. E. Cummings

“After his fourteen failures Cummings gave up and turned to his mother. She gave him $300, with which he approached the printer Samuel Jacobs to bring out the volume under his own imprint, the Golden Eagle Press. The title was changed from 70 Poems to No Thanks , in allusion to the publishers' polite refusals. To put the final nail in the coffin Cummings included on the book's dedication page a concrete poem, arranging the fourteen publishers in the form of a funeral urn:

Farrar & Rinehart

Simon & Schuster

Coward-McCann

Limited Editions

Harcourt, Brace

Random House

Equinox Press

Smith & Haas

Viking Press

Covici-Friede”

2. My Shit Life So Far , Frankie Boyle

“To all my enemies,

I will destroy you.”

3. Ruins , Dan Wells

“This book is dedicated to everybody you hate.

Sorry. Life's like that sometimes.”

4. The Selection , Kiera Cass

“Hi, Dad!

*Waves*”

5. The House of Hades , Rick Riordan

“To my wonderful readers:

Sorry about that last cliff-hanger.

Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA.

But seriously, I love you guys.”

6. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , C. S. Lewis

“TO LUCY BARFIELD

My Dear Lucy,

I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I did not realize that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall still be

your affectionate Godfather,

-C. S. Lewis”

7. Death on the Nile , Agatha Christie

“To Sybil Burnett, who also loves wandering about the world.”

8. The Great Gatsby , F Scott Fitzgerald

“ONCE AGAIN

ZELDA”

9. Anansi Boys , Neil Gaiman

“You know how it is. You pick up a book, flip to the dedication, and find that, once again, the author has dedicated a book to someone else and not to you.

Not this time.

Because we haven't yet met/have only a glancing acquaintance/are just crazy about each other/haven't seen each other in much too long/are in some way related/will never meet, but will, I trust, despite that, always think fondly of each other . . .

This one's for you.

With you know what, and you probably know why.”

10. Visions of Cody , Jack Kerouac

“Dedicated to America, whatever that is.”

As you can see, there's no cookie-cutter formula for writing the perfect dedication. Trust your gut to tell you when the dedication is perfect for you. If you end up not liking it after your book is published, you can always improve on it in your next book!

While dedications are common in novels, you can also put one in your children’s book , nonfiction book, short story collection, thesis paper, dissertation, or research paper. The idea behind each is the same.

Good luck and thanks for reading!You can also learn about the other important sections in a book's front matter here .

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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How To Write a Book Dedication They Will Love (150 Examples)

I’ve written book dedications for all of my novels and books, so I know how challenging it can be to write a good one.

Here’s how to write a book dedication:

Write a book dedication page by focusing on one person at a time, keeping it short, making it personal, and choosing a single emotion to convey. Study other great book dedication pages. You can also use a book dedication template or book dedication generator to make the dedication for you.

In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write a book dedication they will love.

What Is a Book Dedication?

Table of Contents

A book dedication is a page (often the second page of the book) where the author writes a special message to someone important in their life.

This could be a family member, friend, or teacher who encouraged them to pursue their dream of writing.

Dedications are also sometimes used to honor someone who has passed away.

In this case, the dedication might be a quotation or poem that reminds the reader of the person being honored. No matter what the reason for the dedication, it is always a nice gesture to write one.

It shows that the author is grateful for the support they have received and wants to share their success with others.

How To Write a Great Book Dedication (My 11 Best Tips)

There are many ways to write a book dedication to your friend, family member, mentor, or that other significant person in your life.

After writing and publishing a half dozen books over the last 20 years, here are my best book dedication writing tips.

1) Focus On One Person

It’s no secret that a dedication is one of the most important parts of a book.

After all, it’s where you get to honor one special person (or a very few people) with this book. But with so many people to thank, it can be tempting to try to cram everything into a single page.

However, when it comes to the dedication, less is definitely more.

By focusing on just one person (or, at least, one person at a time), you can ensure that your words are heartfelt and sincere.

Plus, your reader will be able to appreciate your words all the more. So next time you sit down to write a dedication, take a deep breath and focus on just one person.

Remember, the book dedication is meant for one special person per book.

You can thank everyone else in the Acknowledgements section.

2) Choose a Single Emotion To Convey

When it comes to writing a book dedication, it’s important to choose a single emotion to focus on.

Trying to be funny and serious at the same time can confuse the reader and take away from the impact of your words. By focusing on a single emotion, you can more effectively capture the essence of your dedication and communicate your feelings in a clear and concise way.

So, what’s the best emotion to choose?

It depends on the tone of your book and the message you want to convey. If your book is lighthearted and fun, you might dedicate it to “the joy of reading.”

If it’s a more serious work, you might choose to dedicate it to “the power of stories.”

Whatever emotion you choose, make sure that it is authentic and meaningful to you. Only then will your dedication truly resonate with readers.

3) Keep It Short and Sweet

A book dedication is a brief statement, usually just a few words, that acknowledges the people or things that have influenced your work.

While it might be tempting to use the dedication as an opportunity to recount your entire life story, it’s important to keep it short and sweet. A good dedication is positive and concise, and it gives readers a glimpse into your motivations for writing the book.

There are a few reasons why it’s important to keep your dedication short.

First, dedications are often printed in very small type, so you want to make sure that your readers will be able to easily read it.

Second, a long-winded dedication can quickly become boring, and you don’t want to lose your readers before they even start reading your book.

Finally, a short dedication lets you leave room for a personal message from you to the reader. This can be a great way to connect with your audience and make your book even more special.

A few well-chosen words will be just as meaningful as pages of prose, and they’ll make sure that your readers keep coming back for more.

4) Remember that a Book Dedication Is Public

When you’re writing a book dedication, it’s important to keep in mind that anything you include will be available for anyone in the world to read.

You want to avoid anything too personal or negative.

A dedication is a great place to express your gratitude to the people who have supported you through the process of writing your book. Remember that this is a public statement, so you don’t want to say anything that could be interpreted as negative or offensive.

Keep it positive and make sure it’s something you’re comfortable sharing with the world.

5) Address the Person

When it comes to book dedications, addressing the person you are dedicating the book to is of the utmost importance.

Whether you address them by their first name (John or Nadia), by their role in your life (Dad or Wife), or with a nickname (Pops or Dream Girl), make sure that the dedication is coming from a place of sincerity.

The dedication should reflect your relationship with the person and why you are choosing to dedicate your book to them.

You might want to avoid cliches, such as “This book is dedicated to my one and only” or “This book is dedicated to the love of my life.”

Instead, focus on sharing a short, personal phrase or saying something that will resonate with the reader.

6) Share the Reason for the Dedication

If you’re like me, then you want your book dedications to be more than just a list of names.

You want them to be thoughtful and meaningful, conveying the reasons why you are dedicating your book to each person.

And while it’s important to be concise, it’s even more important to be honest. So rather than simply saying, “I dedicate this book to my mother,” try something like, “I dedicate this book to my mother, who has always believed in me even when no one else did.”

By sharing the reasons behind your dedication, you can turn a simple list of names into a heartfelt tribute.

7) Get Inspired By Other Great Book Dedications

One of the best ways to come up with a great dedication for your book is to read dedications from other books.

You can look for dedications in books that are similar to yours in genre or subject matter, or you can simply look for dedications that speak to you on an emotional level.

As you read, pay attention to the tone of the dedications and the types of people or things that are being honored.

You may also want to take note of any particularly clever or memorable phrases.

Once you’ve collected a few examples of inspiring dedications, you can start brainstorming your own. Keep these other book dedications in mind as you write, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that feels just right.

8) Make a Creative Twist

Writing a book dedication can be a challenging but rewarding task.

While there are no hard and fast rules for writing a dedication, you may want to consider taking a creative approach. This could involve using unique words or phrases, a quote or poem, or some other special way to tribute the importance of the person or people you are dedicating your book to.

By doing something different than other authors, you can make your dedication stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Not to mention, it can also become part of your “signature” as an author – giving your fans and readers one more reason to read your book.

9) Write a Few Versions

Trying out different styles can be a great way to find your favorite one.

And you don’t have to stick to just one version – you can write a few different versions and then A/B test them to see which one gets the best reaction from readers.

So how do you go about writing multiple book dedications?

• Start by brainstorming some different ideas.
• Write them down in a list or in a document so you can refer back to them later.
• Once you have a good selection of ideas, start writing them out in full.
• Try out different styles and voices until you find one that feels right.
• Get feedback from others – their input can help you choose the perfect dedication.

10) Connect It to the Themes of Your Book

While dedications are personal, they can also be tied to the themes of your book.

For example, if your book is about following your dreams despite obstacles, you might dedicate it to someone who supported you during a difficult time in your life.

Or if your book is about the importance of family, you might dedicate it to your parents or grandparents.

By tying your dedication back to the themes of your book, you can create a personal and meaningful message for your readers.

11) Don’t Overthink It

It’s finally finished. The last sentence is written, the final period is in place, and all that’s left to do is come up with a dedication.

For some authors, this is the easy part.

They know exactly who they want to dedicate their work to and why. But for others, the dedication can be a source of anxiety.

After all, this is a public declaration of gratitude or admiration.

It’s also a permanent fixture in the book, so it’s important to get it right. If you’re struggling to find the perfect words, take comfort in knowing that there are no official rules for dedications.

You can keep it short and sweet or write a heartfelt letter.

You can even choose not to include one at all. So whatever you do, don’t overthink it. The most important thing is that you’re happy with the final result.

Who Can an Author Dedicate a Book To? (20 Options)

The short answer is that you can dedicate a book to anyone.

It’s really up to you as the author. To help you come up with the perfect person for your book dedication, I made a list of 20 different people you might choose.

You can dedicate your book to:

• Best friend
• Grandparents
• Person featured in the book
• Inspirational person
• Another Author
• Spiritual leader
• Someone who passed away
• Historical figure

150 Book Dedication Examples

As we mentioned earlier, reading examples of book dedications is one of the best ways to learn how to craft your own dedication.

In this section, I’ve collected and created the best book dedication examples.

Book Dedication Examples for a Friend

Example #1:

I’m dedicating this book to my best friend, Sarah. We’ve been through a lot together, and she’s always been there for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.

Example #2:

To my best friend. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and most of all, your friendship. I couldn’t have asked for more. This book is dedicated to you with all my love.

Example #3:

This book is dedicated to my friend, Jane. You’ve been a true friend, and I can’t imagine going through life without you by my side.

Book Dedication Examples to a Child

For my sweet little girl, who always keeps me entertained. I love you to the moon and back!

To my beautiful daughter, who fills my life with happiness. You are my everything.

To my handsome son, who is the light of my life. I am so proud of the young man you are becoming.

Book Dedication to Parents Examples

To my mother, who always believed in me. To my father, who taught me to never give up. To my parents, who showed me that anything is possible. Thank you for your love and support. I dedicate this book to you.

To my wonderful mother, who always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Thank you for your love and support, which have meant everything to me. I am so grateful to have you in my life.

To my amazing father, who has always been there for me. Thank you for your wisdom, your strength, and your endless love. I am so lucky to have you as my father and my friend.

To the two of you, who have given me more than I could ever possibly hope for. Thank you for your love, your laughter, and your never-ending patience. I am so blessed to have both of you in my life.

To my adoptive parents, who took me in and loved me unconditionally. Thank you for everything.

Book Dedication Examples for Family

I am writing this book in dedication to my grandfather. He was always such a huge supporter of my writing and encouraged me to never give up on my dreams. I know that he is looking down on me from heaven and smiling, proud of the woman that I have become.

This book is for you, grandma. Thank you for always believing in me.

To my twin brother, who is always there for me when I need him. I know we drive each other crazy sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade you for the world.

Book Dedication for Mentor

To my mentor, Dr. Smith. Your guidance and support have been invaluable to me over the years. Thank you for always being there when I needed you.

To my mentor and friend, Jim Harrison. Thank you for your wisdom, your wit, and your friendship. I am truly grateful.

To the best mentor a girl could ask for, my mom. Thank you for always believing in me and for teaching me to never give up on myself. I love you.

Book Dedication for Cancer Survivor

To my mother, who fought cancer with strength and courage. You are my inspiration

To all the cancer survivors out there – never give up hope.

To those who have lost a loved one to cancer. This book is dedicated to you in memory of your loved one

Funny Book Dedication Examples

To my second-cousin’s ex-boyfriend’s goldfish, may your bowl always be full of pellets and your life free ofalgae.

For my father, who never once read any of my books but always pretended to. Thanks, Daddio!

I would like to dedicate this book to my cat, Snickers, who always sleeps through my alarm clock going off; to my Grandma, who still thinks an ‘@’ is a duck; and last but not least, to Wikipedia, without which I would never have finished this book at all.

Famous Book Dedication Examples

To Her Hand in hand we come Christopher Robin and I To lay this book in your lap. Say you’re surprised? Say you like it? Say it’s just what you wanted? Because it’s yours— Because we love you. The Complete Tales of Winnie The Poo by A.A. Milne

For Colin Firth You’re a really great guy, but I’m married, so I think we should just be friends. Austenland by Shannon Hale

Hi, Dad! *Waves* The Selection by Kiera Cass

Book Dedication Examples for Grandparents

• “To my grandmother, whose stories of old have always been a beacon of wisdom and wonder in my life.”
• “For Grandpa, whose tales of yesteryears ignited my imagination – this book is a tribute to your legacy.”
• “Dedicated to my Nana, whose love and warmth are woven into the fabric of every page.”
• “To my beloved Granny, whose life is a tapestry of the richest stories. Your journey inspires mine.”
• “For my grandfather, a man of few words but profound wisdom. This book mirrors your quiet strength.”

Book Dedication for Siblings

• “To my brother, who has been my partner in crime and my steadfast supporter through every plot twist of life.”
• “For my sister, who has always been the star of my real-life stories. Your laughter is my favorite soundtrack.”
• “Dedicated to my siblings – the first characters in my story and the strongest supporters of my dream.”
• “To my little brother, who always believed in fairy tales and made me believe in them too.”
• “For my elder sister, whose guidance has been the guiding light in the darkest chapters of my life.”

Book Dedication for a Teacher

• “To Mrs. Thompson, who taught me that words have power and stories can change the world.”
• “For my first teacher, who introduced me to the alphabet and, thereby, to endless possibilities.”
• “Dedicated to my high school English teacher, whose passion for literature has been the cornerstone of my own journey.”
• “To the teacher who didn’t just explain texts, but showed me how to unravel their magic.”
• “For the educator who saw a writer in a confused teenager. Your faith has shaped these pages.”

Book Dedication for a Pet

• “To Buddy, my loyal four-legged friend, who has been by my side through every word written.”
• “For Luna, whose playful spirit and unwavering companionship have been the joy in my writing journey.”
• “Dedicated to Oliver, my furry muse, whose antics filled the breaks and spaces between writing.”
• “To my faithful companion, Bella, who has patiently listened to every draft, purring in encouragement.”
• “For my beloved pet, who has been more than a friend – a source of unconditional love and inspiration.”

Book Dedication for a Deceased Loved One

• “In loving memory of John, whose spirit and love continue to guide me beyond the veil of absence.”
• “For my late mother, who dances in the words and lives in the stories. Forever in my heart.”
• “Dedicated to a soul not lost, but living within these pages – my dear departed father.”
• “To my angel above, whose memory is a lighthouse in the seas of creativity and life.”
• “For the one who left too soon – your legacy is the ink with which this book is written.”

Book Dedication for a Historical Figure

• “Inspired by the resilience of Rosa Parks, whose courage writes stories of hope and change.”
• “For Leonardo da Vinci, whose boundless curiosity and unparalleled genius light the path for dreamers.”
• “Dedicated to the memory of Nelson Mandela, whose life is a testament to the power of unyielding determination.”
• “To Jane Austen, who painted worlds with words and showed us the enduring power of character.”
• “For Albert Einstein, whose vision transcended time and space, inspiring generations to look beyond.”

Book Dedication for a Fictional Character

• “To Sherlock Holmes, who taught me that every detail tells a story.”
• “For Elizabeth Bennet, whose wit and spirit have been a guiding force in my writing.”
• “Dedicated to Frodo Baggins, a small character with a heart large enough to carry the heaviest of burdens.”
• “To Atticus Finch, whose integrity and compassion are the benchmarks for my characters.”
• “For Harry Potter, who showed us that magic is real and lives within us.”

Book Dedication for a Role Model

• “To Malala Yousafzai, whose bravery and dedication to education light up every word I write.”
• “For Michelle Obama, a beacon of strength, grace, and empowerment in every chapter of life.”
• “Dedicated to Steve Jobs, whose vision and tenacity inspire the narrative of innovation in these pages.”
• “To Oprah Winfrey, whose journey of resilience and success writes a story of hope and determination.”
• “For Maya Angelou, whose words dance with dignity and truth, guiding my pen with every stroke.”

Book Dedication for a Colleague

• “To my colleague and friend, David, whose insights at the water cooler have been as invaluable as those in boardrooms.”
• “For Sarah, a teammate whose support and camaraderie have made even the toughest deadlines a joy.”
• “Dedicated to the unsung heroes of my workplace – your daily dedication fuels my creative fires.”
• “To my mentor at work, who taught me that professionalism and passion are the twin pillars of success.”
• “For the colleagues who are more family than co-workers, you color my professional life with personal hues.”

Book Dedication for a Community

• “To the people of my hometown, whose shared stories and collective wisdom breathe life into these pages.”
• “For the community that raised me – your values and spirit echo in every word.”
• “Dedicated to the artists and dreamers of the city that never sleeps. Your heartbeat is the rhythm of this story.”
• “To the global community fighting for environmental conservation, your cause is the inspiration behind this narrative.”
• “For the vibrant tapestry of cultures that is my neighborhood, you paint my world with diverse strokes.”

Book Dedication for a Cultural Icon

• “To Frida Kahlo, whose art speaks a language of strength and raw beauty, inspiring my own creative voice.”
• “For Bob Marley, whose melodies are a symphony of peace, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.”
• “Dedicated to Audrey Hepburn, an epitome of elegance and compassion, both on-screen and off.”
• “To Bruce Lee, whose philosophy and mastery in martial arts transcend physical boundaries into the realm of the spiritual.”
• “For Cesar Chavez, a beacon of hope and relentless advocate for the rights of the marginalized.”

Book Dedication for a Philanthropist

• “To Melinda Gates, whose tireless work in bridging gaps and building a better future illuminates every chapter.”
• “For Warren Buffet, a symbol of wisdom in both finance and philanthropy, guiding principles in this story.”
• “Dedicated to the unsung heroes in every charity and nonprofit organization, your selflessness writes the best parts of humanity.”
• “To the philanthropists who remain unnamed but whose impact is immeasurable, this book mirrors your quiet contribution.”
• “For those who give not to gain but to ignite change, your spirit of generosity is the true wealth depicted in these pages.”

Book Dedication for a Spiritual Leader

• “To the Dalai Lama, whose teachings of compassion and humanity are the undercurrents of this narrative.”
• “For Mother Teresa, whose life of service is a beacon of selfless love and hope in a world in need of both.”
• “Dedicated to Thich Nhat Hanh, whose mindfulness and peace are the ink with which I write.”
• “To Rumi, whose poetry delves into the soul and dances with the essence of existence.”
• “For Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbol of simplicity and harmony with nature, virtues that guide my storytelling.”

Book Dedication for a First Responder

• “To the brave firefighters who risk their lives daily, your courage and dedication fuel every heroic character in this book.”
• “For the healthcare workers on the frontlines, your stories of resilience and care are the heartbeat of this narrative.”
• “Dedicated to the police officers who protect and serve with honor, your commitment to safety inspires my themes of justice.”
• “To the paramedics, the unsung heroes in times of crisis, your selflessness is the true heroism depicted here.”
• “For every first responder, in every unnoticed act of bravery, you are the silent guardians woven into these stories.”

Book Dedication for a Personal Hero

• “To my personal hero, whose battles fought in silence echo loudly in the courage of my characters.”
• “For the one who faced life’s storms with a smile, teaching me the true meaning of strength and resilience.”
• “Dedicated to the hero in my life story, whose ordinary acts create extraordinary ripples of change.”
• “To the individual whose quiet presence has been a fortress in my times of need. You are my unsung hero.”
• “For the person who, without cape or fanfare, shows what it means to be heroic in everyday life.”

Book Dedication for an Activist

• “To Greta Thunberg, a young voice with an old soul, championing a cause larger than life – you inspire my words.”
• “For Malcom X, whose boldness and unapologetic quest for justice and equality resonate in every line of this narrative.”
• “Dedicated to Rosa Parks, whose simple act of defiance speaks volumes of courage and sparks change in these pages.”
• “To Martin Luther King Jr., a dreamer, a doer, and an eternal inspiration for every word that seeks equality.”
• “For Angela Davis, whose relentless fight for rights and justice mirrors the battles fought in this book.”

Book Dedication for an Environmentalist

• “To David Attenborough, whose voice has been a clarion call for the protection of our precious planet.”
• “For Jane Goodall, whose dedication to wildlife conservation breathes life into my environmental themes.”
• “Dedicated to Wangari Maathai, planting seeds of change and hope, a legacy that grows within these chapters.”
• “To Greta Thunberg, again, for showing the world that the voice of one can echo as the voice of millions.”
• “For the unsung heroes fighting against climate change, your resilience is the wind beneath the wings of this story.”

Book Dedication for a Musician

• “To the melodies of John Lennon, which have been a soundtrack to the writing of this book.”
• “For Freddie Mercury, whose unbridled energy and passion leap off these pages.”
• “Dedicated to Beethoven, a maestro of emotions, orchestrating feelings that resonate through my words.”
• “To Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice transcends time and genre, much like the stories told here.”
• “For Bob Dylan, a poet and a prophet, whose lyrics have always guided my pen.”

Book Dedication for an Artist

• “To Van Gogh, whose strokes of genius paint the emotions that words alone cannot capture.”
• “For Frida Kahlo, a spirit unbroken, reflecting the resilience in my characters.”
• “Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, a master of art and science, inspiring multidimensional creativity in this work.”
• “To Georgia O’Keeffe, whose bold and vibrant perspectives color the narrative of this book.”
• “For Banksy, a modern enigma, challenging perceptions and conventions, much like the twists in these stories.”

Book Dedication for a Humanitarian

• “To Mother Teresa, whose life of selfless love and service is a guiding light in these pages.”
• “For Nelson Mandela, embodying forgiveness and reconciliation, themes deeply woven into this narrative.”
• “Dedicated to the anonymous aid workers who brave danger to bring hope – you are the unsung heroes in this tale.”
• “To Kailash Satyarthi, a champion for the voiceless, echoing the fight for justice in this book.”
• “For Malala Yousafzai, a beacon of bravery and advocate for education, inspiring the quest for knowledge here.”

Book Dedication for an Astronaut

• “To Neil Armstrong, who took one small step for man and a giant leap for my imagination.”
• “For Sally Ride, who shattered glass ceilings and soared beyond earthly limits, inspiring the heights reached in these pages.”
• “Dedicated to Chris Hadfield, whose views from space broaden our own horizons on Earth.”
• “To Mae Jemison, whose journey to the stars fuels the dreams woven into these words.”
• “For the pioneers of space exploration, who remind us that the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.”

Book Dedication for a Filmmaker

• “To Alfred Hitchcock, whose mastery of suspense has inspired the twists in my tale.”
• “For Ava DuVernay, a storyteller who brings truth and perspective to light, much like the narratives in this book.”
• “Dedicated to Akira Kurosawa, whose cinematic genius paints every scene within these pages.”
• “To Spielberg, a weaver of dreams, who taught me that every great story needs a heart.”
• “For Hayao Miyazaki, whose imagination flies on the wings of freedom, inspiring the whimsy in my work.”

Book Dedication for a Scientist

• “To Marie Curie, whose relentless pursuit of knowledge lights up the path of discovery in this narrative.”
• “For Carl Sagan, who brought the cosmos within reach and sparked wonder in the minds of many, including mine.”
• “Dedicated to Isaac Newton, uncovering the universal truths that are the foundation of many plots here.”
• “To Jane Goodall, again, for showing that empathy and observation can unlock the greatest mysteries.”
• “For Nikola Tesla, a visionary far ahead of his time, energizing the innovative spirit of this book.”

Book Dedication for a Poet

• “To Rumi, whose words dance with the soul and inspire the rhythm of my own.”
• “For Maya Angelou, a caged bird who sang with unshakeable resolve, echoing in the voices of my characters.”
• “Dedicated to Pablo Neruda, whose poetry captures the essence of passion and longing found in these pages.”
• “To Langston Hughes, who painted dreams with words, coloring the narrative of this story.”
• “For Emily Dickinson, a recluse whose words reached out and touched the world, much like the whispers in this book.”

Book Dedication for a Journalist

• “To Christiane Amanpour, whose fearless pursuit of truth mirrors the quests of my protagonists.”
• “For Bob Woodward, who unraveled stories of great consequence, inspiring the uncovering of secrets in this plot.”
• “Dedicated to Ida B. Wells, a beacon of courage and justice, qualities imbued in the heroes of this tale.”
• “To Anderson Cooper, whose compassionate storytelling reflects the empathy and depth in these chapters.”
• “For Walter Cronkite, a trusted voice in a world of noise, guiding the narrative clarity in this work.”

Book Dedication for a Political Leader

• “To Nelson Mandela, whose legacy of perseverance and reconciliation breathes life into the leadership qualities of my characters.”
• “For Angela Merkel, exemplifying strength and resilience in a world of complex politics, inspiring the diplomatic threads in this narrative.”
• “Dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, a figure of integrity and unity, traits that resonate through the heroes in these pages.”
• “To Jacinda Ardern, for leading with empathy and strength, qualities that echo in the protagonist of this story.”
• “For Mahatma Gandhi, whose principles of non-violence and truth light up the path of my narrative’s journey.”

Book Dedication for a Sports Personality

• “To Serena Williams, whose unparalleled determination and grace under pressure inspire the strength of my characters.”
• “For Muhammad Ali, a champion not just in the ring but in the face of adversity, shaping the resilience in this book.”
• “Dedicated to Usain Bolt, whose speed and charisma are the energy that drives the pace of this narrative.”
• “To Michael Jordan, a symbol of excellence and commitment, qualities that leap off every page of this story.”
• “For Simone Biles, who redefines the limits of possibility, inspiring the heights my characters aspire to.”

Book Dedication for a Fictional Hero

• “To Atticus Finch, whose moral compass and quiet courage navigate the ethical dilemmas within these chapters.”
• “For Katniss Everdeen, a beacon of resilience and rebellion, lighting the fire of my protagonist’s journey.”
• “Dedicated to Frodo Baggins, whose humble bravery and unyielding spirit are echoed in the heart of my tale.”
• “To Hermione Granger, whose intellect and loyalty are the pillars upon which my main character stands.”
• “For Elizabeth Bennet, who navigates her world with wit and integrity, guiding the journey of my own heroine.”

Here is a video with some of the best book dedications ever:

Book Dedication Templates

Feel free to use one of these book dedication templates to help you write your dedication.

How do you write a book dedication using a template? Simply fill in the blanks Mad Libs style with the details from your book and your life.

I hope they help!

Book Dedication Template #1

[Name of book] is dedicated to [person], who [action]. Without [pronoun], I would never have [adverb] [verb]ed my way to [noun].

Thank you for always being there when I needed you, and for [opinion] [noun].

This book is for you!

Book Dedication Template #2

To (insert name or role),

Without you, this book would not have been possible. You were my (adjective noun) when I needed it and my (adverb noun) when I was struggling. Your (emotion) is what got me through the (difficult event). I am dedicating this book to you.

Thank you for everything, (Your name)

Book Dedication Generators

You can also use a book dedication generator to automatically make your dedication for you. Then you can tweak the generated text to make it more personal to you and the other person(s).

Here is a table with my favorite book dedication generators:

How To Write a Dedication in a Children’s Book

When you’re writing a children’s book, it’s important to keep your dedication simple and use child-freindly language.

You can dedicate the book to a specific child, or just say that it’s for all the special kids in your life. However you choose to word it, make sure it comes from the heart.

If you want to add a little humor to your dedication, try something like, “This book is lovingly dedicated to all the children who have ever had a bedtime story read to them… even if they didn’t always listen.”

Or you could try, “This book is for every child who has ever wanted to stay up just five more minutes… even though they know they’ll be too tired for school in the morning.”

Whatever you write, make sure it brings a smile to the reader’s face.

Do You Need To Dedicate Your Book?

No, not at all.

It’s not like your book is going to be rejected if you don’t dedicate it to anyone.

In fact, some books don’t have dedications. However, it is seen as a nice gesture, especially if the book is based on true events or features someone who inspired you.

If you feel like dedicating your book, go ahead and do it.

But don’t sweat it if you can’t think of anyone to dedicate it to. Your book will still be published without a dedication.

Book Dedication Page vs Acknowledgements

A book dedication is a section of a book that is typically found near the beginning.

The author pays tribute to someone who has influenced their work.

An acknowledgement, on the other hand, is a section near the end of the book in which the author thanks everyone who helped with the creation of the book, from editors and beta-readers to coffee-fetching minions.

In short, a dedication is about one person and usually comes at the start of the author’s journey.

An acknowledgement is about many people and comes at the end.

Final Thoughts: How To Write a Book Dedication

Ultimately, you can write a book dedication in any way that you want.

As long as you are happy with it, that’s what matters most. Don’t underestimate the potential for a book dedication to make a huge impact on the honored person and your readers.

Read these posts next:

• How To Write an Autobiography (Explained for Beginners)
• Can Anyone Write A Book And Get It Published? (2022)
• The Best Writing Books For Beginners 2022 (My 10 Favorites)
• What Do You Need To Start Writing A Book? (Ultimate Guide)

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How to Write Dedication for Project [Samples & Templates]

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Table of Contents

Meaning of Academic Project

Academic projects are research projects that students carry out in partial fulfillment of the requirement of their course, degree or research. Examples of academic projects include final-year undergraduate dissertations, Masters projects and PhD research .

So regardless of the school or course of study, every student must write an academic project before they graduate. This also true, regardless of the type of program the student is undergoing; whether it be Undergraduate, Masters or PhD program.

Because of its importance, I’m going to dedicate several pages of the website teaching students how best to write different parts of an academic project.

However, on this post, I shall be discussing a very important page of an academic project i.e. Dedication for Project. Join me to the next sections as we begin to explore the meaning of Dedication for Project and lots more.

Read Also: A Guide on How to Write a Book in 3 Dàys

Dedication for Project

Let’s explore a few things about Dedication for Projects.

What is the Meaning of Dedication for Project?

Dedication for Project is a page, usually before the first chapter of a book, where the author offers his warmest gratefulness towards any other person he wishes to pay honor for.

So on this page, the author actually dedicates his work to someone in his life. Normally, dedication for project is not lengthy. In most cases, it is only several sentences long. But it has to be sweet and heartfelt.

Purpose of Dedication for Project

Many years ago, the dedication page was created to serve as a medium for authors to exchange gratitude for money. Normally, the authors would express gratitude to their patrons in exchange for money to finance the book project.

However, in modern times, the Dedication for Project page of any kind of research paper just serves as a way for author to express appreciation for inspiration.

When writing a project, several people expect that you honor them by mentioning them on your dedication page. Maybe because they played one or two roles in your life’s journey. Be that as it may, you have the right to decide who to honor on your dedication for project page.

Academic Projects that Require a Dedication Page

There are different types of academic projects that require a dedication page. They include:

• Reading / Writing Projects (dissertation, thesis, term paper, book or novel)
• Information-Data Organizing Projects
• Major Investigation Projects
• Design Projects
• Problem-solving Projects
• Decision-making Projects

Read Also: How To Write Minutes Of Meeting; Templates & Samples

Important Tips to Remember Before Writing a Dedication for Project Page

The first thing I need you to bear in mind is the fact that the Dedication for Project page is completely optional. This means that it depends on the author’s willingness to either add or remove it.

The next thing you also need to bear in mind is the fact that crafting a dedication for project page is not a difficult thing. In fact, it shouldn’t be a source of worry at all.

However, you need a level of concentration to be able to write a great dedication for your final project. You need to think of the people by whose help you are where you are in your academics. You must craft words to recognize and appreciate their sincere help towards the actualization of your academic goals.

Do your best to be brief and straight to the point when writing your Dedication for Project. And also remember that there is no right or wrong way to write a dedication sentence.

Finally, a Project dedication is made to one or two persons. However, if many people played important roles in the making of the project, you can use your Acknowledgments page to tribute to them.

Read Also: How to Write Letter of Undertaking [Séé Samples]

Steps to Write a Great Dedication for Project Page

1. choose the right person(s) to dedicate your project to.

Many writers believe that this step is the most difficult part of writing a Dedication for Project page. The reason is because several people made diverse contributions to your academic journey and they all deserve your thanks. So it’s very difficult to zero in on one person and dedicate the project to him or her.

There are several people you can thank and they include your parents, spouse or partner, supervisor and so on.

But the process of choosing the one to dedicate your project to should not give you a sleepless night. You already know the important people in your life and the impact they made in your life’s journey at one point or the other. You also know the one(s) who played vital roles in the beginning and completion of your project — for example, through emotional support, financial support or real physical assistance in compiling or gathering data for the book.

Consider dedicating your project to that person.

However, if what you are about to publish is your first project, it is sensible to dedicate it to someone from your family. If there is a second person who also made invaluable contributions to your project, feel free to dedicate the project to the two of them.

But you must ensure that you limit the people to dedicate your project to one, two or three names. At the end of the day, this is a very personal choice and no decision is wrong.

2. Decide How you Want to Address Your Dedication

There are many ways you can address your project dedication. Below are some of the options you could choose from:

• “This is dedicated to …”
• “To…”
• “For…”
• “I dedicate this book to…”
• “In dedication to my…”
• “It is my warmest regard that I dedicate this project to…”

However, you must bear in mind that using any of the above address formats is not compulsory. You may decide to write your dedication for project page without any address.

As long as the dedication for project is on its own page, anyone that reads it will know that it is a dedication.

But however you choose to go about this, you must take into account the formality of your relationship with the person to whom you are dedicating your project and address it to suit.

3. Name the names

At this time, you will need to crystalize steps 1 and 2 above. After you have decided who to dedicate your project to and how to address them, you have to name the names.

The way you name the names depends on your personal preference and what is appropriate, with regards to your relationship with person(s).

In naming names, you can address the person(s) formally, semi-formally or informally.

If you choose to be formal, you may address your dedication to Dr. ABC, Mr. XYZ, Mother or Father.

If you choose to be semi-formal, you may address your dedication to Mom, Dad, My sister, My friend and so on. You can also use a person’s first and last name (no title).

If you choose to go informal, you could use the first name or nickname of the person you wish to dedicate the project to.

4. Give the Reason for the Dedication

It is on this step four that you give the reason why you chose the person you are dedicating the project to. Why did you choose to honor this person on your project dedication page?

Whatever reasons you give will serve as an explanation to both the person your project is dedicated to and your readers. Depending on how you go about the explanation, you may strengthen your bond with the person you dedicated your project to. More so, you may create an emotional connection with your readers.

Don’t forget that the decision to give a reason or offer an explanation is personal and subjective. You may choose not to do so.

5. Write Your Project Dedication Page

It is entirely up to you to decide how you want to write your Dedication for Project page. You have to decide whether it will be lengthy or short. You also need to decide whether it will be in the form of a formal letter, a poem or an anecdote.

More so, you may choose to make your project dedication page to be funny, serious, specific or general, as long as it resonates with your style.

Don’t forget that your Project Dedication page is one of the first pages that your readers will meet in your work. Ensure that you connect with their emotions by making them to smile or even laugh.

Alternative Formats to Write Dedication for Project Page

There are several alternative formats you can use to write Dedication for Project page. You can use poems or funny anecdotes to communicate your gratitude to the one you are dedicating your project to.

You can also write it in the form of a formal letter.

Whichever format you choose is acceptable. What’s very important is to avoid verbosity when writing. Just keep it simple and short, and make sure that it reflects your personality and your relationship with the person you are dedicating the project to.

Read Also: How to Write Letter of Attestation [Séé Samples]

Dedication Examples for a Student Project

The following are Dedication examples for a student project. Some of them are informal, simple or complex.

This one goes to you, Mom.

This is for my mother.

I dedicate this to my sister, who was always there for me, even on the tough days.

This is for my dad. Thanks for teaching me how to make casserole and for all those laughs.

To Rebecca. Thank you for getting us lost in Mexico and eventually getting us found. Keep leading the way.

I dedicate this to Kimberly Marsh, for her outpouring of support when Charlie was hospitalized. Her steadfast commitment, love and dedication will not be forgotten.

In memory of Chuck Thomas. It was a joy to serve you coffee every Thursday. I’ll never forget you.

I dedicate this book to Don Reynolds, who influenced countless people in his too-short time here on earth. I miss you more than words can say. Thank you for believing in my dream. I look forward to the day we meet again.

Read Also: Apology Letter to School Principal: Writing Guide, Format & Samplés

Sample Dedication for Project to Different Parties

To children.

I dedicate this little book to my children. This one is for you, from me, your loving mother.

To all my children. I almost named you after the characters in this book. If you can guess which name was almost yours, no complaining.

To Nate and Jenny. I have nothing but gratitude to you, my children, for reminding me that walking to the beach is just as fun as being there.

To a Friend

This book is dedicated to George. Thanks for encouraging me to write it.

I dedicate this book to my friend and confidante, Johnny Blaack. He was the first person to encourage me to try.

To Melissa R., for being a dedicated reader through all those rounds of revision. This one is for you.

To my parents. Thanks for keeping the interest rates low on everything I owe you.

I dedicate this to my parents, for your constant love and support.

This one is for my parents. Thanks for trying.

Project Dedication Sample

Here is a collection of our Project Dedication Samples. Choose the one that expresses what you have in mind and use it for your project.

So here’s where we end this very informative article. We trust that you found the explanations and samples helpful. Really thanking you for visiting this website.

Do remember to share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Also help us to reach others with this post by sharing with friends on Social Media. Just scroll down to see the Facebook and Twitter and WhatsApp buttons. Thank you so much!

Read Also: How to Write a Letter for Promotion Request [with Samples]

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How To Write A Unique Book Dedication Page + 11 Examples

Dedicating a book to someone is a big deal.

And since you’ve no idea whether your current work in progress will be your last, you want this one to count. 

We all make mistakes, whether it’s a TMI blog post , an impulse tattoo, or something else.

Some of us just postpone the regret until after we’ve published the evidence. 

We’ve got some ideas to prevent your book dedication page from being on that list.

Read on for a detailed how-to and some must-read examples. 

What Is The Dedication Page in a Book? 

What’s the difference between a book dedication and acknowledgments , 1. make a list of people, groups, or things you’re considering for the dedication. , 2. brainstorm some example dedications with people from this list. , 3. make your dedication personal — and as cryptic as you like. , 4. remember your target audience. , 5. read plenty of examples. , 6. once you choose your subject, try a variety of different dedications. , 7. choose one and try it out for a week or so. , book dedication to child examples, children’s book dedication examples, dedication to parents examples, book dedication examples to a friend, assorted funny dedication examples.

At its essence, the dedication is a personal note from the author to someone important to them. If you dedicate your book to someone, you show your reader that this person or this group holds a special place for you. 

That’s true even if your dedication is sarcastic or tongue-in-cheek. Something about that someone (or group of someone) makes them important enough to call out in one of the first pages of your book . 

We hope it’s something you enjoy remembering. 

Dedication pages in books are similar in some ways to the credits an author might include on the Acknowledgements page, but there are key differences between the two. 

Dedications are generally short and focused on one particular tribute. They also don’t have to address someone involved in the book’s creation. 

Acknowledgment pages typically include a varied list of people or groups who helped make the book, along with anyone else the author wants to acknowledge for their help or support. 

How to Write a Book Dedication Page 

Writing the best book dedications involves a process, even if you don’t consciously recognize using one. What seems like a stroke of inspiration is usually the product of behind-the-scenes creative development. 

With that in mind, use the following steps to create a book dedication you won’t regret.

Start a list of people and things you appreciate. Brainstorm a list of at least ten possible subjects for your book’s dedication. Here are some ideas: 

• Your spouse/partner and/or children
• Your parents or one parent
• Another family member
• Your editor
• Your book cover designer
• Your mentor
• Your best friend
• Your favorite actor/celebrity crush 
• Your favorite teacher/college professor
• Your therapist

You can keep going. Jot down whatever or whoever comes to mind. Some of them will feel like better candidates than others. But we’re not there yet. 

Pick a few of the candidates from your list and free-write some dedications — a few for each of them. 

Play with different approaches but keep in mind the reasons why this person or group made it to your list. Include that. 

People like to know why you’re grateful for them. It’s nice to hear, “You make my life better.” But it’s far more powerful to hear how you make someone’s life better: 

• “You challenge me in ways no one ever has.”
• “I trust you always to have my back — but also to be honest with me.”
• “I see in you what I want to create in myself.” 

The secret ingredient in every powerful dedication is vulnerability. 

The tone of your dedication will probably depend on which subject you ultimately choose. But be genuine with your words – even if you’re keeping it light or using an inside joke that no one else will understand. 

No one else needs to. Even readers who don’t know what you’re talking about can pick up on the clues that you’re being vulnerable with someone important to you. 

The person or group you’re dedicating your book to has a backstage pass to your true self. You’re under no obligation to give that to everyone who reads your book. 

Just give them a peek. 

Remember that, even if your dedication is cryptic or “safe,” your target readers will see it. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else for them, but you do need to remember that they’ve taken time out of their day to read your book. 

All we’re asking is that you remember to be kind. Be considerate of the readers you’re hoping to attract — the people you’re addressing with your book. 

The dedication is part of that. And it’s one of the first things your reader will notice. 

Share a bit of yourself. Offer them a glimpse into the personality behind the book. Use the dedication as another way to help your book stand out from the competition. 

Look through the Kindle book previews on Amazon — or any eBook previews available with online booksellers — and check out the dedication pages. Spend some time exposing yourself to different kinds of dedication messages from various authors. 

You’ll probably remember only a few of them, but those are the ones that will stand out for some reason. Ask yourself why. See if you can explain it in your own words. 

The better you can articulate that special ingredient, the easier it is to use it in your own writing. Imagine your readers saying, “I was curious about this book already, but the dedication cinched it for me.” 

Have you ever felt like that?

It’s decision time. Go with your gut and choose the subject of your book’s dedication. 

Then brainstorm a list of possible dedication messages for them. Try a variety of different tones or focal points. 

Try cryptic. Try off the wall. Try serious. Try everything you can think of. 

Just get the ideas out onto a page, so you can make that list and see how it feels to write (or type out) each one. What you’re feeling can strongly indicate whether a particular message is a good idea for your book. 

This is not the time to self-edit, though. Ditch the filter and just see what comes out. 

Once you’ve settled on a dedication message from your unfiltered list, make whatever changes you need to get it just the way you want it. 

Then add it to your book’s manuscript and just sit with it for a week or so. Make sure you read it every time you get back to your book — for writing , editing, formatting, or whatever. 

Read it out loud, too. Listen to your own voice as you read it. How does it sound to you? 

If you feel a need to change it in some way, go ahead. Then sit with that revision for a bit to make sure you still like it days later. 

11 Dedication Page Examples 

Since we’re encouraging you to read lots of examples of dedications by other authors, it’s only fair to include some in this post. The following may or may not inspire your book’s dedication. We hope they at least provide some entertainment. 

#1 — from Skullduggery Pleasant: Death Bringer by Derek Landry

The author’s tongue-in-cheek tribute to his nieces makes this a memorable dedication. It’s longer than most of the others, but it doesn’t waste a word. 

#2 — from Graduate Texts In Mathematics – An Introduction To Algebraic Topology by Joseph J. Rotman

The author dedicates his book to the most important people in his life while acknowledging that his responsibilities to them delayed the book’s creation. It’s both a gentle joke at their expense and a reminder that, ultimately, they come first. 

#3 — from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

This gentle note to Lucy (after which he named one of the most important characters in the story) from the author is a token of his affectionate regard for his goddaughter. 

#4 — from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 

In this message, the author charmingly asks the indulgence of his young readers as he dedicates his book to a significant adult in his life.

In this way, he shows his affection for the children who will enjoy the story he’s written for them while acknowledging the child in the person to whom he dedicates his work.

#5 — from Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

This honest and endearing dedication makes the author instantly relatable to all readers who can picture themselves saying the same thing to their parents. It could be a reference to an ongoing conversation with his mother — or just a gentle “I told you so.” 

#6 — from a book by Judd Apatow

Readers who can relate to having lifelong mental health issues that started with the parent-child relationship are already nodding their heads. And as Brené Brown says, one of the most powerful phrases in the English language is “Me, too.”

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#7 — from No Way Back by Matthew Klein

It’s not everyone who is willing to dedicate a book with explicit sexual content to their mother. Klein does, with a relatable caveat. And he can probably guess at her reaction. 

#8 — from Skullduggery Pleasant: Dark Days by Derek Landry

For this book, Landry dedicates his work to his “best friend and muse,” whom he calls out as the only person on Earth who doesn’t find him funny.

Landry devotes the page to an affectionate, if back-handed, tribute to a friend who was the inspiration for one of his key characters. 

#9 — from Spindle by E.K. Johnston

Right away, fans of Settlers of Catan will note this dedication to a friend who did the game dirty.

Maybe Rachel had the best intentions, but her offense must henceforth be known to every reader of his book. On the plus side, she and the author can still be friends.

#10 — from The (Un)official Teacher’s Manual by Omar Akbar

For this dedication, the author speaks directly to his target audience in a way that tells them he knows (firsthand) their pain. As an author writing the kind of book he wished he had when he was starting out as a teacher, he knows all about the job’s downsides. 

#11 — from The Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman dedicates this book to his readers to embrace all of them, whatever their connection to him and whether or not they’ll ever meet face-to-face. 

He starts by acknowledging a familiar source of disappointment and then does what he can to rectify it with gentle humor and sincere regard. 

Now that you’ve looked through the above examples, we hope you found some inspiration for your own book’s dedication page. Take the steps described above and get started on some of the ideas taking up space in your head. 

Whatever you write — and to whom — we hope it makes you smile every time you read it.

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How To Write A Book Dedication (With Examples)

What Is a Book Dedication?

A book dedication is a way for authors to bestow a high honor on a person (or small group of people) they want to praise or otherwise spotlight. It’s not fundamentally different than dedicating anything else, like a ship or a monument.

The dedication usually goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the Title page.

Who Can an Author Dedicate Their Book To?

Anyone they like. A dedication section is short and usually focused on one person (or specific group of people). It’s usually personal, rather than professional.

Here are the categories of people that are common focuses of a book dedication:

• Family members (spouse, children, siblings, parents)
• Close friends
• People impacted by the book or featured in it
• The readers of the book
• Inspirational or supportive figures in one’s life
• People the author wants to highlight in some way

Do You Need to Dedicate Your Book?

No. Most authors dedicate their books, but it’s not required or mandatory.

How to Dedicate Your Book

1. decide who will be the focus.

Think about the people to whom you want to dedicate this work. Who was the most important person? The seminal influence? The people you care the most about?

Many people write their book dedication to a child or dedicate their book to a friend who’s impacted their creative process. There’s no magic formula. This should be short and sweet, and there are no wrong answers. You are expressing a personal sentiment, so only you can decide.

The worst thing you can do is get stuck on it. Either do it or don’t. If you decide to have one, don’t fret over it. Go with your gut. Anyone you leave out can be thanked in the Acknowledgments (which goes at the end of the book).

2. Remember: Everyone Who Reads the Book Will See This

As the dedication is at the beginning of a book (on the dedication page), many of the readers will read it and be influenced by it. Think not just about the person or people named in the book dedication, but also about all of the readers who will pass by this page and be impacted. Make a conscious choice about what you want that impact to be (if any).

And yes, though everyone will see it, no one but the person you mention will remember it. Want proof? Name your favorite book dedication. Chances are you can’t name one.

3. Make It Short—It’s Not the Acknowledgements

In contrast to an Acknowledgments section , the dedication should be short and to the point. You should not mention everyone who contributed to the book’s creation.

That is what the Acknowledgements is for (if you want).  

4. Review Book Dedication Examples (if needed)

The easiest way to get examples of a book dedication is to pick up any book on your shelf and look at the selection. Almost every book has a dedication, so you can find endless examples.

Most of them as very basic and simple, something like this:

For my wife Megan and children, Ava, Jaxon, and Elle.

George R. R. Martin, who wrote the Game Of Thrones series, has a unique dedication in A Song of Ice and Fire:

For Phyllis, who made me put the dragons in.

This concise line holds enormous depth for both the readers and the person mentioned. If you’ve read the books or seen “Game of Thrones”, you’d know that dragons and the fantasy world they represent were a big part of the appeal. To imagine the book without them would be nearly impossible. Phyllis clearly played a big role in the creation of this piece (it’s also an inside joke for fans).

Here’s the dedication that C. S. Lewis wrote to his goddaughter in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe:

My dear Lucy,

I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather,

C. S. LEWIS

This book was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Novels ever written, and yet he wrote it for his goddaughter. This dedication gives real substance to the book, and the author, before you even dive in.

This next example is a short-and-sweet dedication from a book I co-wrote with Dr. Geoffrey Miller:

To our 17-year-old former selves, and to Bishop, Atalanta, and all the sons and daughters who deserve the great relationships we want for them.

Neil Gaiman’s fans often look forward to his dedications, because they are so colorful, and in some cases, even part of the book. For example, from his book Anansi Boys:

You know how it is. You pick up a book, flip to the dedication, and find that, once again, the author has dedicated a book to someone else and not you.

Not this time.

Because we haven’t yet met/have only a glancing acquaintance/are just crazy about each other/haven’t seen each other in much too long/are in some way related/will never meet, but will, I trust, despite that, always think fondly of each other…

This one’s for you.

With you know what, and you probably know why.

The dedication at for The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is somewhat famous:

TO LEON WERTH

I ask the indulgence of the children who may read this book for dedicating it to a grown-up. I have a serious reason: he is the best friend I have in the world. I have another reason: this grown-up understands everything, even books about children. I have a third reason: he lives in France where he is hungry and cold. He needs cheering up. If all these reasons are not enough, I will dedicate the book to the child from whom this grown-up grew. All grown-ups were once children—although few of them remember it. And so I correct my dedication:

TO LEON WERTH WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY

Charles Bukowski in his book Post Office plays off the banal nature of most dedications by saying this:

This is presented as a work of fiction and dedicated to nobody.

There is a book called The Selection by Kiera Cass that has gotten some notoriety online with this book dedication:

Hi, Dad! *waves*

5. Write Your Book Dedication

The number one thing to keep in mind is that there is NO specific formula for this. The dedication is one of the most personal sections in the book, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to use it.

What’s inside of your book is more important, and getting it out into the world is the MOST important thing.

The Scribe Crew

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Highlights from the April 25, 2024 Board of Governors meeting

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Dear members of the McGill Community,  It is our pleasure to provide you with an update on the recent activities of McGill University’s Board of Governors. You can learn more about the Board’s mandate and membership on its website.    The Board of Governors held the fourth regular meeting on April 25, 2024. The full minutes of the meeting’s open session will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on May 16, 2024. In the meantime, we would like to share with you the meeting’s important discussions, decisions, and developments.   Thank you for your interest in the work of the Board of Governors. If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please write mcgill.president [at] mcgill.ca .   Sincerely,   Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor Maryse Bertrand, Chair, McGill Board of Governors  

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the President and Vice-Chancellor, approved the appointment of Professor Fabrice Labeau to the role of Vice-President (Administration and Finance) for a five-year, renewable term beginning on June 1, 2024. The Board also approved the President’s recommendation to appoint Professor Vivek Venkatesh to the role of Dean of the Faculty of Education for a five-year, renewable term beginning on June 1, 2024. Read the full announcement .

Based on the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance, and Ethics (NGE) Committee, the Board of Governors approved the following:

• The reappointment of Mr. Pierre Matuszewski as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors of McGill University for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2026, with the understanding that he will continue to serve as a member and Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board.
• The appointment of Chancellor John McCall MacBain to the rank of Chancellor Emeritus, effective July 1, 2024. As Chancellor, Mr. McCall MacBain has represented McGill with integrity and passion, and has provided exemplary leadership and support. The McGill community thanks him for his dedication and distinguished service to the University.
• The appointment of Mr. Ram Panda to the rank of Governor Emeritus commencing July 1, 2024, in recognition of his numerous contributions as member of the Board of Governors and Chair Emeritus. The University thanks Mr. Panda for his exemplary service and dedication to the McGill community, particularly in the area of sustainability.
• The appointment of members of the Board to the Advisory Committee for the Selection of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, as well as to a number of other standing committees.

The Board received, from the NGE Committee, a notice of motion for the approval of a new member-at-large of the Board of Governors. It is anticipated that the Board will vote on the motion at its next meeting.

In accordance with the Regulations Relating to the Employment of Tenure Track and Tenured Academic Staff , the Board also approved one appointment to the rank of Full Professor with tenure, one promotion to the rank of Full Professor, and the granting of tenure to one academic staff member.

On the recommendation of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee (FIC), the Board approved the University’s provisional budget for FY2025. Given the uncertainty regarding enrolment-driven revenues and the level of Quebec grant revenues the University will receive in light of changes to the funding policies, the provisional budget projects a $12-million deficit, including a $10-million contingency. It is anticipated that a final budget and a recovery plan will follow in fall 2024 for approval. Read the full report .

The Board of Governors also approved the FIC’s recommendation to (i) adopt the Policy for the Management of Moveable Assets , which establishes a framework for the University to manage, maintain, and track its moveable assets for the lifecycle of the asset, and (ii) to proceed with Lot 2B of the McConnell Arena Upgrade, which will address deferred maintenance repairs, increase the Arena’s electrical infrastructure, as well as improve the ventilation and cooling systems.

The Board of Governors received a presentation of the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (CSE) Strategy for review and input. The CSE strategy outlines McGill’s communication objectives and proposes initiatives to advance the University’s priorities in Quebec to help reverse the financial impacts of the Government’s revised tuition policy and to strengthen McGill’s reputation as a world-class university.

Following its presentation to Senate, the Board received the 2023 Annual Report on Research and Innovation , which provides a review of McGill’s performance in major funding programs and progress in areas related to innovation and partnerships in FY2022.

The Board also received the 2023 Investment Committee Report on Socially Responsible Investing , which outlines the progress made by the University toward meeting its commitment to advance sustainability through its investment policies and practices.

Per the recommendation from Senate, the Board approved the appointments of academic staff members to the following committees: the Committee on Staff Grievances and Disciplinary Procedures ; and the University Appeals Committee .  

President Saini shared remarks pertaining to a range of recent developments from across McGill’s campuses.

Government Relations

The President provided an overview of the federal budget, which was adopted last April. The budget proposes a substantial and welcome $3-billion investment in research over the next five years, including significant increases to granting council budgets, investment in research facilities, and increases to federally-funded scholarships and fellowships.

The President further elaborated on the projected financial impact of the Government of Quebec’s changes to the tuition policy. Assuming that enrolment levels and the distribution among different student populations remain the same, the University anticipates that operating revenue will drop by $9 million in fiscal year 2025, gradually increasing to a $37 million annual loss in fiscal year 2028. As previously announced, McGill has launched a legal challenge against the revised tuition policy; the community will be kept informed of any related developments.

External Relations

President Saini recently attended the spring membership meeting of the Association of American Universities (AAU) in Washington D.C. The AAU is an organization of 71 leading public and private research universities in the United States, including two in Canada (McGill University and the University of Toronto). The meeting addressed a number of themes, including strengthening political advocacy for higher education and the reimagining of university policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Selected Kudos

• The President shared that the following subjects at McGill placed among the Top 10 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject: Mineral & Mining, Library Information & Management, and Anatomy & Physiology, with an additional seven subjects ranked in the Top 20.
• He reported that McGill earned a platinum STARS sustainability rating (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System), which places the University among a select group of 14 universities worldwide.
• He congratulated Professor Henri Darmon (Department of Mathematics and Statistics) and Prof. Jonathan Sterne (Department of Art History and Communication Studies) for being named among the 2024 Guggenheim Fellows.
• Lastly, the President expressed appreciation to the Trottier Space Institute and all others who volunteered and helped organize McGill’s three solar eclipse viewing events on downtown campus, the Gault Nature Reserve, and on the West Island.

The Board received the following reports:

• Report of the Nominating, Governance, and Ethics Committee
• Report of the Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Report of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
• Report from Senate
• Report of the Joint Senate Steering and Board Executive Committees Meeting
• Annual Report on Enrolment and Strategic Enrolment Management
• Annual Report on Research and Innovation 2023

Department and University Information

Office of the president and vice-chancellor.