Unless they're pages of acknowledgments, I love author's notes. The best (to me) are the ones that delve into history--I always like it when a book has something historical in it, a small detail or allusion, and the author reveals that in the notes.
There are a lot of historical and literary allusions in my book. I'm going to take a stab at writing an Author's Note at the end--put the real history in there, but keep it a bit light and funny.
1) Do you read author's notes? Would that be something you'd like to see in a book?
and
2) Do you think I should include that in a manuscript if I ever get a request?
7 comments:
I never read acknowledgments if they are over a page long. As for author's notes, if I'm really interested in the mystery behind something or what is based on fact, then I'll skim/read.
I'd say unless the author's note is really pertinent and necessary I wouldn't include it during submission. You can always mention it to an editor once its bought.
I love the author's notes actually. It peeks my interest to find out what inspired the author to write the story. I also enjoy reading the acknowledgements page and dedication too. But maybe it's because I myself am a writer.
As far as your story, I think it depends on what you write about. If there's a lot of history or artifacts included that might interest students or help with a class's discussion of a novel, then yes.
I skim through acknowledgments for names I might recognize, but for author's notes, I do take the time to read them. I agree with PJ's advice, too.
I read them, but I don't think you should include it in the manuscript. I think it's the publisher that requests them, isn't it? When it's actually being published? I'm not sure...
However, if there's relevant information in it, you might mention that you have such information to include. If they're interested, send it in. Just my two cents. I really don't know much. :)
I love to read author's notes. Though I'm with PJ--don't include them in the manuscript unless they are absolutely essential to your manuscript.
I'm with the crowd on this. I love author's notes, but I wouldn't include them when sending in a manuscript.
I also think it's funny you are mentioning this, because I just read them for the first time! I just finished Wally Lamb's new book, The Hour I First Believed and I had so many questions about what was true and what was fiction. I read every word of the author's notes and I wanted MORE!
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