A preface is usually used to introduce a nonfiction work, such as a book, dissertation, or thesis. The introduction provides information about your credibility background and why you wrote the book. At first, writing an introduction may seem difficult, but think of it as an introduction to your work. Drafting a foreword is a simple process, but it's a good idea to edit the draft before publishing.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Drafting the Introduction
Step 1. Tell us your background
The background section introduces you to the reader. Often times, this is your only chance to say hello to a reader! Include educational and work background. Pay attention to things that are relevant to the subject of your work.
- Write down credentials if relevant to the topic. For example, when writing about bipolar disorder, it is important to mention your educational background and work as a psychiatrist. To keep this section feeling informal, use anecdotes.
- For example, “While I was pursuing a degree in psychology, I began to realize the importance of medicine for managing mental illness and so I went into medicine. During my 10 years of practice, I have treated more than a hundred patients with bipolar disorder. Most can manage their condition with medication and counselling.”
- For a memoir, you might write, “Becoming an adoptive parent changed my life and that of the children I live with. I thought I was the one who helped, but while taking care of them, I also gained a lot.”
Step 2. Describe what inspired your writing or research if possible
Readers may be interested in why you chose the topic. You may also want to share inspiration so readers understand your goals. However, it doesn't really have to be about your inspiration.
- You might write, “After seeing many patients improve, I realized that my treatment strategy could help others. I decided to write this book to help mental health professionals treat their patients using my methods.”
- For historical nonfiction, you might write, “Ancient Egyptian civilization started to interest me when I watched The Mummy as a child. After several years of research, I finally have some knowledge I can share.”
- If you're writing a memoir, write, "After sharing my experiences through outreach programs, I realized that my life story could help others."
Step 3. Tell the reader why your work is important
Why should they read your work? What makes it useful? Explain the answers to these questions in the introduction. This explanation helps readers understand the shortcomings of the previous research you have provided or what knowledge they will gain from reading your work.
- For example, “My method concentrates on an integrated holistic approach that is different from existing protocols,” or, “Through research, I have gained a new perspective on the pyramids of Giza which I will share in this book.”
- If you're writing a memoir, you might say, "As a geek, I realize that not many people have the same life story as me."
Step 4. Describe your target audience
This explanation helps readers understand whether your work is right for them. You may want to reach as many people as possible, but by being clear about your target audience, you can prevent reader disappointment.
- For example, “I wrote this book for mental health professionals, but it can also be useful for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder,” or “This book is for all historians like myself.”
- If you're writing a memoir, you might say, "This book was written for everyone who is still struggling to find their identity."
Step 5. Provide an overview of the content of your work
This explanation helps guide the reader's expectations. This will also help them pay attention to certain things while reading. In general, this overview will help you convey your message more effectively.
- For example, “This book will explain my treatment methods and best practices. I also provide examples of exercises and ten detailed case studies.”
- Another example, “When I was in Egypt, I collected stories and facts. I will tell you all about it and share the photos I took during the trip.”
- In a memoir, you might say, “In the book, I talk about my experiences and how they changed me. You will find stories and memories that I hope will touch your heart."
Step 6. Offer something interesting about your work
Even if it's not really necessary, you may want to provide more details about your work. Perhaps you feel that readers will enjoy it or will understand your work better. Share interesting insights in the introduction.
- For example, “Before writing this book, I have published eight peer-reviewed articles about my work with patients,” or “Among the photos I show, there is a photo of a mummy that has never been captured on camera before.”
- In your memoir, you might write, “While being a foster parent, I took care of 152 children. Currently, I am still in contact with 54 children. Every child has a special place in my heart.”
- For example, you can read the foreword to Oscar Wilde's book, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Although this is a work of fiction, Wilde wrote a preface that recounts the contradictory statements that inspired his work.
Step 7. Create a thank you note if you wish
You can pay homage to people who have helped you research, write, or edit. For example, you can name a research committee if you have one.
- You might write, “I would like to thank Lusi Ananda, my research assistant, for helping with this project,” or “I would like to thank my host in Egypt for providing support during three research visits.”
- For a memoir, you might write, “I thank my family for being supportive over the years and thank each child for allowing me to be their mother.”
- Write a thank-you note if you're only going to mention a few people. If you want to thank a large number of people, it's a good idea to create a special thank you page.
Part 2 of 3: Fixing the Foreword
Step 1. Study the introduction for areas that need improvement
A good writing process always goes through a revision process. So make sure you revise and edit the foreword. Start by reviewing it yourself and making a note of improvement. Check the things below:
- Varied sentence structure
- Good readability
- Incorrect compound sentences
- Incomplete sentences
- Grammar and spelling mistakes
- Incorrect word choice
Step 2. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to check the introduction
Other people will find it easier to see mistakes. You will still understand each sentence even if there are errors in it. Others can help find sentences to improve. Ask your partner to write feedback so you can read it again and make improvements.
If you work with a committee, have one of the members read your introduction
Step 3. Change the introduction according to the suggestions
Use the feedback you create and suggestions from others. Rewrite the parts that need correction and incomplete compound sentences or incomplete sentences. If possible, change your choice of words. Finally, fix grammar and spelling mistakes.
You should revise your introduction several times
Step 4. Reread the introduction
Find and fix typos. Pay attention to words that are spelled correctly but are used incorrectly, such as “sanctions” and “sanctions”. Also fix grammar and spelling mistakes.
You should ask someone else to reread your introduction. They will find it easier to spot errors and typos. Often, we find it difficult to detect our own faults
Part 3 of 3: Writing an Effective Introduction
Step 1. Write an introduction after writing a book or article
You'll have a hard time writing an introduction if you haven't finished your book. It will be easier to write a foreword once your work is complete. Preface should be written last!
If you write your introduction at the beginning, you will most likely have to rewrite it after the book or article is finished
Step 2. Check the required format for publication
You might write a preface to a book, article, academic manuscript, or similar text. Each publication has different format requirements. So make sure you use the right format.
- If you work with a publisher, ask for the right format.
- For journal or research articles, check the author's guide or contact the editor.
- If you are writing a thesis or dissertation, ask the school or committee about the specific format they want. You may also be able to get a template.
Step 3. Greet the reader directly
The introduction is different from the rest of your writing. Usually, the introduction is informal, like talking to the reader before they read your work. Use the introduction as an opportunity to build a relationship with the reader.
For example, “I hope my research helps you, reader, see robotics from a new perspective.”
Step 4. Don't write only important information in the introduction
Chances are many readers will skip the introduction. If you include important information only in the introduction, your readers may miss it. Make sure this important information is also included in your text.
For example, you may want to write a background on a topic that inspired your research. You can do this as long as you also write it in the right section of the article
Step 5. Don't write an introduction that is more than two pages long
It is better if your introduction is short and concise. Don't beat around the bush. Forewords are not the place to write flowery phrases or give extra detail. However, sometimes you may want to write a long background story that the reader may find interesting or useful. So, your introduction can be longer if needed.
