How To (And Why You Should) Write Author’s Notes
I’ve just finished writing the Author’s Notes section for Graphite and Turbulence, so I thought this week I’d talk about what they are and why you should consider writing them for your book too. I think of the author’s notes as a letter from me to the reader—an acknowledgment of the relationship between us.
The Author’s Notes section is an optional component of your book’s back matter. In my opinion, they belong after the story because notes the reader needs before reading the book are included in the preface or introduction. However, assuming your notes don’t contain any story spoilers, you can absolutely include them in the front matter.
Also, instead of breaking it into its own section, some authors begin their Acknowledgments section with their notes about the book. In contrast, I prefer to separate the sections because they each have a different function.
Why Write Author’s Notes?
First and most importantly, you should include author’s notes in your novel because I love to read them… and too few books include them! When I find one, it feels like a gift, an extra “thank you” for finishing the story.
For me, author’s notes are the bonus content of books. Like the making-of documentaries and deleted scenes in film, these notes often provide deeper meaning to the story. When I read them, I love the insight into the author’s inspiration, and the behind-the-scenes access to their crafting of the story. It reminds me the author is a person who spent precious time to create the book.
What to Include
There is no right or wrong in what you choose to include in your notes. But, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas to consider.
- Inspiration(s) for characters, setting, or plot choices
- Goals for the story
- How the story’s themes relate to your experience
- Your writing process
- How you felt while writing the story
- The sources or background information you used
- What you discovered or learned while writing
- Why you’re the right person to write the story
- Your favorite part of the story
- An explanation of, or justification for, the choices you made
- How the finished story differs from your initial idea
- Ties between this book and other works you’ve written
- Your hopes for the book
- Frequently asked questions
“In the past, I’ve always said I write for entertainment purposes only. I don’t write to educate, persuade, or inform. This book is different.” ― It Ends with Us
No matter what you choose to write about, your notes are a chance to wrap up your story and ease your readers back into the real world with a few, poignant last thoughts.
Do you read and write Author’s Notes?
Header Photo by David Travis on Unsplash
I love reading author’s notes too!
There’s something magical about that little bit of insight, isn’t there? Thanks for reading!
The sad part is that many audiobooks leave out these notes. I agree. Author notes are the bonus part of the book. Thanks for writing this article.
You’re right! I wish audiobooks would include acknowledgements and author’s notes (when available). Without them, the abrupt end of the experience can feel jarring.
great article, i am thinking about how to go about mine for my romance – a lot of romances seems to have their note before the book but i’m wondering if i should leave it at the end…
also now that its 2025, you may want to remove the neil gaiman quote 🫣
Congratulations on finishing your book! First or last, the important thing to your readers is that you include a note… but isn’t it fun that you get to decide?? And sigh, yes, I take your point about the quote. I’ve included a quote from Colleen Hoover’s heart breaking author’s note instead. Thank you for your feedback!