FOREWORD TO AN ANTHOLOGY: TOP RECOMMENDATIONS - LITERATURE - 2024

The foreword to an anthology is a short introductory text that sets the stage for readers. This allows them to know in a few paragraphs what the work is about and why it is important or significant.

In essence, the foreword prepares the reader for the content and provides context for the material. In addition, the foreword to an anthology familiarizes the reader with the author or authors.

For its part, an anthology is a compilation of literary works such as poems, plays, short stories or extracts.

You can find different categories of anthologies: collections of essays, anthologies of fiction, songs and films. However, the literary is the most common.

Who writes the prologue of an anthology?

First of all, some considerations should be made regarding the forewords and prefaces.

Some authors do not distinguish between these two concepts. These point out that both deal with the genesis, purposes, limitations, and scope of the material. You can also include some acknowledgments.

But others state that there is a key difference: Prefaces are written by the author, while Forewords are written by someone else.

Generally, in anthologies the author of the foreword is not the compiler. It is very common for him to extend this invitation to an experienced, qualified and highly credentialed individual.

In this way it helps to substantiate the work and guarantees its credibility. Even a quality foreword can help you market and sell your work.

The 4 recommendations for writing the prologue of an anthology

When writing a foreword it is important not to follow a strict formula and to leave room for creativity. However, it is very helpful to follow some general guidelines.

1- Be clear about the purpose of the book

It is vital to understand the purpose of this type of text: to show readers why they should read the book.

The prologue is then a sales tool. The job of the writer should be to establish the credibility of the author and the book.

2- Write a short text

It is not recommended that the text be very long. A short prologue will have better results.

As a general rule, these should take up one page, or two at most. And you have to make sure that it is free of spelling and grammatical errors.

3- Give credibility to the compiler

One of the ways to give your compiler credibility is to talk about your work. Mentioning this will add value to the book in front of the reader.

Likewise, the compiler's specific credentials can be highlighted: studies, previous work, research, awards, and other elements.

4- Explain the reason for the chosen texts

As for the work itself, and since it is a compilation, it is highly recommended to explain what the selected texts have in common.

The selection criteria or contribution to the topic of each of the selected authors can also be analyzed.

On the other hand, if it is a foreword to a new edition of a book, it is customary to talk about what is different in the current edition.

Furthermore, if it is a selection of classics, an analysis of the historical impact of these works can be made.

References

1. DeGange, M. (2014, February 18). How to Write the Foreword of a Book. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from splendorpublishing.com
2. Literary devices, (s / f). Anthology. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from literarydevices.net
3. Ripatrazone, (2015, May 05). Before You Start: Introductions, Forewords, and Prefaces. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from themillions.com
4. Kunz, JC (2016, April 14). Foreword Vs. Preface Vs. Introduction: A Guide For Self-Publishers. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from kunzonpublishing.com
5. Tener, L. (2015, July 13). How to Write a Foreword. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from lisatener.com
6. Scribendi. (2016, November 07). Tips for writing an attention grabbing preface or foreword. Retrieved on November 29, 2017, from scribendi.com