How to Write a Dedication Page (With Examples for Any Book)

A dedication page is one of the smallest parts of a book, but it tends to cause an outsized amount of overthinking.

Because it feels personal. And permanent. And somehow like it has to sound wise (or poetic, or profound) even if the rest of your book is a fast-paced thriller or a practical business guide.

So if you’ve found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering what you’re supposed to say, or even where the dedication page goes in a book, you’re not alone. Authors ask these questions all the time, especially first-time self-publishers who want their front matter to look professional.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in a simple, no-pressure way. You’ll learn what a dedication page in a book is, where it belongs, and how to write a dedication page that feels genuine (without turning it into a full speech). You’ll also get dedication page examples for different genres and styles, so you can find one that fits your book and your voice.

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What Is a Dedication Page?

A dedication page is a short message in the front matter of a book where the author honors someone (or something) meaningful to them. It’s usually just a line or two, and it often appears on its own page, separate from everything else.

In other words, the dedication page in a book is where you quietly say: this is for you.

That “you” could be almost anyone:

• a parent, partner, child, or friend
• a mentor or teacher
• a group of people who inspired the book
• readers who supported your work
• or someone you want to remember

Some authors use the dedication page to express deep gratitude. Others keep it simple and direct. And some add humor. The best dedication pages aren’t necessarily poetic, they’re true.

Why do authors include a dedication page?

A dedication page is personal, but it also has a purpose. It gives you a moment to acknowledge the people behind the scenes before the reader dives into your story or message.

It can be:

• a way to thank someone who supported you while writing
• a tribute to someone who shaped your life
• a nod to the reason you wrote the book in the first place
• or just a quiet, heartfelt gesture that feels right

What a dedication page is not

A dedication page is often confused with other front-matter sections, especially acknowledgments. Here’s the difference:

• Dedication page: very short, often one person or group, emotional or personal
• Acknowledgments: longer, more detailed, usually includes many people and specific thanks

Think of it like this: the dedication is the heart, and the acknowledgments are the thank-you speech.

And the good news? There’s no single “correct” way to write one. As long as it’s sincere and fits the tone of your book, you’re doing it right.

Where Does the Dedication Page Go in a Book?

If you’re trying to make your book look polished and professional, placement matters. The good news is: the dedication page has a standard spot, and once you know it, it’s easy.

In most books, the dedication page goes in the front matter (the pages before the main text begins). It usually appears very early, before the reader reaches Chapter 1.

The typical order (print books)

Here’s where the dedication page in a book usually goes:

1. Half title page (optional)
2. Title page
3. Copyright page
4. Dedication page 
5. Table of contents (if included)
6. Foreword / Preface / Introduction (if included)
7. Chapter 1

So if you’ve been wondering where does the dedication page go in a book, the simplest answer is: right after the copyright page and before the table of contents or opening content.

What about ebooks?

Ebooks follow the same basic structure. Your dedication page still appears in the front matter, typically in the same position:

Title page → Copyright → Dedication → Contents / Start

Even though ebooks don’t have physical pages, readers still “flip” through the front matter before they reach the main content. Including a dedication page helps your ebook feel complete and professionally formatted.

Formatting basics (so it looks like a real book)

Dedication pages are designed to feel clean and intentional. Most of the time they’re formatted like this:

• centered text
• lots of white space
• short lines (often 1–3)
• no chapter number
• no header or footer
• usually no visible page number

Some authors also italicize the dedication, but it’s optional. The key is simplicity.

And if you’re thinking, “This seems almost too minimal,” that’s the point. A dedication page is meant to feel like a quiet moment before the book begins.

Dedication Page vs. Acknowledgments (Quick Comparison)

This is one of the most common points of confusion, especially for first-time authors: Do I need a dedication page, acknowledgments, or both? And what’s the difference anyway?

They may look similar at a glance (both involve thanking people), but they serve very different purposes.

The dedication page is personal and brief

A dedication page is usually just a line or two. It’s often emotional, meaningful, and written for one person (or a small group). Think of it as a private message that happens to be printed in public.

Examples of the vibe:

• “For my mother, who taught me to be brave.”
• “To Daniel.”
• “For anyone who needed this book when they felt alone.”

It’s not meant to explain why or tell a story. It’s simply a tribute.

Acknowledgments are detailed and explanatory

Acknowledgments are where you can thank multiple people and include more context. This is where authors often mention editors, designers, beta readers, mentors, colleagues, and friends, along with the specific ways they helped.

Acknowledgments tend to be:

• longer (often a full page or more)
• more structured
• more inclusive
• sometimes written in a slightly more formal tone

If the dedication is the heart, the acknowledgments are the full thank-you speech.

Can you include both?

Yes, and many authors do.

A common approach is:

• use the dedication page for one person or a simple tribute
• use the acknowledgments to thank everyone else who played a role

This keeps each section clear and purposeful, and it prevents your dedication page from turning into a long list of names.

Do you need either one?

Not technically. You can publish without a dedication page and your book will still be valid. But if you have someone you genuinely want to honor or thank, a dedication page is a simple way to do it without adding extra content.

And if you do have a long list of people to thank? That’s what acknowledgments are for.

How to Write a Dedication Page (Step-by-Step)

If you’re stuck because it feels like the dedication page has to be perfect, here’s the truth: it doesn’t. A dedication page isn’t graded. It’s not marketing copy. It’s just a small, honest moment before your book begins.

The best way to write a dedication page is to keep it simple, meaningful, and aligned with your voice.

Here’s a step-by-step process that makes it much easier.

1. Decide who (or what) you’re dedicating the book to

Most dedication pages honor a person, but it can also be a group, a community, or even a part of your life.

Some common options:

• a spouse, partner, parent, child, or friend
• a mentor or teacher
• a group of people who inspired the book
• your readers
• someone who has passed away
• a cause or community you feel connected to

Tip: If you’re torn between several people, choose the person most connected to the creation of the book, not necessarily the person you love most. (That tends to clear it up fast.)

2. Choose the tone you want

Your dedication page should match the emotional tone of your book, or at least not clash with it.

For example:

• A heartfelt memoir often includes a sincere dedication.
• A children’s book can be warm and playful.
• A funny fiction book can absolutely include humor.
• A serious nonfiction book usually keeps it straightforward.

The point is not to impress. The point is to sound like you.

3. Keep it short on purpose

A dedication page works best when it’s brief. Most are:

• one line
• one sentence
• or a short paragraph (rare, but sometimes)

If you feel like you need multiple sentences to explain the dedication, that’s usually a sign it belongs in the acknowledgments instead.

A good rule:
If it starts sounding like a speech, it’s no longer a dedication page.

4. Write it in one of the classic formats

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Most dedication pages fall into one of these formats:

• To [Name].
• For [Name].
• To [Name], for [reason].
• For [Name], who [did something meaningful].
• In memory of [Name].

These formats are popular because they’re clean, timeless, and they don’t feel forced.

5. Decide how specific to be

This is where authors sometimes hesitate: should you include full names, nicknames, or private references?

Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Use a first name if it’s personal and you want privacy
• Use a full name if it’s a public acknowledgment or professional connection
• Avoid nicknames or inside jokes unless they make sense to readers too

You can absolutely keep it private, even in a published book. Many authors do.

6. Write two or three versions, then pick the best one

This is the easiest trick for getting unstuck. Write:

• one simple version
• one emotional version
• and one that sounds most like your natural voice

Then choose the one that feels true when you read it out loud.

If it makes you cringe or feel like you’re pretending to be a poet, you’re allowed to simplify it.

7. Proofread carefully (yes, really)

A dedication page is short, which means any mistake stands out.

Before you finalize it:

• double-check spelling of names
• confirm preferred titles (Dr., Grandma, etc.)
• make sure punctuation is clean
• read it once more out loud

It takes 30 seconds and saves you from a very painful future reprint.

Dedication Page Templates (Fill-in-the-Blank)

If you know who you want to dedicate your book to, but you’re struggling with the wording, templates make this easy. A dedication page doesn’t need to be original or elaborate. It just needs to feel sincere.

Below are simple, proven dedication page templates you can copy, customize, and use as-is. These work for any genre, from fiction to nonfiction to children’s books.

1. The simplest dedication (clean and classic)

Perfect if you want something timeless and understated.

• To [Name].
• For [Name].
• For you, [Name].

Example:

• To Maya.
• For my father.

2. The gratitude dedication (short but meaningful)

Great when someone supported you through the writing process.

• To [Name], thank you for [support/action].
• For [Name], who always [supported/believed/helped].
• To [Name], for being my [role] through it all.

Example:

• To David, thank you for never letting me quit.
• For my sister, who believed in this book long before I did.

3. The “reason I wrote this” dedication

Ideal for mission-driven nonfiction, self-help, or books tied to a personal journey.

• For [Name], who taught me [lesson].
• To [Name], because of you I learned [theme of book].
• For anyone who has ever [shared experience].

Example:

• For my students, who taught me the power of patience.
• For anyone who has ever felt like they were starting over.

4. The dedication to multiple people (without getting messy)

A dedication page can include more than one person, but keeping it simple helps it stay elegant.

• For [Name] and [Name].
• To my [group], especially [Name] and [Name].
• For my family, with love.

Example:

• For Mom and Dad.
• To my children, who made the hard days worth it.

5. The “in memory of” dedication

A respectful, timeless option for honoring someone who has passed away.

• In memory of [Name].
• For [Name] (Year–Year).
• In loving memory of [Name], who [impact/quality].

Example:

• In memory of Nana, who made every story feel real.
• For Robert (1948–2019).

6. The children’s book dedication (warm, simple, playful)

Children’s book dedication pages are often sweet, direct, and family-focused.

• For [Child’s Name], who inspired this story.
• To [Name], my favorite storyteller.
• For [Name], with love and bedtime giggles.

Example:

• For Eli, who asked for “just one more story” every night.
• To my little dreamers—keep turning pages.

7. The funny dedication (light humor, still readable)

Funny dedications are popular, but the best ones still make sense to the reader. Keep the joke clean and quick.

• For [Name], who told me I couldn’t do this.
• To [Name], for pretending to be interested.
• For coffee. And [Name]. Not necessarily in that order.

Example:

• To my editor, for catching what I refused to see.
• For coffee. And my dog, who never judged a first draft.

8. The dedication to readers (great for series or author brands)

Works well if you want your dedication to include your audience directly.

• For every reader who [emotion/experience].
• To those who love [theme of book].
• For the ones who keep going, even when it’s hard.

Example:

• For every reader who needed a reminder that they’re not alone.
• To everyone who still believes in happy endings.

FAQ: Dedication Page