Dedication or In Memory

A dedication is a three-four lines shoutout to someone who has supported you through this writing process or through a specific part of your life. You may dedicate the book to your children, spouse, parents, friends, publisher (no, just kidding!), or to a group of people (like teachers, preachers, those who have gone through specific situations, etc.) It is short and focused; this is not the Oscars where you have to thank everyone who came into your life.

If the person is no longer living, you may call it one of these things (in place of Dedication):

In Loving Memory

Dedicated to the Memory

In Remembrance

In Honor

To the Memory

In Memoria

You know what you feel, but you're not sure exactly how to phrase it and whom to include or exclude? Plus, there are rules about mentioning minors. Let us help.