When writing my book, how do I HONOR those who have added to my own knowledge??

Question

Here's the rub: I am very knowledgeable about the non-fiction subject I am writing about. I own a few websites concerning the subject. I have also played a part in bringing a few other individuals into my fold of knowledge and they have contributed even more to my knowledge. In fact, they VOLUNTARILY give their time to the subject, and have become knowledgeable in their own right! Should I simply dedicate the book to them?? Or is there some kind of etiquette courtesy where I should somehow include them, or just one or two of them, as far as writing a chapter? And if so, do I pay them? Or, do they receive a small share of the royalties?? Or, do I simply have them sign the Release Form that I have asked about in another question, with no expectation of paying them?? I confess that with the amount of work I am doing writing this book, the thought of paying them, or sharing royalties, is hard........but I WANT to HONOR them for what they have contributed to my own knowledge. Ideas?

Answer 1

You can include them in a Foreword or you can include a chapter called Acknowledgements.

You can also reference them, their work or both in footnotes.

In the back of your book, you can plug them by offering a list of material that one should also read.

Finally, you can mention their names as coleagues and how they have influenced your thoughts as you approach each subject.

Don't forget to let them know that your work is coming and make them aware of the context in which their name has been used. It is possible that they may not approve.

After that, you can include the rest under all of the unsung heroes that have contributed to your enrichment in the area of your expertise.

Answer 2

acknowledgements page or pages.
a lot of books have those.

"i would like to thank.... without whom none of this would be possible.... etc..."

good luck!

Answer 3

in-text citations.