Differences Between Foreword, Preface, Prologue, Prelude and Introduction?

As we come to a conclusion on preliminary pages/sections needed for your book, we will look at the differences of some of the often confusing sections we have come across.

It’s important to make the distinction between each of these elements so that as a writer you can have your content labeled properly and in the right place in your book. Different book genres will require different elements, and you don’t necessarily need each one of these in your manuscript.

Most nonfiction books will include at least one of these manuscript elements, fiction books will most likely include none of these. Let’s take a look at each:

We have already discussed what a foreword, (done by someone else) is and what it covers. We have also discussed what to include in an introduction section. The latter is important for most books while the former can be skipped if not available.

A Preface is an introductory passage written about a book by its author. It outlines why the book exists, its subject matter, and its goals. It is more commonly found in nonfiction and academic books, but it can also be used in fiction. Does this sound like the definition we did for an introduction? Yes it is...

A Prologue is always written by the author of the book (especially fiction) - usually written from a character’s point of view (either the main character or a character who brings a different perspective to the story) and to give an introduction that sets the scene for the story to come. This can include background information on characters, events that took place before the story begins, or information that establishes the setting of the story. It is part of the book and should be read before chapter one. Therefore, the word prologue is used the same way an introduction is used, but in fiction writing. It gives the background information about the story; and grabbing readers' attention right at the beginning with a scene from the story.?

A?Prelude and a prologue are basically the same thing. It is an introductory or preliminary performance or event; and in music, it is a short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece.

Why Do Some Books Have a Preface and Others Have a Prologue While Others Call it Introduction?

All the above five are separate but very important elements that appear in the front pages of a book, and they each have their own specific functions.

In summary:

1. Fiction books - will include an introduction and optional foreword.
2. Non-fiction books - will include a prologue.
3. Academic books - will include a preface.
4. An event or musical piece - will include a prelude.

Next we will look at the different types of editing.

Article by Muthoni Mercy Omukhango 
National Director at CLC Kenya - impacting lives with Christian literature || Convener of African Christian Authors Book Award