Hi Anne,
What is the difference between ‘Foreword’ and ‘Prologue’? When do you use them? Please advise
Thanks,
RH
Hi RH,
I almost missed this one because it didn’t have Q&A or Question in the subject line.
Although there are various definitions, it’s probably best to think of a foreword as an introductory piece written by someone other than the author introducing the book. From a marketing point of view, the more famous the writer of the forword the better.
A prologue is usually used in fiction and sets the scene and the atmosphere for the story to come.
Neither is a requirement and both can be a nice touch when used properly.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s foreword
(and thanks for this great site, btw!)
can’t it be either?
No, but it’s one of those common mistakes.
The foreword is a “before word.” Nobody reads them. I saw a foreword once where the famous writer thereof admitted he didn’t think anyone was reading it. The purpose of the foreword is to get the famous person’s name on the cover: “Foreword by Damson Greengage Satsuma.”
The prologue (or prolog) is a “before speech.” In fiction, a lot of new writers write three page prologues. These can often be fixed by just putting “Chapter I” at the top. Or by throwing it away. As you say, Anne, the prologue is just supposed to set the scene and the atmosphere–it’s a teaser. If the customer in the bookstore (virtual or hardcopy) doesn’t get sucked in by the prologue, you’ve lost the sale. The tone, voice, point-of-view, and language of the prologue can be completely different from the balance of the book. Anything over a half page is questionable.
In addition to scene and atmosphere, some prologues introduce an important character and make at least a sketchy attempt to make the reader identify with him/her. And her cat, if you want to pull out all the stops [börf]. Whether I have a prologue or not, my favorite approach is to follow the advice of L. Sprague deCamp: “Shoot the sheriff in the first paragraph.”
jorgekafkazar´s last blog ..Tenirax, Ch V
To add to what jorgekafkazar said, during editing I read part of the beginning of my book to a friend over the phone. I had a prologue, but I found myself skipping it and starting where I had labeled “Chapter 1.” Why? Because that’s not where it needed to start. I asked myself if there was anything wrong with having a prologue. After all, I’d read many books with them. But here, it wasn’t needed (action/crime/suspense) and I had unconsciously began reading where the book actually started.
I moved the prologue, which introduced another antagonist, to a later chapter and I’m much happier with its placement now. Now the book begins with a quiet lull and at the bottom of the first page, BAM! The conflict occurs. It’s much more effective.
Interesting, I’m a prologue and foreword reader. But your move sounds like a good one.