Terms, Definitions, Glossary, and Diagrams all belong in the back of the book, in my opinion, if you were to write a little historical context blurb explaining the setting and time period that should go in the front. Excited for you about your novel debut!
2 weeks ago | 83
If you plan to expand on the terms, kit, and equipment I would say the front. If it's just definitions the back. Edit: By expand I mean things like diagrams, explanations on why they carried such items, things like that.
2 weeks ago (edited) | 55
This is appendix stuff, goes in the back. If you think some readers will be lost, put a note at the beginning that says to look at the appendices if you're lost.
2 weeks ago | 14
Author here. Launch right into the story to hook readers. Include the glossary in the table of contents though so any confused readers know it exists and can cross reference from there. Doing it the other way around implies that the tech/terms are more important than the story, which will turn off casuals. You may disagree, but thats my 2 cents.
2 weeks ago | 19
Perfectly balanced vote, as all things should be. Split it in half then
2 weeks ago | 11
More often than not I see glossaries placed at the end of literature, but I've also seen it placed at the beginning, albeit less frequently. I mainly read nonfiction, so take my comment with a grain of salt.
2 weeks ago | 5
Given the current balance of the poll, perhaps a selection of the "essential" terms in the front, such as any that become plot points, with a more in depth glossary in the back. Probably more complicated, but consolidating the necessary terms may encourage further reading, as the needed definitions are easier to locate.
2 weeks ago | 15
Another option, do what some copies of the Bible do. (I'm sure other books exist that do this but I've only ever seen it in the bible) Whenever a term shows up that a modern reader would be unfamiliar with, put the definition in fine print at the bottom of the page Obviously this cant be dont if you have a bunch of terms to define on a single page unless you are ok with a large section of the page being a glossary This should not replace a dedicated glossary section, preferably at the back of the book, but it may save the reader from flipping to the back of the book a few times
2 weeks ago | 2
In the O'Brian novels, there was often a sail plan of a frigate at the beginning. Maybe your firelock could be at the beginning. As for a glossary, it depends on how long it is. A short one could be at the beginning, a long one at the end.
2 weeks ago (edited) | 1
I'd very strongly recommend the front of the book. If it's at the back, there's a risk the reader doesn't realize it's there and reads the entire book, and is confused the entire way. It's happened to me at least once before 😅
2 weeks ago | 1
Appendices, Glossaries and index's belong in the end of a book so you can hold your place than reference the needed information... going to the front of the book seems silly though it's really the same at the end of the day. The important part is having the needed information included in the book!
2 weeks ago | 5
Soldiers kits at the beginning; it's interesting and engaging to get the ball rolling. Firelock at the end; go out with a bang. At the start of each chapter you can list the terms and definitions applicable to the chapter; gives a sneak peak, and wets the appetite to keep reading.
2 weeks ago | 1
Quick question, in all the printed literature I noticed that the same character is used for both "f" and "s", why is that?
2 weeks ago | 6
For me the distinction is whether you expect readers to require/read this information in its entirety or refer to it it to check a few things. If the former it should go at the front. If it is a simple glossary put it at the back.
2 weeks ago | 0
Id say anything you like is 100% nessasary to know as in someone will be 100% confused and have no idea whats going on a small part on the front. If its not nessasary to make plot points clear then put it in yhe back along with more complex things like diagrams if you want those.
2 weeks ago | 1
A secret third option: A prologue or what have you where you narrate the assembling of the kit, and maybe pepper in some key phrases to a reader-insert new recruit who literally has no idea what’s going on. The glossary can go in the back. Bonus points for referencing the glossary as some sort of field/officer’s manual and flavoring it as such.
2 weeks ago | 0
As someone who works in formatting: The glossary typically goes at the end, as part of the back matter. It should also be represented in your Table of Contents so readers know it's there. Another option to consider is using footnotes to give basic definitions/explanations to key concepts, which would be more accessible to an on-the-go reader who doesn't want to do too much page-flipping.
2 weeks ago (edited) | 0
Brandon Fisichella
A formatting question for the book
I am going to be including both a glossary of 18th C. military terms as part of the "in-universe" book, and also a guide of the various elements of a soldier's kit and the parts of a firelock, to help readers who may be less familiar with the period.
Do you think these pages go at the start, or after the end, of the book?
Remember- "The Corpse War of 1793", my debut historical fiction novel about a soldier's encounter with the undead, is set for release on the 1st of December!
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 244