Show Some Gratitude

I’ve been reading quite a few debut authors lately and as a writer I always, always read the acknowledgements. I have since I can remember anyway. When I was much younger I would read through the sometimes little cryptic messages of “Thanks to my dearest John for pulling me through that night when things were so horrendous.” or the not so mystical “Thanks to my family for putting up with my writer’s insanity.”.  I loved reading them, still do, now I am sure to note said agents name. I view them more as a tool these days, but I still like to see the heartfelt thanks on the page. However, I’ve started to notice that some books lack acknowledgements. I wonder when is it that they stop being included.

I’ve been standing in the bookstore with two books in my hand, trying to make a decision. It’s seriously like Sophie’s Choice sometimes. I almost feel a part of me being torn away at having to put the book back onto the shelf. If there was ever an argument for me being born wealthy, this is it.  I carefully place it back on the shelf, promising to come back for it later, and usually do. Anyway, I digress. I was standing there holding two books in my hands trying to make that faithful decision. I turned to the acknowledgement area for one and briefly read through. I searched for that section in the other and found it to be absent. That made my decision for me.  I know it sounds trivial, maybe, but it wasn't to me in that moment.  I chose the one with acknowledgements for the time being. Yes, I will return for the other before too long, but felt it could wait.

My mind kept returning to the absent acknowledgements. When is it okay to stop thanking those who helped you through the publishing of a book? Yes, I know it’s redundant to thank you parents if it’s your eighteenth book, but isn’t there someone you can thank. For heaven’s sake, the editor at the very least, and I’m sure your agent would still appreciate a mention. There are people who helped you do research or your critters or betas. It just saddened me to see blank, empty pages in the back.

So what do you think? Is it okay not to acknowledge anyone? Is there a point it should stop? Am I just ridiculous? Tell me how you feel about it. Oh and if you do...thanks!