Preface is meant to explain why you've written the book and what you'll cover (IIRC). Not necessarily about length but I imagine it like the expanded blurb you usually get on the back of the book. Try and hook the audience early with an inspiring and interesting story. The Lions loss seems pivotal so has to be in there but I wouldn't go into it too much as it's a key part of the story in its own right so deserves a chapter. I think it's more about the ovearll arc of pro sportsman to everyday bloke and the struggle to make the change. In the preface maybe mention the Lions loss as a specific element in a broader journey in sports and maybe an apex moment but not major on it yet. The post sport life bits were really hard hitting so keep them but again maybe don't go into too much detail on any one incident as you're stealing from a later chapter.
Also question why you want to write a preface? A lot of books don't have one. From reading interviews with successful authors they say that every word, let alone sentence, counts. You are writing for the reader, not yourself, so respect them. Are you potentially wasting reader time/engagement with a preface? What is it really adding? Maybe think about have a short first chapter which is the rock bottom moment when you call your dad. It's like a thriller book which starts with a climatic pivot event and from chapter 2 you work your way to it then continue after the event. Prefaces I also see more in academic papers where the reader really needs to know what they are in for as it's their job to read, not a simple pleasurable journey, so you need to be upfront about everything they are going to read.
I am no author so take all this with a grain of salt!
Great start, Ben. Reminds me of my daughter's helpful but brutal insight when I am being self-referential: "Bit too much main character energy there, Mum."
When you said that your friend didn’t remember that you’d been sent off in that match, it reminded me that we all see things through our own lens. What may seem life-defining, in the context of your own expectations, can be inconsequential to someone else - and vice versa. It’s not that they don’t empathise, but they’re probably don’t judge you as harshly as you do yourself.
I know it's just the preface but the jump from Lions loss to building an app was mentally jarring. We know the story but you're average punter won't.
Great point! You reckon I need to expand more how I came to start Alfred? Or how it’s relevant?
Preface is meant to explain why you've written the book and what you'll cover (IIRC). Not necessarily about length but I imagine it like the expanded blurb you usually get on the back of the book. Try and hook the audience early with an inspiring and interesting story. The Lions loss seems pivotal so has to be in there but I wouldn't go into it too much as it's a key part of the story in its own right so deserves a chapter. I think it's more about the ovearll arc of pro sportsman to everyday bloke and the struggle to make the change. In the preface maybe mention the Lions loss as a specific element in a broader journey in sports and maybe an apex moment but not major on it yet. The post sport life bits were really hard hitting so keep them but again maybe don't go into too much detail on any one incident as you're stealing from a later chapter.
Also question why you want to write a preface? A lot of books don't have one. From reading interviews with successful authors they say that every word, let alone sentence, counts. You are writing for the reader, not yourself, so respect them. Are you potentially wasting reader time/engagement with a preface? What is it really adding? Maybe think about have a short first chapter which is the rock bottom moment when you call your dad. It's like a thriller book which starts with a climatic pivot event and from chapter 2 you work your way to it then continue after the event. Prefaces I also see more in academic papers where the reader really needs to know what they are in for as it's their job to read, not a simple pleasurable journey, so you need to be upfront about everything they are going to read.
I am no author so take all this with a grain of salt!
Great start, Ben. Reminds me of my daughter's helpful but brutal insight when I am being self-referential: "Bit too much main character energy there, Mum."
Thanks Sarah! You think I might be making myself the centre of the story too much?
Not at all - it’s your story!
When you said that your friend didn’t remember that you’d been sent off in that match, it reminded me that we all see things through our own lens. What may seem life-defining, in the context of your own expectations, can be inconsequential to someone else - and vice versa. It’s not that they don’t empathise, but they’re probably don’t judge you as harshly as you do yourself.