How to Write an Author’s Name on a Book
How to Write an Author’s Name?
What is the proper way to present the author’s name on the cover? In this case the author has a doctorate and is retired military. Which of these is best?
—-#1) Colonel James G. Campbell, USA, Retired
—-#2) Dr. James G. Campbell (Colonel, USA, Retired)
—-#3) James G. Campbell, Ph.D. (Colonel, USA, Retired)
—-—-—-—- – C.B. in FLA
Dear C.B. in FLA, How to Write an Author’s Name on a Book
Trade Books: Presenting one’s name on a book cover is not a form of address. It is more like signing your name. When one presents one’s name, one does not give oneself an honorific, title or rank. On my book I did not list my name as Mr. Robert Hickey. I simply used Robert Hickey.
On his book It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership, Colin Powell simply listed his name as Colin Powell. See below.
On the book’s cover Colin Powell followed tradition and presents just his name. Hes lists his rank, retired status, degrees, honors, awards, etc. elsewhere (e.g., in his biography on the dust jacket’s back flap).] There are plenty of other places to include everything.
Robert Hickey author of "Honor & Respect"
For military personnel, ‘branch of service’ and ‘retired’ are part of the name on official communications. Include these in the bio, not as part of the name of the book.
Same with bachelors and masters degrees. Find a place for them off the cover.
Books by Academics and Doctors: If it is a scholarly book -or- the doctorate is pertinent to one’s qualifications to offer the book’s advice – then “Dr.” or the post-nominals for the degree are often included. E.g., a book on wellness or healthcare? You do see author’s names including ‘Dr.’ before – or the post-nominal for their training after their name. Remember in the U.S. style, it’s either ‘rank before’ or ‘degree after’, never both at the same time.
For example:
——Dr. James G. Campbell
—-—-or
—-James G. Campbell, Ph.D.
Same would be true for a textbook on a technical topic. You do see Dr. or a post-nominal.
For those addressed as ‘the Honorable’ or ‘the Reverend‘ .… these are never used when presenting one’s own name either. So they should not appear on a book’s cover where listed as the author. They can be used in the third person on the flap text.
– Robert Hickey
Related Posts: --------Author's Name on a Book --------Name Badge or Tag --------Writing the Names of Deceased Persons --------Names on an Award, Certificate, Diploma or Plaque --------Naming a Road, Gallery or Building --------Names on Place Cards --------Use of Post-nominal Abbreviations --------Use of Sr., Jr., II, III, IV, etc. Sequence Post-Nominals --------Name on a Tombstone or Grave marker --------Use of 'The Late" with Names --------Your Signature
Robert Hickey author of "Honor & Respect"
When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?
You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.) The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
Not Finding Your Answer?
—-#1) At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.
—-#2) If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.) Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.
—-#3) If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question – but always change all the specifics.
— Robert Hickey
Robert Hickey author of "Honor & Respect"
Recommended Resources: The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) and Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) For more information see the Protocol Resources page.