How to write the perfect book inscription

A well-chosen book can make a person see themselves anew; it can be the push to make a life-changing decision; it can say "I know you" like nothing else.

But there are still ways to make a book an even more special gift, and inscribing a message inside the covers is one of the best ways to personalise your present. 

Where, though, to begin? It can be daunting to know what to write inside the cover of a brand-new book, so we’ve gathered a few tips and ideas on how to write a book inscription.

Practice first

First things first: unless you plan on buying many books, you only get one opportunity to get this right. So, start with the practicalities. Choose a nice ballpoint pen (that won’t bleed through the paper), check it’s working before you begin writing, and make sure the space you’re working on is clean and tidy. Inscriptions are cute. Coffee stains? Less so.

Sometimes it’s best to write from the heart, but if you’re nervous to put pen to book, start on a bit of scrap paper to get your message right (and avoid any spelling errors!). You could also use a sticky note to mock up the message on the page first, then remove it once you're confident in your wording and spacing.

Where to inscribe a book

There are a couple of options. If it’s a hardback book, writing on the endpapers (the often-patterned papers that cover the inside of the hardcover) is a popular choice, although make sure your text won’t get lost against a particularly busy or dark paper.

Alternatively – and this option works for paperbacks and children’s books, too – you could write on the blank space around the title page, where the title and author’s names are listed, just inside the cover. 

In either case, it’s best to inscribe a book within its first few pages: that’s where the recipient will spot it most quickly, and where your message will be best appreciated, separate from the book’s text.

If the book is rare or valuable, you could write on a removable bookplate instead of writing directly on the pages.

Mark the date

It may sound grand, but have half a mind on the future: what would you want to know if you were reading back on this inscription in the years to come? Inscribed books can become family heirlooms or deeply personal markers of time. 

If you’re giving a book to mark a birthday or Christmas, it may seem obvious to write the date, but doing so has the added benefit of tethering your inscription to a specific point in the recipient’s life. You may just want to note the year or be more specific, but some nod to when you’re giving the book only strengthens the reasons as to why.

What to write in a book as a gift

If you're stuck on what to write when gifting a book, think about how the title connects to your relationship. Was it something you talked about together? A story that reminded you of them? Even a short note like, “This made me think of you” can turn a book into a keepsake.

Your intention will be a useful guide for what to write. Here are some reasons you might want to inscribe the book, which might spark some ideas for what to write:

Marking a particular moment in the recipient’s life: a birthday, Christmas gift, graduation or christening.
Imparting a little life advice.
Sharing a book that reminds you of them or of a certain memory.
Thanking a teacher or friend for their support.
Introducing a storybook you loved as a child.
Highlighting a quote from the book that resonates with you.

Try not to be intimidated by the book or the words inside: it’s your feelings that count here, so write them.

The only thing to avoid is anything embarrassing (remember, it could be passed down to younger generations), messages that might not age well, or information that could spoil the plot of the book.

Book inscription ideas

All kinds of brilliant minds have left their own mark on copies of books, and you’d be surprised at both how banal many of these inscriptions are and how touching as a result. 

There are instances of authors sneaking a family-in joke between the covers of a book, or setting the reader a challenge (American humourist Ring Lardner wrote, “This book has had some swell reviews / From people who know more than youse,” above his signature on some copies). Others pose a question or extend a dedication. All of which is to say that anything goes when you’re inscribing a book: as long as it’s true, write what matters to you. 

Here are a few inscription examples to give you inspiration:

“For [Name], hope this brings you as much joy as it brought me.”
“May this book take you somewhere wonderful.”
“From my bookshelf to yours.”
“For all the chapters yet to come.”
“May these pages inspire you as much as…”
“Because you said you ‘might get into reading this year’.”

If you’re after more inspiration, take a look at this list of book dedications from famous authors, as well as our guide on how to make gifting a book extra special. Now, grab your pen, personalise the page and give a beautiful book a new home!