[darshana Posts: 298 Status: Offline WWW]

I am writing a multicultural fiction pb. I have a lot of Indian and dance terminology. I am trying to "show" as many of the words as possible so the reader doesn't have to flip to the glossary.

Should the glossary be in the front, back, or a note in the front indicating there is a glossary in the back?
Also does anyone have recommendations of multicultural books that have been successful in seamlessly displaying another cultural without having it become overwhelming.

Thanks,
Darshana

[mrh Posts: 4,418 Status: Offline www.marciahoehne.com WWW]

Placement of the glossary will happen during the publication process. As for submitting the ms., I'd put the glossary in back. Your query/cover letter can indicate that you're including a glossary. 

[Vijaya Posts: 6,795 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

What Marcia said. Most novels and many PBs have glossary in the back. But sometimes, you can have little sidebars (esp. in PB). Typically, this is the order I use (note that not all elements are necessary):
Main ms, sidebars, author's note, glossary, index.
Good luck.
Vijaya

[AmyD Posts: 147 Status: Offline WWW]

One of my favorite example is CORA COOKS PANCIT by Dorina Lazo-Gilmore.

[Christy Posts: 615 Status: Offline Luck= preparation + opportunity WWW]

For my YA, my publisher asked for me to put in a glossary even though it's pretty clear what the words mean. I tried as much as possible to limit the number of foreign words to only reflect words that I felt were a necessary addition to the story and mood of the story.

I think using foreign words can really add to a story whether it's a PB or YA. So I think it's great using one.

[TH Posts: 220 Status: Offline]

Mama Miti is a pb. It's a fictionalized account of the real woman who is largely responsible for the Green Belt movement in Africa. The art is gorgeous. Glossary in the back.

In Beneath My Mother's Feet, by Amjed Qamar,  is the story of a Pakistani girl (I think this one is older MG or YA.) The glossary is also in the back.

(Edited to correct the title!)

[darshana Posts: 298 Status: Offline WWW]

Thank you everyone for the feedback and book recommendations.   

[Heather Hatch Posts: 12 Status: Offline ...4, 5, 6, at the Readerbug Picnic... WWW]

Isn't it silly how the glossary is in the most ignored place, and if it were in the front and I were just casually reading, ( not like a library storytme read) I would still skip it....and it's there because we ought to need it!

Dumb humans.