First of all, what is the difference between a prologue, a preface, and a forward, and do either of these belong in your book?
Prologue — An introduction that sets the scene for the story to come.
Preface — An introduction written by the primary author(s) to provide the story behind how they conceived and wrote the book.
Foreword — Written by someone other than the book’s author, typically to endorse or discuss its relevance to the subject area.
The story’s opening establishes the setting and gives background details. Generally speaking, the primary function of a prologue is to tell some earlier story and connect it to the main story… In its modern sense, a prologue acts as a separate entity and is not considered part of the current story that a writer ventures to tell.”
What about a preface: The preface sets up your credentials for writing the book. What was your reason, and where did you get your information. What is the purpose or the point you are trying to make? What was your research method?
What about a foreword: The foreword is written by someone other than the author and is considered an endorsement. It also talks about the book’s relevance and why it is essential regarding the subject matter.
Research has shown that readers are not generally interested in reading these various beginnings; instead, they want to start the book and pass these early entries.
However, as they are essential, it is best if you know how and when to include them in your books.