efterord

An efterord is a concluding section appended to a book that offers reflections, context, or supplementary information for readers. The term is Swedish and translates to “afterword” in English. It is distinct from a foreword (förord), which appears at the beginning as an introduction, and from an epilogue (epilog), which is a closing part within the narrative itself. An etterord may address the writing process, publication history, reception, or provide updates since the book’s release.

Contents and purpose typically include notes on how the work was created, acknowledgments, translation decisions, or background information not included in the main text. In fiction, an efterord might discuss themes or authorial intentions separate from the plot, while in non-fiction it can add current data or context. The tone is usually formal or semi-personal, and the length varies from a few paragraphs to several pages, depending on the author and publisher.

Publication practice varies by language and publisher, but the etterord is generally placed at the end of the book, after the main text and any notes, and sometimes after the bibliography or appendices. It may be written by the author or by someone closely involved with the work, such as a translator, editor, or critic. In Swedish publishing, the etterord serves as a device to close the work, offer additional insight, and guide readers toward broader implications or future reading.