You've seen them - that place in the back of the book, or sometimes the front, where the author says a (usually effusive) thanks to everyone who has had a hand or even a finger in the production of the book. Having written them myself, the effusiveness is genuine - we are grateful for all the help we can get and you never know when you will need it again. The only exception to this I am aware of is Harlen Coben, who regularly blames all the people he name checks for any mistakes - but if you are Harlen Coben you can do that sort of thing.
Do you read them? I do. I am perpetually nosey and I love to know all the people who have featured in the writing of the book, right down the the author's pet hamster - especially the pet hamster. Unpublished authors who were looking for a publisher used to be advised to look for names of editors and agents who they might approach with their own work. I'm not sure if that is still a thing? Lists of names can read like an Oscar winner's laundry list, but these days I often find people I know listed - on one memorable occasion I found my own name - and I can't for the life of me remember where it was. Old age setting in. Including people who have given special, often specialist, help is a small way of repaying. When I ask for something and get a response I always ask if I may acknowledge them and am pleased when permission is given. If it is not, I wouldn't go public with a name.
Writing your acknowledgements takes time. Assembling all the people who should be included, making sure that you have spelled their name and that of any organisation they represent correctly - I check those several times, you know what wily critters those pesky typos can be - making sure you haven't forgotten anyone. It is not an afterthought, or a chore, it's a chance to celebrate those who have contributed to the production of a brand new book. It's a record of the village that it takes to make a book. That's why I like to read them.
