Like most readers, I tend to skip the acknowledgements at the beginnings of books: the 'To-My-Wife-Without-Whose-Invaluable-Assistance' kind of thing.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The fact is, unlike a lot of writers, I credit the people who help me. A lot of writers out there have a ton of researchers and they don't get credited in the book.
What annoys me about most self-help books is that they have no tragic sense. They have no sense that life is fundamentally incomplete rather than accidentally incomplete.
Were I more conversant with literature and its great names, I could go on quoting them ad infinitum and acknowledge my debt for the merit you have been generous enough to find in my work.
I get to show the reader the essence of the book without giving anything away.
I am glad and thankful that my husband forced me to start reading for pleasure, as it took me years to listen to him and pick up a book!
I never expected my books to do even as well as they have. I still feel grateful for it, every single day.
Once you realize just the sort of glut of books that exists out there, it does become incumbent on you not to add to it unless you have a damn good reason.
I always send new writers to 'Writer's Digest Books' line-up of how-to books. I read them all when I was starting out, and they were very helpful.
When you read a piece of writing that you admire, send a note of thanks to the author.
I write out of gratitude for all the books I have loved over the years.