Footnotes vs. Endnotes…Wait, They Aren’t the Same?

No, footnotes and endnotes are not the same, but both can be helpful in adding organization, structure, and even more personality to any written work, regardless of the genre. Our editorial team here at Xulon Press see footnotes and endnotes in many author’s works for several different reasons. Understanding which to use in your manuscript can help you enhance your piece and show readers that you know what you are doing. Here are some distinctive components of each that will help in choosing the right fit.

Footnotes

Traditionally, footnotes are utilized for academic material, like textbooks, or functional material, like devotionals and Bible study guides. A footnote is included at the bottom of each page and is marked within the text using either an asterisk (*) or a superscripted number (¹). Think of it as the “foot” of the page, as each page includes a body of text. This type of note is optimal for pieces that do not have many references, as it can get a bit clunky if there are too many footnotes at the bottom of each page.

One of the most beneficial aspects of using footnotes is that they allow readers to immediately see references on the page that it corresponds to. Readers don’t have to flip to the end of the book and search for the specific note that correlates with the mark in the text. Another pro of using footnotes is that they can easily be included for brief notes, comments, or definitions that the author may want readers to keep in mind as they move on through the piece.

While footnotes can be great for brief supplemental notes, remember that they can also be distracting and disrupt the flow of the piece. If there are many footnotes at the end of a page, it can be overwhelming and make it difficult for readers to navigate around them to try to find their way back to the main topic. For footnotes, the briefer, the better!

Endnotes

Unlike footnotes, endnotes are used more in inspirational and personal nonfiction works. Endnotes are either included at the end of the piece or at the end of the chapter so that readers can mainly focus on the main ideas that are presented. Of course, endnotes are important, but they are not essential for readers to know in order for them to gain an understanding of the piece.

If a work includes a lot of citations, endnotes would be the way to go. Imagine a footnote that included all the citations used at the bottom of each page—the footnote may be longer than the actual work itself. Using endnotes can give a piece a polished feel while maintaining the poignancy of the author’s message.

When deciding if endnotes are a match for your piece, consider the specific content of the piece as well as what you want your readers to gain from these supplemental notes. Since endnotes are located later in the piece, essential information or quick comments may get lost because readers will not have the notes instantaneously. If you have nonessential notes, go with endnotes.

To Foot or to End?

Overall, the decision on whether to use footnotes or endnotes will not make or break a piece. However, having the proper knowledge of both can allow you to apply the right type, which can ultimately strengthen your piece and keep your audience engaged.

Good luck and happy writing!