By presenting these materials first, before the reader engages with the story on the story’s own terms, and not those provided by the foreword, the reader’s entire experience with and expectations of the story are distorted.
Front Matter, Back Matter, Does it Matter?
You probably don't think about it - I hadn't given it more than cursory consideration - but there is a lot that goes into a book beyond the simple writing of the story. Front and back covers have to be designed. ISBNs have to be purchased. Copyrights have to be obtained. Fonts have to be chosen, and sizes: page sizes, font sizes, margin sizes. Pages have to be numbered, prefaces and acknowledgements have to be written...I could go on.
IGC Publishing 