Last time I shared about “front matter” and in this post, we’re talking all about what to include in the back of your book to encourage author-reader engagement.

Traditionally included in the back matter is:

“End of Book Stuff”: Also called “author notes,” I was inspired to start including these notes from one of my author besties. Sharing about why you wrote your book, what inspired you, and even perhaps what was happening while you were writing it are all insights your readers want to know.Quick Favor: This is your opportunity to ask your readers to leave a review if they enjoyed the book. This simple request is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get positive reviews for your book.Gratitude and Acknowledgements: Be sure to thank anyone who helped you in researching, writing, editing, and designing the book. (If you included this in your front matter, then don’t repeat it here.)Glossary: You can include definitions of words that important in your book, and you’ll want to sort them in alphabetical order. Bibliography and Reference List: Not 100% necessary, but this can be a nice touch, depending upon your subject matter. This is your comprehensive breakdown of sources cited and has already been attributed in the book. Be sure to follow a Manual of Style, and your editing team will help ensure it is all correct. About the Author/Author Bio: Tell about yourself in congruence with your style and sense of humor. This is a great place to mention your backlist and any upcoming titles. Include links to your website and a list of your most frequently visited social media handles.

The image above is in the back matter of my book, You MUST Write a Book: Boost Your Brand, Get More Business, and Become the Go-To Expert.
It’s crucial for the long-term success of your book that you optimize both the front matter and the back matter. If you have any questions, by all means, leave a comment below and ask away!

​​​​​​​If you haven’t already, grab a copy of You Must Write a Book and the companion guide.