Back matter
Back matter is the material that follows the main text. In fiction it often includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, an about-the-author page, a list of the author’s other books, a preview of the next book and an invitation to join a newsletter. In nonfiction it can also include appendices, notes, a bibliography, a glossary and an index.
Why it matters for indie authors
A reader who reaches the last page has just finished your book and may want to know what to read next. Back matter is marketing space you already own, and it reaches readers at the moment they’re most likely to want more.
Order matters. Put the step you most want readers to take first, such as a link to the next book or a short preview, then the newsletter invitation, with acknowledgments and the about-the-author page after.
Example
A cozy mystery’s back matter runs in this order:
- A short note thanking the reader and saying that an honest review helps other readers find the book
- The first chapter of book two, with a link to its store page
- A newsletter invitation offering a free short story about the bakery’s cat
- An author’s note on the real town that inspired the setting, plus a recipe from the book
- An also-by list and an about-the-author page
The free Back Matter Generator drafts an about-the-author page, an also-by list, a next-book teaser and follow links for you to edit.
Common mistakes
- Burying the next step behind pages of acknowledgments.
- Broken or outdated links, especially as a series grows. Update the back matter of earlier books when a new one comes out.
- Store-specific links in every edition. Some retailers may reject files that link to a competing store, so use store-neutral links or separate files.
- Offering a reward for reviews. Amazon doesn’t allow incentives for reviews. Ask for an honest review, with no conditions.
- Teasing a book you can’t deliver soon. Only promise a release you’re confident about.