- Material at the end of a book after the main text.
- Includes: epilogue, afterword, bio, also-by list, sneak peek, reviews request.
- Numbered in continuation of the main text.
- Often more important for marketing than front matter.
- The "also by this author" list converts readers to repeat customers.
Back matter is the material at the end of a book after the main text ends — epilogue, afterword, author bio, also by this author, sneak peek of the next book, reviews request, and acknowledgments. Back matter is numbered in continuation of the main text and is often more important for marketing than front matter — it converts readers to fans.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Back matter is where readers who just finished the book are most likely to act — try another of your books, sign up for your newsletter, or post a review. Skipping or under-using back matter is one of the most common indie author mistakes. Standard back matter can double newsletter signups and review rates.
Chapter ii·What to include
- Epilogue (if the story requires it).
- Author’s note or afterword (context, dedication, real-world background).
- Author bio (50-150 words).
- "Also by this author" list with covers.
- Sneak peek of the next book (1-3 chapters).
- Reviews request: "If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review."
- Newsletter signup link.
Chapter iii·Example
A self-publishing romance author’s back matter: epilogue (2 pages), author’s note (1 page), bio with photo (1 page), "Also by" with covers (1 page), sneak peek of the next book (15 pages), reviews request and newsletter signup (1 page). The sneak peek converts roughly 30% of readers to pre-orders of the next book.
Chapter iv·Related questions
WriteLoom keeps back matter draft, sneak peek, and reviews-request alongside the manuscript.
See the Write studio