How do I write back matter that sells?
- Back matter is the content after the story ends.
- A reader who just finished is your warmest prospect.
- Key elements: newsletter sign-up, review ask, other books.
- A "what to read next" pointer drives read-through.
- Keep it brief, warm, and easy to act on.
Write back matter that sells by using the pages right after "The End" — when the reader is most engaged — to convert. Include a warm invitation to join your newsletter (ideally with a reader magnet), a brief request for an honest review, and links to your other books, especially the next in a series with a "read next" pointer to drive read-through. Add a short author note or thank-you to keep it personal. Keep it concise and easy to act on; the finished reader is your warmest prospect, so make the next step obvious.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Back matter is one of the most overlooked, high-converting marketing assets a book has: the reader who just finished and loved your book is uniquely primed to subscribe, review, or buy your next title — yet many books waste these pages or leave them blank. Understanding how to use back matter to capture subscribers, prompt reviews, and drive read-through turns every reader into potential ongoing engagement. It is free, evergreen marketing built into the book itself.
Chapter ii·What to include
- A newsletter invitation with a magnet.
- A brief honest-review request.
- Links to your other books.
- A "read next" pointer for series.
- A short, warm author note.
- Concise, easy-to-act-on content.
Chapter iii·Example
An author ends her novel and follows it with effective back matter: a warm invitation to join her newsletter for a free story, a one-line request for an honest review, and a "read next" link to book two with its cover and blurb. The just-finished reader — her warmest prospect — subscribes, reviews, and buys the sequel.
Chapter iv·Related questions
WriteLoom keeps your back matter, magnet, and series links together, so every reader meets your next step.
See the Sell studio