Publishing glossary
Publishing guide
Back matter examples that convert readers into fans.
Back matter is free advertising space every reader reaches. Use it for the review ask and the next book.
Checked:
✓Review ask on the final page✓Reader magnet with signup link✓Series list with store links
The pages that sell
After the last chapter, readers are at peak interest. An about-the-author page, a short review ask, and the next-book list convert that moment.
- Put the review ask directly after the end
- Offer a free reader magnet for email signup
- Link the series in reading order
Formatting it once
Write one back matter block and reuse it in every book. The template and checklist keep it consistent across the series.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best review ask wording?
Short and specific: 'If you enjoyed this book, a quick review helps other readers find it.'
Can back matter include links?
Yes, as long as they do not point to competing retailers. Newsletter and author-site links are fine.
How long should back matter be?
Keep the action area to one to three pages. More than that and readers either skip it or abandon it mid-links. A strong back matter is three blocks: the next book (or series order), the review ask with a direct link, and a short author page. Fiction series rely on this more than nonfiction — it is the main repeat-sale engine.
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Close every book with a next step.
Use the template so the back matter is consistent across the series.