What Is Back Matter in a Book? — Self-Publishing Glossary

Back matter is where most indie authors leave money on the table.

A reader who finishes your book is at the peak of their engagement with your work. They’ve just spent hours with your characters or ideas. They’re emotionally invested. That is the exact right moment to tell them what to do next — and most indie authors have nothing there.

The Back Matter Sales Funnel

Think of back matter as a micro sales funnel with three conversion points:

1. The review ask — immediately after the final chapter. One paragraph, direct: “If you enjoyed this book, a review on Amazon (or wherever you bought it) helps other readers find it.” Don’t over-explain. Keep it personal.

2. The newsletter CTA — offer a reader magnet (a free short story, a prequel, a bonus chapter) in exchange for joining your email list. Your email list is the only reader relationship you own — not subject to Amazon algorithm changes.

3. The Also By / series order — link to your other books with full Amazon URLs. Readers who loved Book 1 will click through to Book 2 immediately if it’s in front of them.

Optimal Back Matter Order (Fiction)

[Final chapter ends]

→ Brief author note (1-2 paragraphs, personal and warm)
→ Review request (1 short paragraph)
→ Newsletter CTA / reader magnet offer
→ Excerpt from Book 2 (first 1-3 chapters)
→ Series order page
→ Also By (full catalog with links)
→ Author bio

Optimal Back Matter Order (Non-Fiction)

[Final chapter ends]

→ Author's closing note / next steps for the reader
→ Acknowledgments
→ Notes & references
→ Recommended resources
→ Other books by the author
→ Author bio with credentials

Back Matter Link Formatting

Links in ebook back matter must be full, working URLs. Test every link before submitting your manuscript:

Amazon book pages: https://www.amazon.com/dp/[ASIN]
Universal book links (work across all Amazon storefronts): books2read.com links
Newsletter signup: your email service provider’s landing page URL
Author website: your direct URL

Vellum formats these as proper hyperlinks that work on every e-reader. Word-exported links sometimes break or fail to activate on certain devices.

Common Mistakes

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No back matter at all — the biggest missed opportunity in indie publishing. A reader who finishes your book is at peak engagement. No CTA at that moment means lost sales.

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Putting the 'Also By' list in front matter — readers who haven't read your book don't care about your catalog. The 'Also By' page is far more effective after the final chapter.

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Generic author bio with no personality — your author bio in back matter is a relationship-building moment. Write it in first person, include something personal, and link to where readers can find you.

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Broken links to Amazon product pages — links in ebooks must be full URLs (not shortened URLs). Test them before publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should go in the back matter of a fiction ebook?

The most important elements: (1) A brief emotional note from the author — acknowledge the reader for finishing. (2) Call to action — ask for a review, or offer a reader magnet/freebie to join your newsletter. (3) 'Also By' list with links to your other books on Amazon. (4) Series order page if applicable. (5) Author bio with social media/website links. In that order — most important first.

What should go in the back matter of a non-fiction ebook?

Non-fiction back matter: (1) Acknowledgments (often moved from front matter). (2) Notes/references — source citations if your book references data or research. (3) Recommended resources — books, websites, tools you recommend. (4) Author bio with credentials and contact info. (5) Other books by the author. (6) Index (for reference non-fiction).

Should I include a preview of the next book in my series?

Yes — this is one of the highest-converting back matter elements for series fiction. Include the first chapter (or first 3 chapters) of Book 2 immediately after the final chapter of Book 1. Readers who are emotionally invested in your world will often buy Book 2 immediately. Traditionally-published series novels do this consistently.

How do I add links to my Amazon book pages in back matter?

Use the full Amazon URL for your book's product page. For universal links (work in any Amazon storefront), use the books2read.com universal link or Amazon's own universal link format. MekarPad formats all back matter links correctly as part of the standard order.

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