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Table of Contents
What Is the Back Matter of a Book?
The back matter of a book refers to the content and sections that appear at the end of a book, following the main text. It typically includes various sections and elements that provide additional information, context, and resources to the reader.
What Goes in the Back Matter of a Book?
The specific content and order of back matter elements can vary depending on the type of book and its purpose, but some common components include the following:
- Acknowledgments
- Appendixes
- Chronology
- Glossary
- Endnotes
- Bibliography or References
- List of Contributors
- Index
- About the Author
- Author’s Other Works
- Colophon
- Call to Action
What Order Should the Back Matter of a Book Follow?
The order of the back matter in a book can vary, and it largely depends on the specific requirements and conventions of the publishing industry, the genre of the book, and the author’s preferences. However, there is a generally accepted order that most publishers and authors follow for the back matter of a book. Here is a common order for back matter elements:
Acknowledgments
The acknowledgments section is where the author expresses gratitude to individuals or organizations who contributed to the creation of the book, such as editors, beta readers, or family members. This section occasionally appears in the front matter (although, in my experience as a reader and editor, it’s usually in the back matter).
Appendixes
An appendix includes supplementary material that complements the main text, such as charts, graphs, tables, survey questionnaires, or extended content or explanations that were not included in the main body of the book. Rather than having a number, appendixes are labeled Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.
Chronology
A chronology is a time-ordered list of events. It is a tool used to document and organize events, historical or otherwise, in a systematic and coherent manner.
Chronologies are commonly used in historical research, biographies, encyclopedias, and reference works to help readers and scholars understand the sequence of events within a particular historical context. They are particularly used in subjects like history, science, and politics to provide a clear and concise timeline of significant events or developments related to the book’s topic.
The chronology may appear in the back matter, but if understanding the timeline is essential to understanding the book, it can go in the front matter, immediately before the text.
Glossary
A glossary includes definitions of specialized or technical terms used in the book, including words in other languages. It’s typical to arrange this list in alphabetical order, with each entry on a separate line. The head words are often set in bold type. This section is particularly common in nonfiction works.
It’s important to note that a glossary is not a substitute for explaining the words at first occurrence in the main text.
Endnotes
If the book includes extensive citations or additional explanations that are not included in the main text, they may be provided in endnotes (at the end of the book).
Arrange the notes by chapter and introduce each chapter with a subhead that indicates the chapter number and/or the chapter title.
Alternatively, you can use footnotes instead, which appear at the bottom of the page within each relevant chapter.
Bibliography or References
The bibliography or references section is a list of sources and references used by the author in researching and writing the book. It’s common in nonfiction and academic books.
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) recommends that bibliographies and reference lists be set in smaller type than the main text and formatted in flush-and-hang style.
List of Contributors
When a book has many contributors but only the volume editor’s name appears on the title page, it may be appropriate to include a list of people who contributed to the book.
Index
The index is an alphabetical list of topics, names, and terms referenced in the book, along with page numbers of where they can be found. Indexes are common in nonfiction books to aid readers in finding specific information.
About the Author
The about the author section is a brief biography or author’s note, that provides information about the author’s background, credentials, and other relevant details.
Alternatively, the about the author section may be included in the front matter, on the back cover, or on the inside flap of the dust jacket.
In some cases, the author may provide contact information such as an email address or website for readers who want to get in touch or learn more about their work.
Author’s Other Works
It’s common to include a list of the author’s other publications, which may include books, articles, and other works that readers might be interested in exploring. This section could be included on the about the author page or in the front matter after the half title page.
Colophon
The colophon provides information about the book’s production, including details about the typeface, paper, printing, and other technical aspects, as well as who designed, typeset, and printed the book.
Call to Action
The call to action may be a relatively new addition to books. This is where the author adds an invitation to the reader to connect with them in some way or sign up for a program or membership that they offer. It’s often found in nonfiction books.
Other Back Matter Sections Common in Fiction Books
Reader Discussion Questions
Reader discussion questions are common in novels and book club editions, and they may include discussion questions and prompts for readers who want to engage in group discussions or further explore the book’s themes and characters.
First Chapter of Another Book
If you have more than one book, it might be a good idea to include the first chapter of another book to entice the reader to purchase it.
Related Topics
What to Include in the Front Matter of a Book
What to Include on a Book Copyright Page
How to Write an Interesting Conclusion
How Should the Back Matter of a Book Be Paginated?
Unlike the front matter, which uses lowercase Roman numerals for page numbers, the back matter uses Arabic numbers (i.e., 1, 2, 3), which continue sequentially from the body content.
The opening page of each section of back matter carries either a drop folio (number at the bottom of the page) or no page number.
Each new section of the back matter should start on a recto page—the right-hand side of the spread. The exception to this is if there is more than one appendix. Subsequent appendixes can begin on a verso.
Why Is the Back Matter of a Book Important?
The back matter of a book is important for several reasons, as it serves various functions that enhance the overall reading experience and provide valuable information to the reader:
Gratitude and Recognition: Acknowledgments in the back matter allow authors to express their appreciation to individuals, organizations, and contributors who played a role in the book’s creation. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also helps build relationships and show gratitude.
Author Connection: The about the author section introduces readers to the author, providing insight into the author’s background, expertise, and personal connection to the book’s subject matter. This can help readers connect with the author on a more personal level.
Discovering More Work: Listing the author’s other works in the back matter can guide readers to explore additional books or writings by the same author, which can lead to increased sales and broader readership.
Contact and Interaction: Providing the author’s contact information or links to their website and social media profiles enables readers to reach out, ask questions, or engage in discussions. This can foster a sense of community and connection between authors and their readers.
Reference and Research: In nonfiction and academic books, bibliographies or references in the back matter help readers access the sources and materials used for research. This is crucial for further study and verification of information.
Quick Navigation: An index in the back matter, particularly in nonfiction books, aids readers in finding specific information within the book quickly and easily. It improves the book’s usability as a reference tool.
Understanding Terminology: A glossary in the back matter is particularly useful for books with specialized or technical terminology. It provides definitions that help readers understand the content better.
Citing Sources: Endnotes in the back matter allow readers to explore citations, references, and additional explanations without disrupting the main text’s flow.
Additional Information: Appendixes in the back matter can include supplementary material that complements the main text, such as charts, graphs, tables, or extended content. This enhances the reader’s understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
Production Details: A colophon may provide technical information about the book’s production, such as typeface, paper quality, printing methods, and other details that bibliophiles and collectors may find interesting.
Reader Engagement: A reader discussion guide encourages readers to delve deeper into the book, fostering book club discussions, critical analysis, and a sense of community among readers.
In summary, the back matter of a book serves various practical and reader-centric functions that enhance the overall value of the book. It provides readers with additional information, resources, and opportunities for engagement, making it an important component of the overall reading experience.
Conclusion
The specific elements of back matter and their order may vary from book to book, and not all books will include all of these components. The back matter is designed to provide readers with useful additional information and resources while also giving credit to those who contributed to the book’s creation.
Some of the terms mentioned in this blog post may be new to you. If they are, check out my Self-Publishing Glossary for Authors post to learn all the words you need to know if you’re self-publishing your book.
If you’re looking for help with your book, check out my editorial services or read some of the kind words authors have said about working with me.
Related Content: Tips for Working with a Copyeditor: Navigating the Copyediting Process
