Beyond “The End”: Maximizing Your Book’s Back Matter for Fan Engagement

The final page of your book shouldn't mark the end of your interaction with a reader; it should be the beginning of a deeper connection. The back matter (that often-overlooked section after the main story) is prime real estate for turning casual readers into dedicated fans, driving sales, and building your author platform. 

This space isn't just filler; it's a strategic opportunity to guide readers to their next interaction with you. Let's explore what to include and how to use it effectively.

The Power of a Call to Action

The very first thing a reader encounters after finishing your story should be a clear call to action. Don't let Amazon's “The End” notification cut off the engagement. Consider placing your call to action before that official ending, ensuring readers see it. So what should you ask them to do?

A simple, direct request for a review is incredibly powerful. Don't be shy. Say something like, “If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps other readers find their next favorite story.” Make it easy for them by including a link to the review page. 

However, be cautious about linking to different stores than where they purchased the book, as this can sometimes lead to delisting. A safer approach is to link to your website, where you can then provide links to various platforms, and is easier than creating different versions of your book for each marketplace.

Newsletter Sign-Ups and Lead Magnets

Beyond reviews, the back matter is an ideal place to build your direct connection with readers: your email list. Don't just ask them to “sign up for my newsletter.” Instead, invite them with a clear benefit. Try something like, “Want to stay up to date on my new releases, get exclusive content, and join a community of fellow readers? Sign up for my newsletter!”

To further incentivize sign-ups, offer a compelling lead magnet: a freebie in exchange for their email address. This could be a short story related to your book, a deleted scene, character interviews, bonus chapters, a map of your story world, or even a printable bookmark. 

A good lead magnet can dramatically increase your newsletter sign-ups. Think of it as providing something extra of value in exchange for a continued relationship. 

Next Book Recommendations & Bibliographies

If your book is part of a series, a link to the next book is essential. Even if that next book isn't ready yet, you can link to a page on your website with information about its release. Once it is available, make sure you update that link to point to the book's purchase page.

Even if your book isn't part of a series, recommend other books, especially those within the same story world or genre. Don't assume readers will find them on their own. Include a compelling description and a link to where they can purchase the book. This keeps readers on your author journey and eager for more.

A full bibliography can be helpful, especially for authors with a large catalog. While it might not be a primary call to action, it's a great way for super fans to discover other works they might have missed, or understand the reading order of your books within a series.

Connect with Readers: Author Bios and Notes

The author bio isn't just a list of accomplishments; it's a chance to connect with readers on a personal level. Share something interesting about yourself, your writing process, or what inspires you. Keep it concise, engaging, and include links to your website or social media. If you write in multiple genres, tailor the bio to the specific genre of the book.

Consider adding an author's note to share details specific to the book. This could include information about research, anecdotes about the writing process, or even “Easter eggs” you've hidden within the story.

Bonus points if those Easter eggs are only noticeable to a small but dedicated group of your audience, allowing them to feel even more connected to the author and the work. 

You can also discuss how your book relates to reality, whether historically or scientifically, and where you took creative liberties.

Keep Readers Engaged: Bonus Epilogues or First Chapters

A bonus epilogue, added after all other back matter, can serve as a “post-credit scene” to keep readers engaged. This could lead into your next book, or it could simply be something fun. The idea is to give readers a reason to pause before closing the book, leaving them with a positive and compelling final impression.

Building on the idea of keeping the reader engaged beyond the main story, consider the power of including the first chapter of your next book, or even a related work, as another way to hook your reader. This is especially effective in genres where readers consume books rapidly, such as romance or thriller. 

Think of it as a sneak peek, a tantalizing glimpse into another world or storyline. The key is to place this excerpt strategically, often much earlier in the back matter than a bibliography or author bio. By giving readers a taste of what's next, you're essentially saying, ‘I know you loved this, and I've got more where that came from!' This approach can be far more effective than simply recommending your other books, as it provides immediate gratification and a seamless transition to your next offering.

However, it's not enough to simply tack on any old chapter. The first chapter you include needs to be compelling, engaging, and representative of your work. It should leave the reader wanting more, so they're eager to purchase the full book. 

This means considering where the chapter ends; ideally on a hook, a moment of suspense, or a cliffhanger that leaves them wanting to know what happens next. You want to create that feeling of “I have to know what happens!” that will propel them into purchasing the next book. Think of it as a miniature story in itself, a self-contained piece that entices, rather than simply informs.

Strategically placing the first chapter of your next book or a related work requires careful consideration of your audience and their expectations. Romance readers, for example, often appreciate a direct transition to the next story, while fantasy readers might value supplemental materials like maps or character guides. The goal is to create a seamless experience that moves the reader from one captivating world to the next, always keeping them engaged with your work.

And don’t forget to add a link to where the reader can buy that next book as soon as they finish their bonus chapter.

Tailoring Back Matter to Your Book

Most importantly, remember that this is your book, and these are your choices. You don't (and shouldn’t) need to include all of these elements in every book. 

Consider your audience and goals. A short, fast-paced thriller might benefit from a quick call to action for a review and a link to the next book, while a longer epic fantasy might warrant a more robust bio and a variety of lead magnets.

Experiment with the order of these elements and see what works best for you. The key is to be intentional and strategic. Don't just throw it together at the last minute. These choices can help you build a readership eager for your next book.

As a general rule, it's a good idea to start with what's most important to you for that project. A short call to action, such as a request for a review or a link to the next book, is a strong starting point, as many readers may not go beyond this first item of back matter before putting the book down.

Know Your Genre

It's important to know your genre and tailor your back matter accordingly. For example, in romance, where readers tend to read rapidly, including the first chapter of your next book is a very effective way to keep readers within your world. This practice is especially effective when you place it near the front of your back matter. Romance readers may not even get to your bibliography, so if your main goal is to have them buy the next one, make that your most prominent element.

Bonus epilogues also tend to move higher up in the back matter for romance readers. You can also combine elements, such as your author bio and newsletter sign-up, especially if you don't have separate graphic elements for each. A “thank you” to those who helped you along the writing and publishing journey is also a nice touch, and can be included in your author bio or note, or as a separate section.

Finally, consider the importance of your book's hook, particularly if you're including a first chapter from your next book. You need to have the reader hooked by the end of that first scene or chapter so they will be propelled into purchasing the next book. This is where the practice of “writing to market” comes in. You're writing what your audience wants to read, and if you're doing this as a business, you need an audience. If you want to sell books, you need an audience who wants to purchase them.

These little things, like having a really strong hook, and making it easy for them to buy the next book, are part of both your marketing and your writing.

Your book’s back matter isn't just the end; it's a gateway to a continued relationship with your readers. By strategically using this space, you can build a loyal fanbase, drive more sales, and keep readers eagerly anticipating your next release. Don't underestimate the power of those final pages…They might be the most important in your entire book.