Writing Compelling Back Matter: Turning Readers into Fans

Hey there, fellow self-published authors! I want to congratulate you on successfully creating and publishing your book. It’s evident that you’ve dedicated a lot of effort and passion to your writing. Now, let’s discuss how we can ensure that your readers not only enjoy your book but also become loyal fans. How can we achieve this? The answer lies in writing compelling back matter.

In this blog post, we will explore the art of crafting captivating back matter. It’s like the unsung hero of your book, playing a crucial role in engaging readers. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll understand why back matter is so essential, what it should include, and how it can help transform casual readers into enthusiastic supporters.

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The influence of back matter

Before we delve into the specifics of creating compelling back matter, let’s take a moment to comprehend its significance.

Think of your book as a date with your readers. The front matter, including the cover and opening chapters, is like dressing up nicely and making charming small talk to grab their attention. However, what truly makes readers come back for more is the genuine connection you establish throughout that date. And that’s precisely where well-crafted back matter comes into play.

Back matter presents several great opportunities:

• Connection. Demonstrate to your readers that you’re more than just an author; you’re a genuine individual who values their experience.
• Further guidance. Direct readers toward actions that benefit both them and yourself, such as subscribing to your newsletter, following you on social media, or sharing reviews.
• Further interest. Offer details about your other books or related works, enticing readers to explore your complete collection.
• Expression of gratitude. Sincerely thank readers for their time and support.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of writing compelling back matter.

1. The author’s note

Consider the author’s note as your personal message to your readers. It serves as a warm and authentic way to connect with them on a personal level. Here’s what you should include in your author’s note:

• Appreciation. Begin by expressing gratitude for choosing your book and supporting you.
• Connection. Share a brief anecdote about what inspired you to write the book or the experiences you encountered while writing it. Give readers an inside look into the process.
• Engagement. Encourage readers to reach out and connect with you.

Here is an example author’s note:

Dear Readers,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for choosing to read [Book Title]. Writing this book has been a labor of love, and I sincerely hope that you found as much joy in reading it as I did in writing it. If you have any questions or thoughts, or if you simply want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can get in touch with me by emailing [Email Address].

Wishing you wonderful moments of reading!

Warm regards,

[Name]

2. Call to action (CTA)

In the back matter, it’s important to provide a clear and compelling call to action that guides your readers toward next steps. Here are some example CTAs for your consideration:

• Newsletter: I invite you to become a part of our newsletter community, where you’ll receive exclusive updates, bonus content and early access to upcoming releases.
• Social media: Let’s stay connected! Feel free to connect with me on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads. [include social media handles]
• Reviews: If you enjoyed [Book Title] and would like to support its journey further, I kindly request that you leave a review on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub. Your feedback is immensely valuable.

3. Free extras or bonuses

Show your appreciation to readers by offering them a special treat, such as a bonus short story, an interview with one of your characters, or any other exclusive content related to your book. It’s a way to say thank you and show that you value your readers.

Here’s an example:

Did you enjoy [Book Title]? I’d love to keep in touch with you and offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to my upcoming books! Join my newsletter at [Newsletter Signup Link].

4. Book recommendations

Once readers have finished your book, they might be eager for more reading material. This is an excellent opportunity for you to suggest other books that they might find interesting. These recommendations could include your own works or books written by authors within your genre. It’s a win-win situation; readers discover new reads, while you gain more exposure.

Here’s an example:

If you liked [Book Title], here are some other recommendations:

[Your Other Book 1]: [Link]

[Your Other Book 2]: [Link]

[Other Author’s Book 1]: [Link]

[Other Author’s Book 2]: [Link]

5. About the author

When writing compelling back matter, think of the about-the-author section as the cherry on top. Provide a brief yet captivating bio that showcases your writing journey, passions, and other interests beyond writing. Feel free to personalize it based on what resonates most with you. Sharing about yourself adds a sense of depth to the connection you build with your readers.

6. Acknowledgments

Include a brief section to acknowledge those who played significant roles in the creation of your book. It’s not just about showing politeness; it also offers a glimpse into the collaborative process behind your work.

Here’s an example:

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to [Editor’s Name] for their exceptional insights and [Cover Designer’s Name] for crafting an alluring cover. Additionally, my heartfelt appreciation goes out to [Beta Readers Names] for their invaluable feedback.

7. Sneak peeks

If you have other books or upcoming releases, you may want to consider sharing sneak peeks or excerpts from those works. Doing so gives readers a glimpse of what they can expect in the future, and it might entice them to explore more from your collection.

Final thoughts

Writing compelling back matter goes beyond simply providing information; it involves establishing a deep bond with your readers. It’s about making them feel like active participants in your literary voyage rather than mere passive consumers of your creation.

So, when you’re revising your book, be sure to dedicate attention to the frequently overlooked supplemental sections. Through well-crafted back matter, you can transform readers into devoted fans who eagerly embark on every literary adventure you offer.

If you need help with marketing your book, contact Elite Authors today. Happy writing, and here’s to forging long-lasting literary connections!