Writing Craft Guide

How to Write Book Backmatter That Converts

Backmatter is everything that comes after “The End” — and it is one of the most underused tools in an author's marketing toolkit. A reader who has just finished your book is at the peak of their enthusiasm: they are the most likely they will ever be to buy the next book, join your newsletter, or leave a review. Backmatter captures that moment. Most authors leave it blank, or put a single line. The authors who build careers put a full conversion sequence there.

Peak enthusiasm

When your reader is most persuadable

3 actions

Maximum calls to action in backmatter

Newsletter > social

The asset worth converting them to

Turn your final page into your best marketing tool

What backmatter is and why it matters

Backmatter is everything that appears after the final chapter: author notes, review requests, newsletter sign-up offers, series teasers, and reading samples. Most authors treat it as an afterthought. The authors who build sustainable careers treat it as a conversion funnel. A reader who has just finished your book is in the highest emotional state they will ever be in toward your work. They are more likely to subscribe, review, and buy in that moment than at any other point. Backmatter is designed to capture that moment before it cools.

The review ask — how to phrase it without sounding desperate

The review ask should feel like an invitation from one reader to another, not a plea from an author who needs validation. Keep it brief: one short paragraph, written in a warm and direct tone. Explain why reviews matter practically — they help other readers find the book — rather than appealing to charity. Provide a direct link. Avoid superlatives (“it would mean the world”) and vagueness (“if you liked the book”). A simple, confident ask converts better than an apologetic one.

The newsletter signup — what to offer and where to link

A newsletter signup in backmatter needs a reason to click. “Sign up for updates” is not a reason. A free short story set in the same world, an exclusive deleted scene, or early access to the next cover is a reason. The offer should be specific, instantly valuable, and relevant to the genre. Link to a landing page that delivers the promised content automatically on signup — readers who are kept waiting lose enthusiasm fast. The newsletter is the asset; the lead magnet is just the door.

The series continuation hook — leading into the next book

For series fiction, the backmatter is where you sell book two. Include a brief, un-spoilery description of the next book, a “coming [month]” or “available now” note, and a first-chapter sample if the book is published. The sample should end at a moment of tension — not a cliffhanger that feels manipulative, but a moment that makes closing the file uncomfortable. The goal is to move the reader from “I enjoyed this” to “I need the next one” before they open a different app.

The author bio in backmatter — different from the front bio

The back-of-book author bio serves a different function from the one on your sales page or social media. It is written for a reader who has already finished your book and is now curious about you. Make it personal and specific: mention the kinds of stories you write, what draws you to them, and where else they can find you. First person works well here. Include a photo link if the format supports it. This bio should feel like a brief conversation with someone the reader has just decided they like.

Formatting backmatter for ebook vs. print

Ebook backmatter can be fully hyperlinked: review links, newsletter signup, next-book buy link, and reading sample with a direct purchase link at the end. Print backmatter must use QR codes in place of links — generate one for your newsletter landing page and one for your review page, test them before the book goes to print, and keep the surrounding text short so the page does not become cluttered. The conversion sequence is the same in both formats; the mechanics differ. Do not skip backmatter in print editions because linking is harder — QR codes work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should book backmatter be?

Backmatter should be long enough to complete the conversion sequence and short enough not to feel like a pitch deck. A well-structured backmatter section typically runs two to four pages: a brief author note or emotional close, a review ask, a newsletter call to action with a clear lead magnet, and a series continuation hook. Print books may be slightly shorter due to production costs; ebooks can accommodate slightly more.

Should backmatter appear in every book you publish?

Yes. Every book is an opportunity to convert a reader into a long-term fan. A reader who finishes any book — even a standalone with no sequel — is a candidate for your newsletter, your backlist, and your future releases. Skipping backmatter in “minor” books means leaving those conversions on the table permanently.

Should you include the first chapter of the next book in your backmatter?

For series fiction, yes. A first-chapter sample from book two is one of the highest-converting elements you can put in backmatter because it moves a reader from “I might buy the next one” to “I need to know what happens.” Keep it to one chapter — enough to hook, not enough to satisfy. For standalones, a sample from a different book in a similar genre works well instead.

How do you track whether backmatter actually converts?

Use a unique link for each book's backmatter — most email service providers allow this via tagged signup forms or landing page URLs. Track click-through rates from the backmatter link against total reads (available in Kindle Unlimited page read data or estimated from sales). Even a 5 to 10 percent conversion rate on backmatter is significant at scale.

Does print backmatter need to be the same as ebook backmatter?

Not exactly. Print backmatter cannot use clickable links, so QR codes become important — one for your newsletter signup, one for leaving a review. Ebook backmatter can use hyperlinks throughout. The structure and messaging should be consistent between formats, but the mechanics of how readers take action will differ. Always test that your print QR codes resolve correctly before the book goes to press.