Front-Back matter expectations

The creation and development of a book is more than just the story. The front and back matter relates to all the material included inside the covers before and after the prose. This includes but is not limited to the cover pages, the copyright material, acknowledgements, thank you pages and glossaries. Depending on how you choose to publish your book your choice in what is included may vary.

Person reading their book

The choice of front and back matter are subjective but there are standard expectations every reader will have when they are looking at a book to read. I have listed a few below.

Front Matter

1. Half Title Page

2. Title Page

3. Copyright Page

4. Dedication Page

5. Table of Contents

Back Matter

1. Bibliography

2. Glossary of Terms

3. Author Bio

4. Index

5. QR code to subscribe

In addition to those listed above recent trends have arisen for additional content (This is not a comprehensive list there are many more)

1. Trigger/Content Warnings

2. Playlists (Sometimes with a QR Code)

3. Review Pages

4. Maps and Plans

5. Preface (Before)

6. Acknowledgements

7. Other Books By Author

8. Prologue (Before)

9. Bonus Material

10. Recommendation's

The positioning of material in the books has changed over time and I would ne interested to hear what other readers would like to see in their front and back matter. The expectations you have and what you predict for the future.