What to put at the front and back of your self published book

I recently, and by recently, I mean some time last year, redid all of my Station 86 e-books to relaunch them on Smashwords.

That was a project. Building e-books, in general, can be kind of a project. But it had to be done because the e-books needed an update. I mean, you have to figure that these books came out pretty early in my career. I’ve learned a lot since then.

One thing I’ve learned a lot about is what should be included in the front and back of an e-book. This was one of those things I didn’t know I didn’t know.

Since I’m forgetful and clumsy (Not in a charming way. In an infuriating way.) I made a list of things to include for myself so I wouldn’t forget. Today, I’m going to share this list with all of you.

At the front of your book

Anything at the start of the book should be as brief as possible. Remember, most e-book sites allow you to read a few sample pages. That’s no fun if you don’t get to the story for pages and pages. So here’s what I include, with the addendum that you should keep it as short as possible.

• Copywrite information. Here’s a link to a site that has a pretty good script you can just use. But don’t forget this step. It opens you up to all sorts of legal trouble. Like, you could actually not own your book any more trouble.
• A list of your other books. If you have other books, especially other books in the same series, this should go here.
• A dedication. Pretty self-explanatory.
• Optional- Table of contents. I don’t use these, but it’s just a personal style issue. I don’t name my chapters, so it doesn’t make sense for me. But maybe it makes sense for you.

At the back of your book

The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book. And all the things that come after the last chapter.

The back of the book gives you a little more room to give information to a reader who liked your book enough to read through to the end. So, give them the information they need to keep in touch with you.

• Your Bio. You want to tell readers about you, let them get to know you a little bit.
• Acknowledgments. This is where you thank the people who helped you get your book to live. As I always say in my acknowledgments, no book is written in a vacuum.
• Your social media links. If someone liked your book, they might want to follow you. Give them the opportunity to do so.
• Newsletter sign up. Similar to your social media links, people who want to know more about your books will appreciate it.
• The first chapter of your next book. And if the first chapter of your next book isn’t ready when you launch this book, update it as soon as book two is ready.

So that’s it. I hope this helps the rather frustrating project of building an e-book just a little easier.

The city of Septa has barely had a moment of peace since the death of their king, Michael. Lenore, the princess, and heir, hopes that she and her husband, Victor, can bring some stability. Meanwhile, her brother Devon and his wife, Queen Sultiana, come to visit and meet Lenore and Victor’s twin daughters. Sultiana comes with a heavy heart, having just miscarried her own child, and lost her father.

Instead, Lenore finds herself battling against her uncle, Joseph, over her right to the throne. As he stirs the city into civil war, an ancient enemy reveals itself. Brother Brennan, who claims to speak for The Creator, is killing Septa citizens in the streets.

Then, Lenore’s daughters are kidnapped. While Victor and Devon hunt the city in search of the princesses, Lenore and Sultiana must lead her city in a war against her uncle, and a twisted holy man. The canals run red as Lenore fights for her city, her family, and the safety of the world, in the conclusion of Woven.

Get it here now.