Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Add Back Matter to Your Illustrated Book
How to Add Back Matter to Your Illustrated Book
Overview: Back matter refers to the content that appears at the end of your book, after the main story has concluded. This optional content can add depth and context to your illustrated book and provide readers with additional information or bonus material. Common elements of back matter include an author or illustrator note, an “about the author” section, or any bonus content you want to include, such as discussion questions or fun facts related to the story. In this article, we’ll explore how to add back matter to your book and what types of content you might consider including.
What Is Back Matter?
Back matter is an optional section at the end of a book that provides additional information or supplementary content. It often includes the following elements:
- Author or Illustrator Note - A personal note from the author or illustrator can provide insight into the creation of the book, the inspiration behind the story, or the message they hope to convey.
- About the Author Section - An “About the Author” section allows readers to learn more about the person who created the book. This can include details about the author’s background, interests, or previous works.
- Bonus Content - Additional content, such as discussion questions, fun facts, or activities, can provide readers with more ways to engage with the book.
- Acknowledgments or Dedications - Acknowledgments or dedications allow authors to thank people who contributed to the book’s creation or to dedicate the book to someone special.
Types of Back Matter to Consider Adding
The type of back matter you choose to include will depend on your goals and the overall tone of your book. Here are some common types of back matter and tips for adding them to your illustrated book:
1. Author or Illustrator Note
An author or illustrator note offers a behind-the-scenes look at the book’s creation:
- Personal Reflections: Share personal reflections on the themes of the book, the writing or illustrating process, or any challenges you faced.
- Inspiration Behind the Story: Explain what inspired you to write or illustrate the book. This could include a personal experience, a conversation, or a particular topic you’re passionate about.
- Message for Readers: Use this space to share any messages or lessons you hope readers take away from the book.
2. About the Author
The “About the Author” section introduces readers to the person behind the book:
- Author Biography: Include a short biography that highlights your background, previous works, or any awards you’ve received. Use third-person language for a more professional tone.
- Personal Interests: Share personal interests or hobbies that connect with the book’s themes or story.
- Contact Information or Website: Provide contact information or a link to your website or social media profiles so readers can connect with you.
3. Bonus Content
Bonus content provides readers with more ways to interact with the book:
- Discussion Questions: Include a few discussion questions to encourage readers to think more deeply about the book’s themes or characters.
- Activities or Games: Create activities or games related to the book’s content, such as word searches, mazes, or drawing prompts.
- Fun Facts: Share fun facts related to the story or characters. For example, if your book is about animals, include interesting facts about the animals featured in the story.
4. Acknowledgments and Dedications
Acknowledgments and dedications allow you to thank those who helped you create the book or to dedicate the book to someone special:
- Acknowledgments: List the names of people or organizations who supported you during the creation of the book, such as editors, family members, or mentors.
- Dedication Page: Write a short dedication to someone special, such as a family member, friend, or anyone who inspired the book.
Tips for Adding Back Matter to Your Book
- Keep It Concise - Back matter should be concise and focused. Avoid overwhelming readers with too much information. Keep each section brief and to the point.
- Use a Consistent Style and Tone - Maintain a consistent style and tone that matches the rest of the book. This creates a cohesive reading experience from start to finish.
- Include Visual Elements - Consider adding visual elements, such as illustrations or decorative borders, to the back matter to make it visually appealing and engaging.
- Consider Your Target Audience - Think about what your target audience would find interesting or valuable. For example, young readers might enjoy a drawing prompt, while older readers might appreciate a more detailed author note.
- Review and Revise - Review your back matter for accuracy and clarity. Make any necessary revisions to ensure it enhances the overall book without detracting from the main story.
Final Notes: Adding back matter to your illustrated book is an excellent way to provide readers with additional information and bonus content. Use this guide to decide which elements to include and how to structure your back matter for a more engaging and comprehensive reading experience.