What You Should Include in Your Book

As an author, writing a book is the first challenge. As an indie author, however, formatting and designing it is your second. You want to put your best foot forward in this process. You don't want your readers to be able to tell the difference between your self-published book and a traditionally published book. If you have money, you can get someone to design your cover and design and format your interior. However, if you can't afford that, you must do it yourself. But, can you make your interior look as professional as the exterior? That's assuming you invested in a cover designer because if you haven't, it will be obvious. If you have to spend money creating your book, spend it on editing and a cover. The self-published book covers done in Microsoft Word are obvious. I know you think what you made looks great. But trust me, we can tell you did it yourself. Unless you specialize in design, don't attempt to design your own cover.

But today, I don't want to talk about book covers. I want to talk about the inside of your book and the pages you should include before you get to your actual book.

What are the Main Pages you
​ Should Have in your Book?
What Should they Look Like?

The Front Matter

The Half Title - Picture your book in your hands. You open the cover. The first page you see is on the right-hand side. What do you see on it? Usually, you see the title and nothing else. Just the title. That's why it's called The Half Title Page. This page is not crucial because sometimes it gets eliminated to control book length. But if you want it to look like a traditionally published book, start with it and only remove it if you have to.

Also, for consistency, your book's font on the cover should be the same inside for your title. Keep the back of this page blank. NOTE: THESE PAGES DO NOT HAVE NUMBERS ON THEM, NOR DO THEY HAVE HEADERS OR FOOTERS.

A Blank Page, Book List or an Illustration - Remember the map of Middle Earth? That would go here. Or, if you have several books, you could list them here. You could even include endorsements on this page. If you don't have anything, leave it blank.

Title Page - This page includes the title, the subtitle, your name and the publisher's name. It may also have the publisher's logo and city.

Copyright Page - The copyright page usually goes on the back of the title page. This is where people will find your publication information, legal notices, ISBN numbers, cover designer, etc. If you quote from Scripture, this is where you will put it. Each Bible translation has a different way of doing things, so make sure you know how to place it and have proper permissions.

Dedication page - If you have a dedication page, this is where it goes all alone and by itself.

Acknowledgements - Some people like to include the acknowledgements later in the book. I prefer everything up front. It doesn't matter where they go. You should just make sure you have them.

Table of Contents - Also known as TOC. It is essential for non-fiction books but not seen too much in novels. It's your call on whether to include it or not for a novel.

Epigraph - Also known as a quotation, this is where you would put a quote or verse that is significant to your book. While quotes aren't necessary, this is where it goes if you use one.

Everything up to this point should not have page numbers. Nor should they have headers or footers. Starting with the Foreword, your pages should be numbered using Roman Numerals.

Foreword - This is usually written by someone other than the author. It offers supportive information relevant to the book. It is generally signed with the writer's name, place and date. However, if the writer of the foreword requests something else, like their books, website or credentials listed, that is okay too.

Preface - The preface is written by the author and usually tells how the book came to be. It should be signed with the author's name, place and date, but not everyone does it, and it is usually found in non-fiction books.

The Meat

It is here that your pagination begins. Page One will start on your Introduction page. Your headers will begin on the following page, with your name on the top left side, centred. Your book title will appear on the next page, top right-hand side, centred.

Introduction - The author explains a little bit more about the book. It is used mainly in non-fiction books because it presents the goals outlined in the book and what the reader can expect. In my Bible studies, for example, I use the introduction to show my readers how to use the book in a group study or as an individual study.

Prologue - This is used for fiction books. It sets the scene or gives back-story information. There is some debate about the use of a prologue. Many today believe it is not needed. And if your story could proceed to chapter one without it, you don't need one.

Body or Chapters - This is your story or "meat" of the book.

The Back Matter

Afterword - In fictional books, this is where the author usually leaves a "Dear Reader" note. In historical fiction, for example, many authors share the actual facts about the era and characters. In non-fiction books, it may give you updates on the subject matter.

Appendix or Addendum - Fictional books rarely use this, but some do by providing something like a recipe for one of the characters used in the book. Non-fiction books may have an Appendix that lists recommended books, websites, organizations, or other resources related to the book.

Glossary - If you have books with words that need to be explained, you would do so here, with a list of the words, their definitions and meanings. However, many fictional authors like to put this up front with their front matter.

Bibliography - This includes all the references you used in your work. Usually found in non-fiction books.

Index - Usually, in non-fiction books, the Index is an alphabetical list of important terms found in the text. It includes the pages they appear on. It is helpful to someone who is seeking specific information in your book.

Author Bio - This is where you tell us about yourself, don't forget to include your website!

Before You Go - You will find this mainly in eBooks. But the last page can be reserved to ask your reader to review your book on Amazon or Goodreads.

That's it! Hopefully, this will help you when you set out to design your book.