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You’ll want to come prepared. Here are some pages you’ll need to think about. Some are optional, most are standard. They are called Front Matter pages and although often brushed by they each have an important role.
Front matter pages
Common front matter pages are in this order:
- Pre-title page (a nice place to sign)
- Other books by (verso of the pre-title)
- Praise pages (optional, can be multiple pages, sometimes before the pre-title)
- Title Page
- Copyright Page (verso the title page)
- Dedication
- Foreword and/or Preface
- Table of Contents
- Lists of Tables and Figures
- Lists of Contributors
- Acknowledgements (sometimes at the back)
- Introduction / Prelude (we like these as part of the body)
Here’s what each one is about:
1. Pre-title
Common but not mandatory. This is a great place to sign and includes the title, usually smaller or toned back.
2. Verso the pre-title
Other books by the author. Or, for a first time author, blank or a statement from the book.
3. Praise pages
This is the place to include reviews and feedback you have gathered from pre-release copies, earlier printings, and can be stretched to include testimonials about the author. It is good if different audiences are represented and if they show how your book has benefited them. These pages add "social proof" and vouch for the content.
4. Title Page
This page is on the right hand side (odd number page)
What to include:
- Title – can be plain or reflective of the cover.
- Subtitle – if you have one
- Author (s)/ editor (s) name – as you wish it to appear
5. Copyright Page
Verso the title page, these two pages are the legal pages of the book.
What to include:
- Title, subtitle
- Author name
- Copyright year and holder
- Type of copyright notice
- Copyright of sources used (See notices for Bible Versions)
- Cover, Editor and other direct contributor credits
- Disclaimer if applicable
- ISBN (we like to include e-book, paperback and hardcover ISBN numbers if applicable)
- Publisher name, city, country
- Country of printing
- Cataloguing in publication information (no longer available in Canada for books funded by the author).
6. Dedication
The dedication is traditionally opposite the copyright page. Who put up with you as you wrote these pages? Who do you want to encourage? Think about surprising your spouse or someone else who has invested in you. Is there a group or cause this book is dedicated to? Occasionally the dedication is omitted.
7. Table of Contents
The Table of Contents is critical for non-fiction and reference books and part of the meta-data in your book listings. Most contents and list pages can be computer generated and one of the last things to do. You can choose the level of detail such as only including sections in a book of poetry. For fiction, it may not be necessary. Follow the standards in your genre.
8. List of Table and Figures
Do you have tables in your how-to or research book? What a timesaver to know where they are. You’ll know without thinking. This book is your baby. But what about your audience, will your readers benefit from knowing what you’ve included?
9. List of Contributors
Have you brought together an anthology of works? Has it been a group effort? If you’re the editor of the book, include one to three sentences on each contributor.
10. Acknowledgements
The Acknowledgements page is occasionally before the Table of Contents and sometimes at the back. Research assistants, pastor, friend who kept sending you emails, prodding spouse, inspiring teacher, business partner, mentors, students, anyone. It’s great to encourage others because that’s how we stay encouraged.
11. Foreword and/or Preface
The Foreword (not forward or foreward) is written by a authority vouching for the author and content. It includes why we should pay attention to the author. The writer of the foreword is identified (signed).
A Preface is similar but written by the author. Here you may describe the journey that led to the creation of this work. What is the book about? Why did you write it? Is there some background information for the novel you want to prod the reader with? The Preface is also signed.
12. Introduction
Introductions often get skipped by readers, but this is the place to identify how to use the book and include background information. A fiction book may include a prelude which gives a bit of backstory. This is usually page 1.
We can help you prepare all of these things. Let us help you create the Table of Contents and Lists of Tables and Figures as these will change with the final format.
I’m interested to know if people have used the front matter pages for something else. You can let us know in the comments.
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Your title page should always be on the right hand side (odd numbers).
Thanks Judy.
I updated the page with fresh content.