When you prepare your book for publication, you naturally focus on the cover, the title page, the copyright page, and, of course, the book itself.
But what about the very last page(s)? This often-overlooked piece of space can provide a valuable marketing opportunity.
Usually positioned after the About the Author page, the very last page (s) inside the cover are a useful place to encourage readers to take another step after finishing your book. After all, if someone has read all the way to the end, they are already engaged with your writing. So why not let them know what to do next?
So what should you include?
Ask for a review
One of the most valuable things a reader can do for an author is leave a review.
Reviews can help potential readers discover your book and decide whether to buy it. A short, friendly request on the final page can remind readers to share their thoughts while the book is still fresh in their minds.
For example:
Did you enjoy this book?
If you have a moment, please leave a review. I’d love to know your thoughts, and your feedback helps other readers discover my work.
Thank you for reading!
You could also direct readers to your preferred review platform, where appropriate.
Encourage readers to discover your other books
If you have written more than one book, the final page is an ideal place to tell readers what else is available. This can be particularly useful if your book is part of a series.
For example:
Looking for your next read?
Discover more books by [Author Name].
Visit: [website or link]
You could also include the title of your next book, or a short list of other already published books. Just remember to keep the page uncluttered. The aim is to make it easy for readers to take the next step.
Share your website and social media
Your book can also help readers stay connected with you. You might use the final page to include your: Author website, newsletter sign-up details, social media links, author or book-related hashtags.
For example:
Let's stay in touch!
Follow [Author Name] for news, updates and more:
[Website]
[Social media handle]
Join the conversation using #[YourHashtag]
Choose the platforms that are most relevant to you, but don’t include every social media account you have ever created!
Promote a related product or service
If your book is part of a wider range of products or services, this page can encourage another purchase.
For example, an author who has created a journal, workbook or planner might include a message such as:
Continue your journey
Enjoyed this book? You may also like the accompanying [journal/workbook/planner], designed to help you [brief explanation].
Find out more at: [website]
This works particularly well for non-fiction books, guided journals, self-help titles and workbooks.
Promote your next book
Are you already working on your next publication? If so, you can give readers a little glimpse of what is coming next.
You could include: The title of your next book, a short description, a publication date, if known, a note that it is coming soon, and details where readers can sign up for updates.
For example:
Coming soon...
[Title of Next Book]
[Short description. One or two sentences describing the book. Or even the first chapter if it has been finalised.]
Visit [website] to find out more.
Keep building your author brand
The final page is also a useful opportunity to reinforce your author brand. You might include a simple message that reflects your writing and personality, alongside your name and website.
For example:
Thank you for reading.
I hope you enjoyed spending time in the world of [Book Title].
Discover more books, news and updates from [Author Name] at:
[website]
This doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes, a simple, warm message is enough to leave readers with a positive final impression.
Please feel free to use the above as templates and tailor them to your own requirements.
A few things to consider
Before adding marketing to the final page of your book, keep these things in mind:
Keep it simple: You don't need to include everything. Too many links, messages and calls to action can make the page look cluttered and overwhelm the reader. Decide what you most want the reader to do next and focus on that.
Make it relevant: The message should relate to the book and the reader's experience. For example, if you have written the first book in a series, encouraging readers to continue with the next book makes perfect sense. If you have written a guided journal, you might promote a second journal or workbook. Consider what might genuinely interest your reader next.
Use a clear, simple Call to Action: Tell readers exactly what you’d like them to do and make it easy for them to respond. Would you like them to: Leave a review, visit your website, follow you on social media, sign up for your newsletter, buy another book, and/or discover a related product or service?
Make sure the information is current: Websites, social media handles and products can change. If you are reprinting or producing a new edition of your book, remember to check that the information on the final page is still correct.
Don't waste this valuable space
The final page(s) of your book can be useful marketing space. Whether you ask readers to leave a review, encourage them to explore your other books, share your social media details or promote your next publication, it can help your relationship with the reader continue beyond the final sentence.
As a typesetter, I can help you decide how to use the final pages of your book and create a layout that fits naturally with the rest of your publication. After all, your book may be ending, but your relationship with your reader doesn't have to.
I hope you found this interesting xx
If you’re an aspiring author looking to publish your book, I'm here to polish your words and create a professional, reader-friendly publication for you. I would love to support you on your publishing journey.
Contact me for an editing and typesetting estimate; let’s make your book shine!