The Back/ End matter is usually found after the Body/Main content ends. It consists of sections like the epilogue, glossary, appendix, references, index, etc. Academic books usually have extensive end matter sections that provide additional information on the text given in the book.


Just like the front matter, the Back/End matter pages are also optional. You can choose which one of these pages you’d like to include based on your book’s category and what pages do justice in providing additional information that readers can use while reading your book.


TYPES OF END MATTER SECTIONS

  • Epilogue
  • Appendix
  • Glossary
  • Index


Epilogue
An epilogue functions as a supplemental, but separate, part of the main story. It is often used to reveal the fates of the characters in a story and wrap up any loose ends. An epilogue is always set at some point in the future, after the main events of the story have taken place. Sometimes it is also used to hint at the next installment in a series of works.
Used for: Strictly fiction books.


How to write an Epilogue?-

  1. Set the epilogue in the future. Epilogues are usually set in the future and show how the main character’s story ends. Remember the last scene in the Deathly Hallows book where an older Harry Potter (married to Ginny Weasley) sends his son Albus off to Hogwarts? That’s an Epilogue.
  2. Maintain the same tone as the rest of the book. Since the Epilogue is a separate part of the same story, it needs to be in the same style and tone as the main story.
  3. Set up a future narrative. Are you hoping to write a sequel? If so, an epilogue is an excellent spot to introduce information that might be central to the next story you tell. Get your readers invested in the next chapter of the saga.

Appendix, Glossary, and Index  

  • An Appendix is typically used in non-fiction and academic books to provide references or additional information about a topic in the book. 
  • An Index on the other hand is a key to locating certain words or other information in the Body of your book. These sections are optional and need to be included only if absolutely necessary.
  • A Glossary is a list of terms or vocabulary to explain what these words mean in alphabetical order. This is used commonly in fiction books more than in nonfiction books.