If you’ve ever held a book and wondered, what is the back of the book called, you’re not alone. While many refer to it simply as the back cover, there’s more to it—including terms like blurb area, back matter, and design elements critical to the book’s structure and appeal.
What Is the Back of the Book Called?
The simple answer to what is the back of the book called is: the back cover. However, this area involves more than just an exterior shell. In book terminology, the back section of a book can refer to both the back cover and the back matter—the content found after the main body of the book ends.
The back cover usually includes a blurb, endorsements, barcode, and sometimes an author photo, while the back matter consists of content like the index, bibliography, glossary, and appendix. These components play a vital role in both marketing and content support.
Understanding the Book Cover Structure
A book is more than just pages—it’s a carefully constructed package. The book cover includes three primary sections: the front cover, spine, and back cover.
The front cover is the first impression and typically includes the book title, author’s name, and cover design. The spine serves both functional and branding purposes, as it’s what readers see on shelves. The back cover, on the other hand, is where readers often decide whether to buy or keep reading. It provides summaries, praise, and other convincing content designed to inform and persuade.
The Purpose of the Back Cover
The back cover is prime real estate in publishing. While readers initially judge a book by its front, they usually flip to the back to learn more about the story, the author, and what others are saying. The content found here often includes:
- A teaser blurb
- Notable reviews or endorsements
- Author bio or photo
- Publisher’s logo and ISBN barcode
This section aims to answer the reader’s internal question: “Why should I read this book?” A well-crafted back cover makes the case, often within a few seconds.
What Is Back Matter in a Book?
In publishing, back matter refers to all the material that comes after the main text ends. This section may seem like an afterthought, but it serves crucial roles in credibility, usability, and appreciation.
Back matter can vary depending on the book type. In nonfiction and academic works, it often includes an index, glossary, and bibliography. In novels, it might feature author’s notes, bonus chapters, or even reading guides.
Understanding this structure helps readers locate information quickly and provides writers with tools to strengthen their message.
Different Sections Found in the Back Matter
Back matter can be customized, but commonly includes the following elements:
- Acknowledgments – Where the author thanks contributors or supporters
- Author Biography – Personal and professional info about the writer
- Index – Organized alphabetically to help readers find specific content
- Glossary – Definitions of terms or concepts used in the book
- Bibliography/References – A list of sources the author used
- Appendix – Supplementary info that didn’t fit in the main text
- About the Author – A short, often promotional section about the writer’s background
These parts can elevate the reader’s experience and offer added value, especially for research or learning-focused books.
Why the Back of the Book Matters for Authors and Publishers
Publishers understand the power of a strong back section. Not only does it add polish and professionalism, but it also improves:
- Reader trust – Detailed references and index imply thoroughness
- Marketing appeal – Positive reviews or a gripping blurb can influence sales
- Bookstore shelving decisions – A good back cover supports merchandising
- Reader engagement – Additional content encourages deeper interaction
In short, this section supports both practical navigation and persuasive storytelling.
How the Back Cover Design Impacts Readers
Good back cover design is both informative and aesthetically appealing. It uses:
- Clear hierarchy of information (title > blurb > reviews)
- Consistent font styles and sizes
- High-resolution images, especially author portraits
- Strategic color use that matches the front cover design
An eye-catching, readable design can make the difference between a sale and a pass, especially in bookstores or online marketplaces.
Back of the Book vs. Front of the Book
While the front of the book is meant to attract attention and draw people in, the back of the book is designed to inform and convert.
The front is emotional; the back is logical. The front draws readers with beauty and intrigue; the back convinces them with substance, credibility, and clarity. Both are necessary, but they serve different psychological purposes in the reader’s buying or reading journey.
Digital Books and the Concept of a Back Section
In the world of eBooks, the back of the book still exists—but it’s virtual. While there’s no physical cover to flip, digital books include:
- A “back matter” section (often accessible through links)
- Embedded author bios, glossaries, or indexes
- Metadata such as book category, tags, and keywords
- Purchase links for related titles or reviews
Even in digital formats, this section serves to extend the reader’s journey, encourage reviews, or promote other works by the author.
Tips for Writers: Crafting a Strong Back Section
If you’re an author, you should never treat the back of your book as an afterthought. Here are key tips:
- Write a clear, engaging blurb that summarizes the book without spoilers
- Use social proof – a positive review from a known figure can make a difference
- Include a high-quality photo if space allows
- Format the back matter with consistency and purpose
- Avoid clutter – white space improves readability
Remember: the back of your book sells the book, even after the front grabs attention.
Common Misconceptions About Book Anatomy
Many people think the back of the book is simply decorative or less important than the front. In reality:
- The index is not optional in academic or nonfiction texts
- The back cover blurb is not just a summary—it’s a marketing tool
- Acknowledgments and references add authenticity
- Even in fiction, the author bio can establish a connection with readers
Understanding the parts of a book gives both readers and writers a deeper appreciation for the reading experience.
Biography: A Writer’s Journey Understanding Book Structure
Maya Thompson, a self-published author from Oregon, initially struggled with poor sales on her debut novel. She later discovered that her book’s back cover lacked a compelling blurb and didn’t include any reader endorsements.
“People liked the story, but they didn’t know that until they read it. The back cover wasn’t pulling anyone in,” Maya shared.
After redesigning her book with a clear back cover, adding a thoughtful author bio, and inserting a glossary to help readers with the fantasy terminology, her sales tripled. Today, she teaches new authors how to use every part of their book effectively—especially the back.
Conclusion
So, what is the back of the book called? It’s not just the back cover—it’s a carefully constructed section made up of design, content, and structure that supports the entire reading experience. Whether it’s a gripping blurb or an organized index, every element plays a key role in how a book is perceived, read, and remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the back of the book called the back matter?
Not exactly. The back matter is the content after the main text, while the back cover is the exterior.
What is usually on a book’s back cover?
You’ll often find a blurb, author photo, reviews, and a barcode.
Why is the back of a book important?
It helps market the book and supports the content with references or extras.
Do digital books have a back cover?
Not physically, but eBooks include similar sections at the end digitally.
What’s the difference between front matter and back matter?
Front matter comes before the main content (like the foreword), back matter follows it (like index and references).
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