The first pages of your book matter more than you think. Most authors spend weeks perfecting Chap...The first pages of your book matter more than you think. Most authors spend weeks perfecting Chap...
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The first pages of your book matter more than you think.
Most authors spend weeks perfecting Chapter One.
But readers—and publishers—see your front matter first.
A professional book starts before the story begins.
Here are the essential pages every book should include:
📖 Title Page — Introduces your book professionally.
© Copyright Page — Protects your work and includes publishing information.
📚 Table of Contents — Helps readers navigate your book.
💬 Dedication (Optional) — A personal message to someone special.
🙏 Acknowledgements (Optional) — Give credit to people who supported your journey.
✍️ Preface or Introduction (When needed) — Sets expectations for the reader.
Missing or poorly formatted front matter can make an otherwise great book look unfinished.
As a Book Formatter, I help authors organize and design these pages so their manuscript is ready for Kindle, paperback, and hardcover publishing.
Authors: Which front matter page do you always include in your books?
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FAVOUR's avatar
Many first-time authors don't realize front matter is part of professional publishing—not an afterthought.
FAVOUR's avatar
A clean Table of Contents improves navigation in both ebooks and printed books.
FAVOUR's avatar
Your copyright page is one of the most important pages in your manuscript.
FAVOUR's avatar
Professional formatting starts before readers reach Chapter One.
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The network for creativity
Join 1.25M professional creatives like you
Connect with clients, get discovered, and run your business 100% commission-free
Creatives on Contra have earned over $150M and we are just getting started