James and Cissy break down one of the most overlooked (but powerful) parts of your book: front and back matter. From prologues and epilogues to marketing strategy, they explore what actually works for readers and what might be quietly losing you sales. Expect honest takes (including a strong stance on prologues!), practical tips on optimising your back matter for conversions, and smart ways to turn your book into a reader-retention machine. Plus: writing retreats, live events, and a few unexpected tangents along the way.

Key Talking Points

• Why front matter should be minimal and never get in the way of the reader diving into your story.
• The truth about prologues (and why many readers skip them entirely) vs when they can work.
• How epilogues (especially in romance) can add value and even drive reader engagement.
• The importance of a single, clear call-to-action at the end of your book to maximise conversions.
• Smart strategies for back matter marketing, including bonus content, newsletter signups, and reader retention tactics.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ProWritingAid (Sponsor – code IWC15 for 15% off annual subscriptions): https://prowritingaid.com
• Indie Writers Club (join for retreats & community): https://learnselfpublishing.com/support
• AI Summit: https://aisummit.indieauthortraining.com
• Writer Retreat (New Zealand – August): Indie Writers Club
• Self-Publishing Show Boat Party (London) 11th June 2026: https://learnselfpublishing.com/party-on-the-boat