Front Matter Matters

First impressions matter. We take this into account when we show up 15 minutes early for a job interview or dress up for a first date. In fact, you only get one opportunity to make a great first impression.

This is as true for books as it is for people. Of course, the main message in the body of the book is what you really care about, and what you want people to read. However, the “front matter” of your book is an author’s tool to direct people towards the meat of the book.

Like any first impression, you want to make it a good one. Whether people read this section or flip through it to get to Chapter One, this is your opportunity to set the tone, depth, and personality of your book. Don’t shrug it off.