Tag: BookFormat

Creation Edge—Setting Up Your Back Matter in Scrivener: A Professional Approach

CREATION EDGE - SUNDAYS
Welcome to Creation Edge, my Sunday focus on writing technology. Here you'll learn how to use Scrivener to organize, write, and revise your novel. Whether you're setting up your first project or managing your manuscript, Creation Edge helps you make technology serve your creativity.

Back matter can make or break your book’s professional polish. Today, we’ll explore how to use Scrivener to create and manage the essential elements that follow “The End.”

Creating Your Back Matter Folder

First, in your Binder:

  1. Right-click below your manuscript folder
  2. Select “Add → New Folder”
  3. Name it “Back Matter”
  4. Position it after your main manuscript

Essential Back Matter Elements

Create separate text documents within your Back Matter folder for:

About the Author

  • Create a new text document
  • Use Scrivener’s formatting tools for consistent styling
  • Include your brief bio
  • Add social media and website links
  • Pro tip: Create multiple versions (short/long) using document notes

Acknowledgments

  • Set up with proper heading styles
  • Use Scrivener’s name lookup feature to ensure consistency
  • Create subdivisions for different types of acknowledgments
  • Include placeholder text for last-minute additions

Also By This Author

  • Maintain as a live document
  • Use Scrivener’s list tools for easy updates
  • Include series information
  • Add placeholder links for future books

Advanced Features

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Create a compelling call to action
  • Use Scrivener’s hyperlink feature for digital editions
  • Design alternate versions for print/digital
  • Include preview text for your next book

Series Information

  • Set up a template for series details
  • Use metadata for consistent series naming
  • Create reading order lists
  • Include series-specific promotional material

Compilation Settings

Configure your compilation settings to:

  • Include/exclude specific back matter for different formats
  • Maintain consistent formatting across elements
  • Adjust page breaks appropriately
  • Handle different requirements for print/ebook

Quick Tips for Success

  1. Use folders within Back Matter for organization
  2. Create templates for future books
  3. Maintain updated versions
  4. Use consistent formatting
  5. Keep separate configurations for different formats

Time-Saving Shortcuts

  • Save your back matter as a template
  • Use document templates for recurring elements
  • Create compilation presets
  • Maintain a master back matter collection

Remember: Professional back matter enhances your book’s credibility and creates connections with readers. Take time to set it up right in Scrivener.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.