[JohnellDeWitt Posts: 53 Status: Offline WWW]

I've got back matter in a couple of PB manuscripts. Just short paragraphs explaining the animals, plants and setting in the book. Should I include it with my MS submission or just mention that it's available in the query? And, I don't include the back matter in the word count--is that right?

[Alison A Posts: 359 Status: Offline Writing! WWW]

Definitely include the back matter. This info may help make your PB more marketable to certain editors, given the current core standards.

I agree, you don't have to include the back matter in overall word count of your story.

[Verla Kay Posts: 4,777 Status: Offline Invite Verla Kay to speak in your area WWW]

I agree with Alison about including the back matter with your manuscript. Make sure it is on a separate page and note in your cover letter that you have included extra information on a separate page that can be used in the book, if the publisher wants to include it. Put a separate word count on the top of the extra page so the total word count with the extra information included can be quickly and easily calculated by the editor or agent. Good luck!

[TMarie Posts: 75 Status: Offline]

Thank you. This is helpful.

[KateMessner Posts: 270 Status: Offline WWW]

Agree - include it. Back matter is important for any kind of informational text - even more so now with Common Core Standards.

[Bobi Martin Posts: 222 Status: Offline Writers open the world to readers. WWW]

Echoing what others have said. I'm an elementary school librarian and we're in process of adding books that fit with the new Common Core Standards. Back matter that includes facts which augment the story could push a fence-sitting editor your way. And as Verla said, put the back matter material on its own page with a separate word count--it's like a sidebar.

[JohnellDeWitt Posts: 53 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks.

[HaroldU Posts: 808 Status: Offline Exec. Editor, Kane Press WWW]

Confirming what others have said from an editor's POV. Back matter is important and we want to see it!

[KatieC Posts: 138 Status: Offline WWW]

Thank you thank you for asking this, and for everyone who has answered! Great info.