Front Matter Pages in Order: Title Page, Copyright, Dedication, TOC, and More

Michelle M. White
Mar 26
4 min read

Updated: Apr 7

Front matter is the set of pages that appear before Chapter 1. In most nonfiction books, it follows a standard sequence so readers can quickly familiarize themselves with the book and it feels professionally produced.

Below is the typical order, plus a few practical notes, including a standard layout for front matter pages.

What is Front Matter?

Front matter is everything that appears before Chapter 1. These pages set expectations, protect your rights, and help readers navigate your book.

Not every book needs every front matter element. The goal is a clean, professional opening that fits your genre and publishing goals.

Front Matter Pages in Order (Standard Layout)

Here is the typical order used in most nonfiction books. Your designer may adjust minor details, but this is the common sequence:

Half title (or small title page) — often just the book title.
Optional: praise/endorsements or other brief front matter content (sometimes used instead of a half title).
Also by the author / other books list.
Title page (title, subtitle, author, and sometimes a small image or publisher logo).
Copyright page (verso/back of the title page).
Dedication and/or epigraph (often on the page to the right of the copyright page).
Table of contents (common in nonfiction; optional in fiction).
Optional: foreword, preface, acknowledgments (if placed in the front), and introduction.

A Few Design Notes That Help the Book Feel 'Right'

Recto vs verso matters. Odd-numbered pages are on the right (recto) and even-numbered pages are on the left (verso). This is why many front matter elements begin on a right-hand page.

Some pages are intentionally left blank (for example, the back of a dedication/epigraph page). This is normal in print books and supports a clean reading experience.

If your table of contents will be two pages, some designers prefer starting it on the left so both pages can be seen together when the book is open. This is a design choice, not a rule.

What is Different in Fiction Books?

Many novels do not include a table of contents because most readers move straight through from beginning to end. If you do include one (for example, in a short story collection), place it in the same general front matter location, after dedication/epigraph and before the story begins.

If you are writing fiction, you can often keep front matter minimal: title page, copyright page, and a dedication or epigraph if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some common front matter issues:

Not following the standard front matter order.
Including too many 'about the book' pages before the reader reaches the actual content.
Using inconsistent placement or formatting across front matter pages (fonts, margins, spacing).

Quick Checklist: What to Send Your Designer or Formatter

Have this front matter ready so your designer can build an efficient, stable interior:

Your final title and subtitle (exact wording).
Author name and publisher name (as you want them displayed).
Your ISBN(s).
Table of contents plan: include or omit; chapter titles; any subheadings you want listed.
All front matter.
Whether you have a foreword or preface, and whether you’d like the acknowledgments in the front or back.

Common Questions

Q: Do I have to include a half title?

A: No. Some books omit it entirely, and some use that page for early praise or endorsements.

Q: Does the copyright page have to be on the back of the title page?

A: That is the most common placement because it is predictable and easy to find.

Q: Can I put acknowledgments in the back matter?

A: Yes. Many authors prefer this, especially if the acknowledgments are long.

Parts of a Book Series

This article is part of my Parts of a Book series. I’ll update this list with links as each article is published.

Parts of a Book in Order: Front Matter, Chapters, Back Matter + Page Numbering Rules (Pillar) - The Overview
Front Matter Pages in Order: Title Page, Copyright, Dedication, TOC, and More (you’re here)
Foreword vs Preface vs Introduction: Differences + Where Each One Goes (coming soon)
Dedication and Acknowledgments (Are they Needed and Where do They Go?) (coming soon)
Does Your Book Need a Table of Contents? Best Practices for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Memoir (coming soon)
Back Matter for Nonfiction: What to Include (About the Author, Notes, CTA, Acknowledgments) (coming soon)

Final Thoughts

This overview reflects the conventions used in most nonfiction books I design. Your genre, audience, and publishing goals can influence what you include and where it goes.