Week 10 of 13 · Phase 3: Front and Back Matter

Introduction and Author Bio.

The pieces that frame the book. Why this book, why you, and how to read it. Plus the bio that makes you sound accomplished and human in equal measure.

The Assignment

Write your Introduction and your About the Author page.

Phase 3 begins. The chapters are done. Now you write the pieces that frame and complete the book. Most authors rush these or skip them entirely. These sections are what separate a professional book from a self-published afterthought.

The Introduction goes before Chapter 1. It is the most-read part of any book after the opening sentence of Chapter 1. Treat it that way.

Word count target: 1,500 to 2,500 words total.
The Framework

Introduction Framework

Your Introduction is not a summary of the book. It answers three questions.

  1. Why this book? What is happening in your industry, your field, or the world right now that makes this book necessary? Why now and not five years ago?
  2. Why you? A brief version of your credibility. Not your full story (that is Chapter 2). Just enough to answer "who is this person and why should I keep reading?"
  3. How to use this book. Tell the reader how the book is organized, what they will get from each phase, and any guidance on how to read it. Straight through? Reference specific chapters? Do the exercises? Set expectations.

About the Author Framework

Written in third person. Three paragraphs.

  1. Professional identity and expertise (what you do and who you serve).
  2. Key accomplishments and credentials (specific, not exhaustive).
  3. Personal detail that makes you human (one or two sentences, not a lifestyle blog).
If You Get Stuck

Here's my draft Introduction: [paste]. Does it answer why this book, why me, and how to use it? What's missing?

Open Dave Open Paige
Completion Check
You are done when: Your Introduction makes someone who opened the book out of curiosity decide to read the whole thing. Your bio makes you sound accomplished and approachable in equal measure.

Finished Week 10? Unlock Week 11.

Marking this week complete unlocks the next module immediately. Move at the pace that fits your life. The 90-day window is the ceiling, not the pace.

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