How to write a book conclusion people actually want to read

After you’ve written the last chapter of your book, there’s one more hurdle to jump: the book conclusion. But what should it include? And do you even need one? If you’ve covered everything in your chapters, aren’t you just repeating what readers already know?

The answer to that last question is yes … and no.  Even though it may seem unnecessary, most readers expect a conclusion in a non-fiction book, and you could be missing a trick if you don’t write one.

So if you’re in the process of wrapping up your book, I’ll explain why a conclusion is important, when it might not be necessary and how to write one that people actually want to read.

What's the purpose of a book conclusion?

Typically, a book conclusion summarises the themes or ideas of a book and provides next steps for the reader. It’s usually short and appears at the end of the book, right after the final chapter and before the endmatter (such as references, endnotes, acknowledgements and appendices).

That said, a book conclusion isn’t always necessary. I’ve read and edited many non-fiction books that didn’t have one. But in general, most non-fiction books benefit from a conclusion for one key reason: readers forget things! They may read the book over several months – or skip certain chapters or passages – so you need to summarise what was covered and, if it’s a self-help or business book, how your strategies can be implemented.

How to structure a book conclusion

You don’t have to overcomplicate the structure of a book conclusion. In fact, you can follow a similar structure to the introduction. The difference is that the former provides a roadmap, and the latter ties things up. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, here are five steps you can follow:

1. Open with a hook. Like your book introduction, consider opening with a story, quote (not to be confused with an epigraph) or statement that sums up the book’s ideas. You could also refer back to a case study or anecdote (also known as ‘closing the loop’) that appeared earlier in the book.

   
   

2. Remind the reader why they’re here. Whether your reader is learning a new skill or filling a knowledge gap, restate the book’s goals or mission. Were you teaching them breathwork techniques? Was it a book about using conscious language in the workplace? Briefly talk about where the reader was before and where they are now.

   
   

3. Summarise what you’ve covered. Without going into too much detail, summarise some of the key points covered in the book and relate them back to the book’s goals.

   
   

4. Outline next steps. Now that readers have read your book, what should they do next? If it’s a self-help book, guide them to other resources or show them what life will look like if they implement your strategies.

   
   

5. End with a powerful image, idea or statement. Think of this last bit as a parting gift to the reader. Leave them with an empowering message or image that pertains to the book’s ideas. Aim for a lasting impression that makes them feel smarter, motivated to change or ready to recommend this book to their friends!

What not to include in a book conclusion

Like book introductions, there are a few things you should avoid in a conclusion. First, don’t introduce new ideas. These should be tackled earlier or put aside for your next book. Second, avoid long summaries. While readers may forget some of the content, they only want highlights, not a blow-by-blow. Third, keep the conclusion short. Aim for half the length of a normal chapter, or shorter. I’ve seen conclusions that are just two pages long! And last, don’t change the tone or style. Make sure it’s consistent with the rest of the book.

Is an epilogue the same as a conclusion?

An epilogue could be a great way to end your book, but it fulfils a different function. Instead of summarising the book’s goals, it takes a jump in time and tells the reader what happened next. This is common in memoirs, biographies and true crime. However, traditional conclusions are more common in self-help and business books.

Does every non-fiction book need a conclusion?

No, you don't have to write a conclusion for your non-fiction book. Certain genres, like memoirs, cookbooks, gardening books, textbooks and personal essays, don’t usually need one. Plus, if your chapters provide summaries or your book is short, a conclusion may create unnecessary repetition or overstate your point.

On the other hand, if you’ve written a how-to book and you want to leave a lasting impression or inspire readers to take action, a conclusion can be highly effective.

Takeaways: How to write a book conclusion people actually want to read

A book conclusion is a great way to provide closure, reinforce themes and make an impact on your reader. To do this, start with a memorable hook, remind readers why the book is important, summarise key ideas, outline next steps and end with a powerful statement. And make the tone consistent with the rest of your book. Keep it lively and engaging. Just because it’s the end doesn’t mean you should throw the game in the final minutes!

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