Typical parts and order of a book or report

A book or report can have some or all of the following components, which generally appear in the following order:

  • cover
  • preliminary matter
    • title page
    • reverse title page
    • dedication (if required)
    • letter of transmittal (if required)
    • foreword
    • acknowledgments
    • list of shortened forms
    • glossary
    • table of contents
    • preface
    • summary
  • main content
    • introduction
    • parts, chapters and sections
  • end matter
    • acknowledgments (if not in preliminary matter)
    • appendixes
    • notes
    • shortened forms (if not in preliminary matter)
    • glossary (if not in preliminary matter)
    • reference list
    • index
    • attachments.

The standard order of components can be changed to suit the audience and aims of your publication. For example, some of the preliminary matter components, such as the acknowledgments, acronyms and glossary, can be placed in the end matter instead.

This sections covers:

User login

... or purchase now

An individual subscription is only A$60 per year

Group and student discounts may apply

Australian manual of scientific style Start communicating effectively

Purchase