The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

Outline The Conclusion

A book’s conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. If they’ve made it this far, it means they’ve found value in your content. Now, it’s time to wrap things up in a way that reinforces your key messages and inspires action.

A strong conclusion doesn’t just summarize—it ties everything together, provides clarity, and gives your readers a next step. Let’s break down exactly how to craft an effective conclusion for your book.

What a Conclusion Should Do

  1. Summarize the Book Clearly

A well-crafted conclusion should recap the core themes of your book in a concise and compelling way. This helps reinforce the message and makes the content more memorable and shareable.

  1. Address Any Lingering Questions

Your reader should leave with a sense of closure. If there were open questions or unresolved topics throughout the book, this is your chance to address them and tie up any loose ends.

  1. Provide a Call to Action

A great conclusion guides your reader toward what’s next. Whether it’s applying your book’s insights, reaching out to you, or exploring further resources, make sure you provide a clear and actionable step.

  1. Offer Additional Resources

If you have supporting content—such as a workbook, online course, or resource guide—this is the perfect place to direct your readers to those materials.

What a Conclusion Should NOT Do

  1. Introduce New Content

This isn’t the place for new ideas. A conclusion should focus on summarization and reinforcement, not fresh concepts. However, you can add a new anecdote or example to drive home a key point.

  1. Be Too Long

Keep it concise. The conclusion should be one of the shortest chapters in your book. Long-winded conclusions can dilute the impact of your final message.

  1. Turn Into a Sales Pitch

Your conclusion is not an advertisement. While you can direct readers to helpful resources, avoid a heavy-handed sales approach that undermines the trust you’ve built throughout the book.

A Simple Conclusion Template

If you’re struggling with how to structure your conclusion, use this simple framework:

  • Hook: Start with a compelling statement or story that ties back to an earlier theme.
  • Restate the Book’s Mission: Reaffirm your book’s core thesis or key message.
  • Summarize Key Chapters: Highlight the most important takeaways.
  • Call to Action: Clearly state what you want the reader to do next.

The Power of a Call to Action

A strong conclusion leaves your readers with a sense of purpose. Here’s how to craft an effective call to action:

  • Make it direct and inspirational—tell readers exactly what step to take next.
  • Avoid generic or vague statements—be specific about how they can apply what they’ve learned.
  • Offer a valuable next step—such as downloading a free resource, signing up for a course, or engaging with your community.

Wrap Up Your Book the Right Way

Your conclusion isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the final note your reader will remember. Make it count by summarizing key insights, closing any loops, and providing a clear next step.

Want more expert guidance on writing your book? Get a free digital copy of The Scribe Method here or purchase a hard copy here to take your book-writing journey to the next level!