“All good things must come to an end.” This notion holds especially true when referring to the ending of your book.

From the very first word of your novel to the very last word, your goal is to paint a picture for your readers of the story that lives within your pages.

Some books paint a vivid picture throughout only to leave the reader puzzled, wanting more or disappointed as to how the story ended.

Today, we want to show you how to avoid the latter and present your readers with a satisfying and powerful ending to your story.

• Your reader has stuck with you through the ups and downs, and has become emotionally invested in the plot and its characters. It’s for this reason that you should avoid a trick ending that would leave your reader feeling duped, or cheated. Rather, you want to present them with an ending that’s cohesive and leads to a positive, lasting final impression. Surprises are fine, but shoot for “awe” rather than “aww.”
• Always remember to tidy up your story. Unless you plan on writing a sequel, be sure to tie up any significant loose ends. Every question that’s been asked and every web that’s been spun must be tended to. You don’t want to leave your reader unfilled because they’re left with a huge unanswered question!
• Sometimes the best endings leave a person in complete stillness, reading and rereading the words on the last page. If you want a total knockout ending, then leave your biggest surprise for the end. This plays in to the “tying up loose ends” idea from step two. Make sure that the final piece of your story’s puzzle tends to every issue that occurred in the earlier parts of your book in order to pack a powerful punch.
• Your book doesn’t have to have a fairytale ending. However, it’s imperative that you resolve the plot’s main conflict. Readers want questions to be answered so, as the author, it’s your job to make that happen.
• Consistency is essential throughout your entire story. From start to finish, you’ll want to keep your tone and voice steady as to avoid any inconsistencies. Your ending will feel disjointed if all of a sudden in the last chapter of your book, the main character or the narrator’s voice suddenly changes with little explanation. Keeping your story consistent is one way to ensure a strong ending to your story.

Though there isn’t a right or wrong way to end your book, take note of these five tips to help write a powerful ending!