So, you’re ready to write a book. Or you’ve already started and are now wondering how to give it structure. That’s where your Table of Contents (TOC) comes in. But here’s the thing: building a Table of Contents when writing a book isn’t just about making a list of chapters. It’s both a creative and strategic step in the process.
It’s one of the most essential tools you can use to shape your manuscript. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, your TOC helps you organize your ideas, clarify your purpose, and make sure your content delivers on the promises you’re making to readers.
Let’s break down how to build a Table of Contents when writing a book in a way that’s practical, inspiring, and fun.
Why Your TOC Matters More Than You Think
Think of your TOC as your book’s backbone. It gives your idea shape. It brings together your vision and the reader’s expectations. Creatively, your Table of Contents helps you visualize what your book will become. It’s like laying out the skeleton before building the body.
But there’s also a business side. When you approach building a Table of Contents while writing a book, you’re also considering how this structure aligns with your target audience, core theme, market positioning, and what makes your book unique and valuable.
In other words, your TOC helps you make sure your book will:
- Deliver on its promise and provide value to readers
- Stand out from the competition.
- Solve a problem or answer a question.
- Connect emotionally with readers.
- Tell a story that pulls people in
- Speak directly to your intended audience.
Not bad for what’s essentially a glorified list.
What If You’re a Pantser?
Some writers love planning every detail before they start writing. Others fly by the seat of their pants and let the story unfold on the page. (You might’ve heard the terms “mappers” and “pantsers.”)
Here’s the thing: even if you’re the kind of writer who likes to let things flow, creating a TOC doesn’t lock you in. Instead, it provides direction and saves you a significant amount of time during revisions. It also makes your book easier to pitch, easier to edit, and way easier to finish.
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, knowing how to build a Table of Contents when writing a book will help you stay organized and focused.
First Step: Get Organized
To develop a Table of Contents, you need to group your content into a structure. This usually means chapters. If you’re writing nonfiction, this could also include sections or parts. If you’re writing a novel or memoir, the structure might be based on time, theme, or significant events.
The best time to start organizing is before you begin writing, but if you’re already knee-deep in your draft, don’t worry. You can pause and create a TOC at any time to help you stay on track.
Ensure that your research, notes, and resources are organized and easily accessible. You don’t want to waste hours digging through old files when inspiration strikes.
How to Build a Table of Contents for a Nonfiction Book
Nonfiction is generally straightforward in terms of structure. Most nonfiction books have between 10 and 15 chapters. Here are some ways to come up with your chapter list:
- List the 10 to 15 topics you know you want to cover. Then write a working title for each. These don’t have to be perfect, just enough to shape the content.
- Think about common questions your readers might have. Use each one as a jumping-off point for a chapter. These questions can serve as chapter titles if you like the idea.
- Identify problems you want to help your reader solve. Each one becomes a chapter. This method works exceptionally well for how-to or self-help books.
- Focus on the benefits you’re offering your reader. What’s in it for them? Write chapter titles that clearly show the value.
- Still unsure? Continue researching until the structure becomes clear. Once you have identified your book’s core idea, revisit the above steps.
How to Build a Table of Contents for a Memoir
Memoirs are trickier because you’re telling a personal story. But they still need structure. Here are a few approaches you can use:
- Start with a timeline. Plot out the period you’re covering and note all the significant events. These can become your chapters.
- Storyboard your vignettes. If you already have scenes in mind, organize them, look for themes, and identify the narrative arc. Then build your TOC based on that structure.
- Create a detailed outline. Group related events under bigger turning points. This will help you decide what’s essential to your story.
- List key moments of transformation or meaning in your life. These are your chapters. Think of them as the emotional heartbeats of your book.
- Organize your memories by topic. For example, if you’re writing about healing, you might have chapters on grief, acceptance, relationships, and growth.
How to Build a Table of Contents for a Fiction Book
You might think novels don’t need a TOC, but having one can be a game-changer. It gives you clarity and control over pacing, theme, and character development.
Try these strategies:
- Start with your characters. Build out their motivations, backstories, and arcs. Then map out the key scenes and where they fall within your overall plot.
- Use a storyboard. Once you see the whole narrative laid out visually, breaking it down into chapters becomes much easier.
- Grab a notebook. Number the lines from one to twenty or so and write one word or phrase for each chapter that describes what happens. That becomes your rough TOC.
- Use a spreadsheet to track scenes, chapters, POV, or character development. This also makes it easy to rearrange elements as needed.
Regardless of the method you use, the goal is to view your story as a whole before delving into the details.
The Final Word
Learning how to build a Table of Contents when writing a book isn’t just about checking off a box. It’s about giving your ideas a framework. It’s about ensuring your book flows logically, resonates emotionally, and serves your readers.
So whether you’re writing the next big business book, a powerful memoir, or a compelling novel, take some time to sketch out your TOC. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to exist.
Need help organizing your ideas or figuring out what your TOC should look like? Please leave a comment below and let’s discuss it.
So write on and don’t forget the Table of Contents.