The table of contents (TOC) gives readers an overview of your book's structure. It lists the chapters and, where relevant, the parts and sections within them, along with their page numbers. It helps readers understand how the book is organized and find the information they are looking for.

What Does a Table of Contents Look Like?

A typical table of contents includes:

  • Part titles: If your book is divided into larger sections or parts.
  • Chapter titles: The main chapters of your book, usually listed in reading order.
  • Section headings: Subheadings within chapters, if you want readers to be able to locate specific topics.
  • Page numbers: The page on which each chapter or section begins.

The level of detail depends on the type of book. A straightforward nonfiction book may only list chapter titles, while a practical or reference book might include additional headings to make information easier to find.

Where Does It Go?

The table of contents appears in the front matter, usually after the title and copyright pages and before the introduction or first chapter.

In a traditionally structured book, it is commonly placed on a right-hand page. If it spans several pages, the entries continue onto the following pages.

How Should You Organize It?

Your table of contents should reflect the actual structure of your book. Use clear, descriptive chapter titles that give readers an idea of what each chapter covers. Keep the formatting consistent, with a clear visual hierarchy between parts, chapters, and subsections.

Avoid including too many levels of headings. Listing every small subsection can make the table of contents unnecessarily long and difficult to scan. Include enough detail to help readers navigate the book without overwhelming them.

When Should You Create It?

You can draft your table of contents while planning your book, as it helps establish the overall structure. However, the final version should be prepared once your chapters and book layout are complete.

This is particularly important for page numbers, which can change during editing and formatting. If you are publishing an ebook, make sure the table of contents is also functional, allowing readers to navigate directly to chapters and sections.

A well-organized table of contents gives readers a useful overview of your book and makes it easier for them to find their way around. It is a simple but important part of creating a professional reading experience.