CLC Kenya Writing

2-3c: How to Write Table of Contents

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a table of content shows the things that are held or included in something. In the book inudstry, it is a list of the chapters or sections given at the front of a book or periodical.

It is usually on a page at the beginning of the book and indicates chapters’ and their corresponding page numbers. In addition to chapter names, it can include bullet points of the sub-chapter headings or subsection headings.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?

It serves two purposes:

(i) It gives readers an overview of the book’s contents and organization.

(ii) It allows readers to go directly to a specific section of the book.

𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬?

No. These two words are often used interchangeably.

𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐱?

Yes. These are two different sections in a book. The main difference between the two is that table of contents consists of main headings, titles, and page numbers associated with it whereas an index lists briefly the key elements, important words, concepts, etc from each chapter.

𝐈𝐬 𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬?

No. Most fictional novels and children’s short story books do fine without a table of contents.

On the other hand, most nonfiction and self help books benefit from the use of a table of contents.

To determine if your book needs one or not, you have to determine if the table of contents will benefit your readers when they have an overview of what to expect in the book.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: Start on a new page and put the heading as CONTENTS or TABLE OF CONTENTS. It should be on its own page, so do not include the introduction or a dedication on this page.

It should come immediately after Dedication page ie Title Page, Verso Page, Dedication then Table of Contents.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐:: List the headings of your book in order of appearance starting with chapter one to the last chapter. First include only the major titles or headings of each of the chapters. Write them down vertically on the page, using the same font and font size for each heading.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: Add subheadings if applicable. The subheadings will be the major subtopics under the main chapters of the book.

They should match the exact titles in the book. Write down all subheadings underneath the applicable main chapter. It is optional to list the subheadings. At the end, you should aim to get a table of contents that best invites your reades to venture into your book. Sometimes less is more appealing.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: Write page numbers for each chapter and subheadings where each starts in the book. Only include the page number that marks the beginning of the chapter and subheadings. You do not need to include in the table of contents, the page number of where the chapter ends.

Before handing your manuscript to a publisher or editor, confirm that the numbering is well matched.

A designer will later work on the numbering professionally during the layout phase of your book. However, it is important for you to do a good job self editing the best way possible to give your book agents a better chance to further improve on the standards.

𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Instead of manually working on the table of contents, you can do it automatically within your word processor. Find more info from Microsoft Support.

 

Inside the Book

Table of Contents

Explore the chapters and themes covered in the book before beginning your reading journey.

Table of contents page one
Contents Page 1
Table of contents page two
Contents Page 2
Table of contents page three
Contents Page 3
CLC
CLC Writing Academy Book Front Matter Resource
Interactive Worksheet
Interactive Author Worksheet

Create a Table of Contents That Guides the Reader

A table of contents gives readers an overview of the book and helps them locate specific chapters or sections. It should be accurate, orderly, inviting and easy to navigate.

Learning Objective

By the end of this activity, you will have determined whether your book needs a table of contents, organised the chapters and optional subheadings in their correct order, assigned opening page numbers and generated a working draft for editorial review.

Worksheet Progress 0% complete
0 fields completed
01
Foundation

Understand the Purpose of a Table of Contents

A table of contents is a list of the chapters or sections in a book, normally placed near the beginning. It may also include important subheadings and the page on which each chapter or section begins.

01

Provides an Overview

It shows readers the book’s subjects, organisation and general journey before they begin reading.

02

Supports Navigation

It allows readers to move directly to a particular chapter or section.

03

Reveals the Structure

It helps readers understand how the chapters and sections relate to one another.

04

Invites the Reader In

Well-written chapter titles can increase curiosity and make readers eager to explore the book.

Contents or Table of Contents?

Both headings are acceptable and are commonly used interchangeably.

Table of Contents or Index?

They are different. A table of contents lists chapters, sections and page numbers. An index lists important names, terms, subjects and concepts alphabetically, usually at the end of the book.

02
Editorial Decision

Does the Book Need a Table of Contents?

A table of contents is not compulsory for every book. Most non-fiction books benefit from one, while some novels and short children’s books may not need one.

Suitability Check

Select Every Statement That Applies

Complete the suitability check

Select the statements that apply, then assess whether the table of contents will benefit the reader.

03
Front Matter Order

Confirm the Placement of the Table of Contents

The table of contents should begin on its own page. In the CLC Kenya house order shown here, it comes after the dedication and before the acknowledgements, foreword, preface or introduction.

01 Title Page
02 Copyright or Verso Page
03 Dedication
04 Contents or Table of Contents
05 Acknowledgements
06 Foreword, Preface or Introduction
Placement Check
04
Content Planning

Plan What the Table of Contents Will Include

Include the major headings in their exact order of appearance. Subheadings are optional. Use them only when they help readers understand or navigate the book. Sometimes less is more inviting.

Consistency Matters

Every title in the table of contents should match the wording, spelling, capitalisation and numbering used inside the book.

05
Interactive Builder

Build the Table of Contents

Enter each chapter or major section in the exact order in which it appears. Add only the page on which the chapter begins. Do not enter the page on which it ends.

06
Editorial Review

Check the Titles, Order and Page Numbers

Before sending the manuscript to the editor or publisher, confirm that the titles and page numbers are accurate. A book designer will refine the final numbering during layout, but the author should still submit an orderly working version.

Final Accuracy Check
Use Technology Carefully

Word processors such as Microsoft Word can generate a table of contents automatically when chapter titles use proper heading styles. The automatic table must still be reviewed for accuracy, consistency and correct hierarchy.

07
Generated Draft

Preview the Table of Contents

Generate a plain-text working draft from the entries above. This is an editorial preview. The final appearance will be refined during book design and typesetting.

Contents 0 entries 
Add chapters or sections, then generate the preview.
Table of Contents Assessment
0 out of 100

Complete the Worksheet

Complete the planning sections, add the book entries and review the final checklist before assessing the table of contents.

Book Planning 0/25
Structure 0/25
Entry Accuracy 0/25
Final Review 0/25
A Good Table of Contents

Does more than list chapters. It gives readers a clear map of the book, helps them locate information and makes the structure feel intentional.

Worksheet Actions

Review and Save Your Work

Assess the table of contents, save your progress, copy the generated draft, download the full worksheet or print it for editorial review.

CLC Writing Academy

Equipping authors to prepare clear, organised and professionally presented manuscripts.

Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango is a Christian publisher, author, trainer, and marketplace minister. She serves as National Director of CLC Kenya, Authors’ Manager at the African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA), Convener of Mama Africa Book Box, and Patron of CLC Kids and Teens.

Through the Publishing in Africa Series, she equips authors, publishers, and literary entrepreneurs with practical strategies for developing, publishing, distributing, and growing African-authored literature.

Her ministry is centred on advancing God’s Kingdom through literature and helping more African voices to be written, published, distributed, and read.

Getting Started: Publishing Books

Preparing to Write/Publish

Elementary Skills: Publishing Books

How to Write

Technical Skills: Publishing Books

Refining Your Manuscript

Advanced Skills: Publishing Books

Going the Extra Mile

Contractual Skills: Publishing Books

Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)