This part may sound a little like homework, but it’s way better. Your table of contents is your roadmap to your book! And hopefully it will be exciting to put together.
A book proposal table of contents is more akin to an outline or an annotated table of contents than it is to the beautifully designed, somewhat minimal opening spread that your final book is likely to have. It’s okay to overshare! Start by writing down:
- The major parts (chapters, sections, or whatever; usually chapters) of your book
- The minor parts that will go in each of the major parts
- Major sidebars, charts, or other big elements that go in each chapter
- If it helps, a sentence or two about what the thesis or purpose of the chapter will be, and/or what the reader will learn from it
Your outline is taking shape! Print it out or pull it up in front of you, and close your eyes. Now think about the person who will be reading your book. What level of expertise or experience do they have? How are they going to use your book? What do they know they need to know? What do they not know they need to know? In what order would it be most helpful to them to present the information? Open your eyes and look at your outline. Do you have some changes to make?
Oh, we’re not done yet. Take a walk around the block and make yourself a cup of tea. And before you abandon me instead, remember this: time spent really thinking about your book in the big picture saves you writing time and editing time. You’ll thank yourself later.
It’s time to go through the chapters one by one. What is this chapter’s main thesis or purpose? Does everything in the chapter contribute to the purpose, or does something need to be cut or moved elsewhere? Is there any other information that the reader needs in order to get the most out of this chapter? Is it in the right place in the book? Is the information in it presented in the best possible order? Is there anything else you can do to make it the best little capsule of information it can be?
Finally, look at the outline as a whole. Does it flow? Does the order make sense? Are the chapters balanced in terms of the emphasis you want to put on them? Does it accomplish your goal for the book?
It can’t hurt to run it by someone [else] you know who teaches on your subject. Be open to feedback, but true to yourself and your vision. And have fun!
Tiffany Hill, Editor 