As an author in training, you want to approach your Table of Contents (TOC) as both a creative and business process. In the first case, creating your TOC offers you a chance to get inspired and give your idea shape. You discover the bare bones of the content readers will find within your book’s pages and structure it. In the second case, you have the opportunity to evaluate your TOC from a publishing business perspective to ensure it lines up with your target market as well as with your angle, theme, purpose, pitch, summary, and benefits (your overview of the project). You determine if the content you have proposed will:

• Fulfill the promises you made to your readers—give them benefit.
• Be unique—be different than your competition.
• Be necessary—answer questions or solve problems.
• Hit readers emotionally—allow them to relate to what you have written.
• Tell compelling story—entice them in.
• Target your intended markets—be written for your readers.