As you wrap up the details of your book, you may realize that you haven’t given much thought yet to the chapter titles. Do you find yourself asking whether to use chapter numbers or give each chapter a title? What about doing both? What is best?
In this case, it’s up to your creative preference as the author. Here are some pros and cons of each option to consider:
Chapter titles
Pros:
· Adds another layer of creativity to your book.
· Gives you the opportunity to create intrigue.
· Can help your reader create a mental diagram of events when reading your book.
Cons:
· May create a perfectionism dilemma if it bothers you when the title refers to only a small portion of the chapter.
· Can be hard to think of descriptive titles that don’t give away too much.
Chapter numbers
Pros:
· It’s a classy option.
· Doesn’t run the risk of “spoiling” the chapter by giving away too much information.
· It couldn’t be simpler. (But do double check that you don’t skip or repeat a number—this happens more often than you’d think!)
Cons:
· May seem boring to some authors and readers.
· Doesn’t give you the chance to grab a reader’s attention when they scan the table of contents.
Combining numbers and titles:
· This is a great option and gives you the best of both worlds (as well as the cons of chapter titles).
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You can check with your editor and get their recommendations based on the specifics of your book. Taking the time to find what’s right for your book will give readers the experience you’ve envisioned.