Fiction often builds through character change, rising conflict and resolution, while nonfiction may be organized by chronology, questions, principles or steps. These are options rather than rules. A hybrid structure can work when readers have a clear guide and each section supports the central purpose.
Sketch two possible tables of contents and compare the reading experience. Which order creates clarity? Where will readers need context or a pause? A publishing editor can help test the structure against audience expectations while keeping the author’s original intention in view.