Writing a book is a journey filled with excitement, creativity, and, yes, challenges. One of the most common questions we get from our aspiring authors is, “Do I really need an outline?” It’s a fair question. Outlining is an important tool to help writers get their words on the page, but sometimes it can feel like an unnecessary step that just adds time to the book-writing process.
We recommend that every writer uses an outline for their story, especially if you’re writing your first book. That said, while some writers swear by their detailed outlines, others prefer to let the story unfold naturally. In this article, we’ll cover the importance of outlining, explore different approaches, and give you practical tips to help you decide what’s best for you.
The simple answer is no; you don’t need an outline to write a book. Plenty of successful authors are “pantsers,” meaning they write “by the seat of their pants” without an outline. Outlining a book is a personal decision and choosing whether or not to use one depends on your writing style and preferences. But there are some good reasons why you might want to outline your book, and why outlining is one of our key steps when we teach authors how to write a book:
Why Is a Book Outline Important?
Clarity and Direction
An outline provides a clear roadmap for your book. Think of it as a GPS for your writing journey. It helps you organize your thoughts, plot out the major events, and make sure your narrative has a logical flow. With an outline, you know exactly where your story is going, which can prevent you from getting lost in the middle of your manuscript.
J.K. Rowling famously outlined the entire “Harry Potter” series before she started writing. Her detailed plans included plot points, character arcs, and even specific details for each chapter.
J.K. Rowling’s “Order of the Phoenix” outline
Efficiency and Focus
Writing a book is a huge commitment, and an outline can save you a lot of time. When you know what happens next, you can write faster and more efficiently. Instead of spending hours figuring out the next scene, you can dive straight into writing, keeping the momentum going.
Pro Tip: Our authors who choose to use outlines are more likely to finish their drafts. We recommend using them to plan out your book!
Consistency and Coherence
An outline keeps your plot and character development consistent throughout the book. It helps you track subplots, character arcs, and key themes, making sure that everything ties together seamlessly. This is especially important for complex stories with multiple plotlines.
Easier Revisions
Having an outline makes the revision process much smoother. You can identify plot holes, pacing issues, and inconsistencies early on, which simplifies editing and reduces the need for extensive rewrites.
Think of your outline as a flexible guide. It’s there to help you stay on track, but it can evolve as your story develops. Don’t be afraid to make changes if new ideas emerge during the writing process. Some (very) famous and successful writers opt not to outline.
Why Do Some Authors Not Use Outlines?
While outlining offers plenty of benefits, it’s not the only way to write a book. If you prefer a more organic approach, here’s why some authors say “pantsing” might work for you:
Creative Freedom
Writing without an outline allows for spontaneity and creativity. You can let the story develop naturally, following your characters and plot wherever they lead you. This approach can result in unexpected twists and richer character development.
Stephen King often writes without a detailed outline. In his memoir “On Writing”, he says stories are “found things, like fossils in the ground.” He believes stories should develop naturally and that excessive planning can stifle creativity.
Book Outline Generator
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Without an outline, you’re not confined to a predetermined path. If you discover a better direction for your story, you can easily pivot without the need to restructure an outline. This flexibility can be liberating and inspire new ideas. Outlines, though, aren’t set in stone. If you have a good idea while writing, you can always edit your outline and go with the new direction!
Increased Engagement
The process of discovery while writing can be exciting. As a pantser, you might find yourself more engaged and motivated, as you’re discovering the story just as your readers will.
Potential Drawbacks
Writing without an outline has its challenges. There’s a higher risk of plot holes and inconsistencies, and it often requires extensive revisions. You might also find yourself stuck more often, unsure of what should happen next, which can lead to periods of inactivity and frustration. Consistency is key for a finished first draft, and this on-paper accountability is one of the big reasons we have all of our authors use outlines.
Finding Your Balance
The key is to find what works best for you. If you’re a first-time author or writing a complex story, an outline can be incredibly helpful. On the other hand, if you thrive on spontaneity and enjoy discovering the story as you go, you might prefer a more flexible approach. Some writers find a middle ground, creating a loose outline that provides direction while allowing for creative freedom.
How Do You Outline a Book Quickly?
Creating an outline quickly doesn’t mean sacrificing time. It’s about being efficient and focused. Here’s how you can outline your book quickly:
Start with a Brain Dump
Begin by jotting down all your ideas without worrying about organization. This step is all about capturing your thoughts and getting them out of your head and onto paper (our recommendation) or a digital document.
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously.
Don’t filter or judge your ideas at this stage—just let them flow.
Identify Key Plot Points
Once you have a collection of ideas, identify the major plot points that will drive your story. These are the critical moments that shape your narrative.
Focus on the beginning, middle, and end.
Pinpoint major turning points, the climax, and the resolution.
Create a Basic Structure
Organize your key plot points into a basic structure. This will help you see the overall flow of your story and make sure it progresses logically.
Arrange your plot points in chronological order.
Group related ideas together to form chapters or sections.
Use a Template
Book templates can streamline the outlining process by providing a ready-made structure. Get yours here:
Book Outline Generator
Choose your Fiction or Nonfiction book type below to get your free chapter by chapter outline!
Book Outline Generator
Enter your details below and get your pre-formatted outline in your inbox and start writing today!
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Thanks for submitting! Check your email for your book outline template.
In the meantime, check out our Book Outline Challenge.
Giving yourself a specific amount of time to complete your outline can help you stay focused and avoid overthinking.
Set a timer for each step of the outlining process.
Aim to complete your outline in one or two focused sessions.
For a success story and to see how time limits can help you write an absolutely astonishing amount per day, we recommend reading prolific Amazon author Rachel Aaron’s book “2k to 10k.”
What Are the Steps to Outline a Novel?
Breaking your outline down into manageable steps makes the process straightforward and more enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective outline for your novel:
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Ideas
Start by gathering all the ideas you have for your story. This initial stage is about capturing your thoughts without worrying about organization or coherence. Let your creativity flow and jot down anything that comes to mind.
Use a mind map to visually organize your ideas.
Make a list of scenes, character traits, settings, and themes.
Don’t censor yourself—no idea is too big or small at this stage.
Step 2: Develop Your Characters
Characters are the heart of your novel. Creating detailed profiles for your main characters can help you understand their motivations, backgrounds, and arcs, making it easier to shape your plot around them.
Write detailed descriptions of each character’s appearance, personality, and backstory.
Define their goals, motivations, and conflicts (internal and external).
Consider how each character will grow and change over the course of the story.
Step 3: Identify Major Plot Points
Outline the key events that will drive your story forward. These should include the inciting incident, major turning points, climax, and resolution. This step ensures that your story has a clear and engaging structure.
Focus on the pivotal moments in your story that change the direction of the plot.
Make sure each plot point has a clear cause and effect.
Step 4: Create a Timeline
Arrange your major plot points in chronological order to visualize the flow of your story. This timeline will help you keep the events that unfold logical and coherent.
Use a visual timeline to track the sequence of events.
Include dates and brief descriptions of each event.
Step 5: Divide into Chapters
Break down your timeline into chapters. Decide what happens in each chapter, so each one advances the plot and develops the characters. This step helps you structure your novel and manage its pacing.
Aim for a balance of action, dialogue, and description in each chapter.
Give each chapter its own mini-arc with a beginning, middle, and end.
Step 6: Add Details and Subplots
Flesh out each chapter with additional details and subplots. Subplots add depth to your story, provide additional challenges for your characters, and enrich the main narrative.
Use subplots to explore themes, develop secondary characters, and add complexity to the story.
Step 7: Review and Revise
Go through your outline to identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or areas that need more detail. Make adjustments as needed to get a smooth and coherent story. This step helps you refine your narrative before you start writing.
Get feedback from beta readers or writing groups.
Be open to making changes and refining your outline.
Book Outline Generator
Choose your Fiction or Nonfiction book type below to get your free chapter by chapter outline!
Book Outline Generator
Enter your details below and get your pre-formatted outline in your inbox and start writing today!
CONGRATULATIONS
Thanks for submitting! Check your email for your book outline template.
In the meantime, check out our Book Outline Challenge.
Outlining a book is a versatile process with several methods available for different writing styles and project requirements. Here, we’ll explore the most common types of book outlines.
The Mind Map Outline
This is our preferred method and the one we teach to most of our authors. A mind map is a visual representation of your story, with the central idea in the middle and related ideas branching out. This method is great for brainstorming and seeing connections between different elements of your story.
Advantages:
Encourages creative thinking and connections.
Provides a visual overview of the story.
How to Use:
Write your central idea in the middle of a page.
Draw branches for main plot points, characters, and settings.
Add further branches for details and subplots.
The Bullet Point Outline
A bullet point outline is one of the simplest and most straightforward methods. It lists the major plot points and key events in bullet points, providing a clear, high-level overview of the story.
Advantages:
Easy to create and modify.
Provides a quick reference for the main events of the story.
How to Use:
1. Write down your main plot points as individual bullet points.
2. Arrange them in chronological order.
3. Add sub-points for important details or subplots.
The Chapter-by-Chapter Outline
This method breaks down the story into chapters, detailing what happens in each one. It’s more detailed than a bullet point outline and helps make sure each chapter advances the plot and develops the characters.
Advantages:
Provides a detailed roadmap for the entire book.
Ensures each chapter has a clear purpose.
How to Use:
Create a list of chapters.
Write a brief summary of the main events for each chapter.
Include notes on character development and subplots.
The Synopsis Outline
A synopsis outline is a brief narrative summary of your entire story, written in paragraph form. It provides a narrative flow and highlights the main plot points, character arcs, and themes.
Advantages:
Offers a clear, narrative overview of the story.
Useful for pitching to agents or publishers.
How to Use:
1. Write a one-paragraph summary of your story.
2. Expand this into a one-page synopsis, covering all major plot points and character arcs.
3. Make it read like a condensed version of your book.
The Scene-by-Scene Outline
This is the most detailed type of outline, breaking down the story into individual scenes. Each scene is described in detail, including the setting, characters, actions, and dialogue. It’s good for complex stories with multiple plotlines.
Advantages:
Highly detailed and thorough.
Helps maintain consistency and coherence.
How to Use:
List all the scenes in your story.
Write a brief description of each scene, including key actions and dialogue.
Note the setting and characters involved in each scene.
The Snowflake Method
The Snowflake Method is a step-by-step approach that starts with a simple idea and gradually expands it into a detailed outline. This method is excellent for those who like to build their story layer by layer.
Advantages:
Systematic and organized.
Allows for detailed development of plot and characters.
How to Use:
Start with a one-sentence summary of your story.
Expand this into a paragraph summary.
Write detailed character profiles.
Develop each sentence of your paragraph into a full-page description.
Continue expanding and refining until you have a detailed outline.
How We Teach Our Authors to Outline
Creating an outline is like building a sturdy framework for your story. It’s not about setting everything in stone, but rather about giving yourself a roadmap that guides you through the writing process. Here’s how we teach our authors to outline their books:
Step One: Mind Map
We start with a blank piece of paper and a pen. In the center, write your main idea and draw lines radiating outwards to capture related thoughts. This is a brain dump, so no need to organize at this point. The goal is to get all your ideas out, even the half-formed ones. Don’t censor yourself; every thought is worth noting. This step unlocks the creativity and memories stored in your mind, providing a solid foundation for your outline.
Step Two: Find Themes
Next, look at your mind map and start grouping related ideas into sections or themes. Aim for at least three but no more than seven main themes. These themes will form the broad sections of your outline. Write these section names at the top of a new large piece of paper, which will serve as columns for organizing your ideas. This visual structure helps you see the bigger picture of your book’s content.
Step Three: List Ideas for Each Section
Under each section, transfer the related ideas from your mind map. This step involves expanding on your initial thoughts, adding more details as they come to mind. Don’t worry about perfection. This stage is about creating a rough structure that captures all potential content. Think of it as assembling the building blocks of your chapters.
Step Four: Define Chapters
With your sections filled out, start organizing the ideas into chapters. Use underlining, circling, and drawing arrows to connect thoughts and decide the flow within each section. Each chapter should have a clear purpose and fit logically within its section. This is where the structure of your book begins to take shape, moving from broad themes to specific chapters.
Step Five: Create the Final Outline
Transfer your chapter ideas to the computer, arranging them in a sequence that flows smoothly and makes sense. Add sub-points and details under each chapter heading to flesh out your outline further. This detailed outline will serve as a guide during the writing process, making it easier to stay on track and maintain consistency. The more comprehensive your outline, the smoother the writing process will be.
Step Six: Flexibility and Revision
An outline is not a rigid blueprint. It’s a flexible guide that can change as your writing progresses. Be open to revising your outline as new ideas emerge. Think of it as walking a tightrope; it provides direction but allows for adjustments along the way. The goal is to support your writing journey, not constrain it.
By following these steps, our authors learn to create effective outlines that make the writing process more manageable and less daunting. This structured approach helps them produce well-organized and coherent drafts, setting them up for success as they write their drafts.
Book Outline Generator
Choose your Fiction or Nonfiction book type below to get your free chapter by chapter outline!
Book Outline Generator
Enter your details below and get your pre-formatted outline in your inbox and start writing today!
CONGRATULATIONS
Thanks for submitting! Check your email for your book outline template.
In the meantime, check out our Book Outline Challenge.
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