Writing a novel is a daunting task, and it may feel overwhelming to take the myriad of ideas, characters, and details in your head and put them to paper (or screen). For many writers, this is where an outline comes in handy. Outlines are like road maps, helping authors navigate their story, keeping them on the right track, and allowing them to see where they’re going.
Plotting vs. “Pantsing”
Writers often fall into one of two categories when it comes to how they approach the writing process. Plotters plan and outline their stories in advance. They find value in knowing what will happen in the story, and are motivated by the structure plotting gives them. On the other hand, Pantsers (those “flying by the seat of their pants”) work without the use of an outline. These writers enjoy discovery through the writing process and feel outlines are too stifling to their creativity. Somewhere in the middle are Plantsers, who are a combination of both methods.
Pros and Cons of Outlining
Like any writing approach, there are advantages and disadvantages to plotting your novel in advance. Let’s take a look:
Pros:
- Helps keep the story on track and prevents from going off-topic
- Allows you to see the big picture
- Helps you stay organized, knowing what goes where
- Can prevent writer’s block
Cons:
- Can feel too mechanical or formulaic (less creative and free-flowing)
- Writers may feel prevented from straying from outline
- Takes time up front to create instead of just sitting down to write
Types of outlines
If you decide you want to outline your novel before writing, be aware that there are many types of outlines–not all plotting is the same! Some writers have a strong preference for one approach over another, while other writers bounce between styles depending on the project. Using the outline method that feels right for you is important. Here are 5 common types of outlines:
1. Synopsis
A synopsis is a summary of the entire book, typically in 1-2 pages (Yes, you read that right: whittling down 80K words into no more than two pages). Many authors write synopses after they finish their book as part of the literary agent querying process. Pro Tip: keep your synopsis handy to use in marketing with your completed book. However, it is also a method for pre-writing, which will help you determine the most critical plot points. If they don’t fit within the 1-2 pages, consider whether they belong in the novel at all.
2. Chapter summaries
As the name suggests, this method of outlining has the author write a summary for every chapter of the book. These can be as simple as bullet points or full-page summaries. You can then move chapters around to see where they best fit in the overall narrative.
3. Snowflake method
Coined by Randy Ingermanson, the idea is based off of the shape of a snowflake, where the detail gets finer at the edges. In this approach, you start with a central premise and gradually expand. First, summarize your book in one sentence. Then, broaden the idea to a paragraph. Then a page, etc. With each pass, you add more and more.
4. Mind maps
Unlike other outlining methods that contain sentences and paragraphs, a mind map is more visual. It’s set up like a diagram with a core idea in the center of a blank page and stems of details branching off. This approach is great for showing relationships and hierarchies.
5. Beat sheets
Beat sheets, commonly used in screenwriting, are story templates that highlight the main plot points (or “beats”). Each beat serves a specific purpose to the overall story, and using a beat sheet can help writers make sure they have each beat covered. A popular one among novelists is Jessica Brody’s “Save the Cat Writes a Novel.”
Ready to Outline? A Couple Things To Do Beforehand:
Create a one-sentence logline
A logline is like an elevator pitch–how you would explain your book to someone if you had only the few seconds in an elevator ride. It must be concise and clear, yet still enticing. Crafting a single-sentence summary is harder than you think! But it’s a critical step in framing the rest of the outline.
Expand in three major areas:
Once you have your logline, expand on it in the following areas. Be sure you’re very clear of these three elements before outlining, as a story cannot exist without them.
- Characters: Who is your protagonist? What is their goal? What is their backstory?
- Setting: Where does the story take place (location and time period)? How does the setting impact the story?
- Stakes: What does the character(s) stand to lose? What obstacles will they have to overcome?
Let’s outline!
1. Start with major plot points in order
Jot down each of your major plot points in a few words or sentence. Be sure to determine the opening scene, inciting incident, series of obstacles, climax, and conclusion. Beginning your story in the right place is extremely important in hooking the reader from the first page.
2. Create scenes within each major plot point to flesh out the story
Once you have the major beats, fill in the holes with supporting scenes. Sometimes a plot point will be a single chapter, while other times it could stretch over several. Figure out how your character will go from plot point to plot point in a way that keeps the stakes high and pace moving.
3. Read and revise
When you’re finished outlining, re-read it with an eye for the following:
- A clear beginning, middle and end
- Enough to fill a full novel (word count, depending on genre)
- Layered storylines (A-story, B-story…)
- Characters who undergo change by the end
The Takeaway
Regardless which outline approach you choose, the key is to let it serve its purpose, which is to help you as a writer. Use one of the methods explained in this article, blend a few together, or create your own–that’s the beauty of writing! Then follow it as you bring your story to life.