Writing a novel is a daunting task, and it can feel overwhelming to take the myriad ideas, characters, and details in your head and put them on paper (or screen). For many writers, this is where an outline comes in handy. Outlines are like road maps, helping authors navigate their stories, keep them on the right track, and see where they’re going.
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 it 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 the outline
- Takes time up front to create instead of just sitting down to write
Types of outlines for story structure
If you’re wondering how to outline novel ideas before you start drafting, begin with a one-sentence logline, build out your characters, setting, and stakes, list the major plot points in order, expand those points into scenes, and then revise until your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. For writers who want a more organized way to plan a book and avoid getting stuck halfway through, a novel outline can make the writing process easier by helping you see the big picture and keep your story on track.
If you decide you want to outline your novel before writing, be aware that there are many types of outlines—not all plotting follows the same form or structure. Different writers prefer different outlining styles and different levels of detail, and some switch approaches depending on the project. Using the outline method that feels right for you is important. A strong novel outline should work as a flexible guide that can evolve during the writing process. Here are 5 common types of outlines, along with the pros and cons of outlining, a few prep steps before you begin, and a simple process for building and revising your outline.
1. Synopsis
A synopsis is a summary of the entire novel, 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 finishing their book as part of the literary agent query process. Pro Tip: keep your synopsis handy for marketing 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. This kind of summary helps clarify the core premise before drafting by defining the main character’s goal, obstacles, and stakes.
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. Some writers prefer an index card or sticky-note format so they can physically move things around and see all the scenes at once.
3. Snowflake method
Coined by Randy Ingermanson, the idea is based on 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 it, making it a practical framework for novel writing. The Snowflake Method starts with a one-sentence summary. Then, broaden the idea to a paragraph. Then a page, etc. With each pass, you add more and more. In all, the method includes 10 stages for novel design. An early step involves character summaries of the major characters, and the final step is writing the first draft of the novel.
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 at the center of a blank page and 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”). Some beat sheets use a set story structure to map major turning points, and Jessica Brody’s “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” beat sheet uses a 15-point structure. Each beat serves a specific purpose in the overall story, and using a beat sheet can help writers ensure they cover each beat. Another popular story structure is the three-act structure, which divides stories into three parts and can help organize a well-structured 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 a few seconds in an elevator ride, and it should also work as a one-sentence summary of your story. It must be concise and clear, yet still enticing. Crafting a single-sentence summary is harder than you think, and in the Snowflake Method, it even starts with one. But it’s a critical step in framing the rest of the outline, giving you a foundation before you start writing.
Expand in three major areas:
Once you have your logline, expand on it in the following areas. Be sure these help define the core premise and identify the core conflict before outlining, as a story cannot exist without them.
- Characters: Who is your protagonist? What is their goal? What is their backstory? In fiction writing, clear motivations keep readers engaged, and character profiles should track motivations, backstories, and how the protagonist changes over the course of the story, whether the hero rises or fails. Investing time in character design pays off tenfold, and each major character can have a one-page summary sheet. This also helps shape character arcs and supports the major conflict.
- 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? The core premise should make the protagonist’s goal, obstacles, and stakes clear.
Strong character development starts with characters who feel human, vulnerable, and flawed.
Let’s outline
1. Start with major plot points in order
Jot down each of your major plot points in a few words or a sentence. Be sure to determine the opening scene, since major plot points include the inciting incident and climax, as well as the series of obstacles and the conclusion. Many writers map this journey with the Three-Act Structure, which divides a story into three parts. Others use the Plot Pyramid’s five stages to organize plot threads, or place major plot twists roughly every 25% of the story to maintain momentum. 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. Every scene should have a clear goal and change something in the story. 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. Scene-by-scene planning also helps you manage new ideas without losing the larger structure.
3. Read and revise
When you’re finished outlining, re-read it with an eye for the following. It’s much easier to revise the outline now than after you begin writing and have pages of draft to rework:
- A clear beginning, middle, and end
- Enough to fill a full novel (word count, depending on genre)
- Layered storylines (A-story, B-story…)
- Character arcs that show how the protagonist changes from beginning to end
For more on how story structure works at the scene and chapter level, see 6 Common Book Endings for guidance on how to close the story in a way that satisfies the arc you have built.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outlining a Novel
Do I have to outline before I write?
No. Many successful authors write without an outline, discovering the story as they draft. This approach is sometimes called pantsing, from the phrase “writing by the seat of your pants.” The tradeoff is that pantsers often spend more time in revision, reshaping a draft that wandered. Outlines are a tool, not a requirement. Use one if it helps you write more confidently.
How detailed should my outline be?
As detailed as you need it to be. Some writers need a full scene-by-scene breakdown. Others do well with a one-page synopsis and a list of major turning points. The right level of detail is whatever gives you enough direction to keep writing without feeling constrained.
What if my story changes while I am writing?
That is normal and not a problem. An outline is a starting point, not a final answer. If a character takes the story in an unexpected direction and it works better than what you planned, follow it. Go back and update the outline so you can keep tracking where you are headed.
Can I outline a novel I have already started?
Yes. A reverse outline, where you outline what you have already written rather than what you plan to write, is a useful revision tool. It helps you see what is actually on the page versus what you intended, identify gaps, and find structural problems before they compound.
Is outlining different for a book series?
Yes, in that you need to think beyond a single book. A series outline needs to track character arcs, unresolved plot threads, and overarching themes across multiple volumes. If you are considering writing a series, see Pros and Cons of Creating a Book Series before committing to the format.
The Takeaway
Regardless of which outlining approach you choose, the goal is the same: to give yourself enough structure to write with confidence without locking yourself into something that no longer serves the story. You can use one of the five methods here, blend a few together, or develop your own. Most writers settle into a system through trial and error, and the right approach is the one that helps you finish.
If you have a manuscript in progress or a story you are ready to develop, working with Christian Faith Publishing gives you access to editorial support from a team that understands faith-based storytelling.