Write a Successful Story Outline
Writing a book is a huge task, but also a big adventure. To keep things organized and manageable, many writers outline their stories before breaking ground on a new work. We pulled together tips on how to create a great outline for book writing success.
Ideas for outlines
It doesn’t matter how big or small the story idea is. You may already have settings, characters, or even a rough idea of how you want the tale to flow. Or, you may have a simple plot idea. As these ideas grow, a story outline will help you keep track of them.
When we say outline, it’s important to note that this can really mean anything. Think about what works best for you when it comes to note-taking. Do you prefer jotting down your thoughts into a notebook, or typing out something more detailed? Outlines don’t all look the same, so don’t stress about following a guideline. Simply make space to begin aggregating your thoughts.
“Methods” of outlines
To zero in even more on the question of how to write a story outline, let’s talk about the already established ways. The perfect example of making an outline work for you is the fact that there are different methods for creating one. Authors have been carving their own for as long as writing has been around! Here are some instances of just that:
Synopsis Outline. This type is a short and sweet explanation of your book. You’ll write out the plot and major points, including the resolution. It’s like reading the cliffnotes.
In-Depth Outline. This one gets a bit more into the details. It may take a bit longer but it’s great if you love a fully fleshed-out document. It will include things like chapter summaries, entire scenes, and any subplots or side stories. (This one is my personal favorite!)
Snowflake Method Outline. This outline will start as one simple idea, and the rest will fall right into place. Begin with a few sentences that explain the story. Then, expand on that with more and more, including your characters and scenes and plot lines. Keep going until you’ve outlined your book.
Bookend Outline. Simple, but a favorite of those who love to just let the creativity flow. Write down your beginning and your end, and include your main characters. Then, let the rest fill in as you go. Probably the best option for those of you who jot things down on napkins and post-its.
What to include
There are plenty of things you can add to your book outline depending on your style. Whether you’re on the structured side or you like to let the creativity flow a little more freely, finding the perfect balance is key. Figure out what you need to keep track of to stay on the right track. Here’s a list of things you can include in your outline:
A rough plot. Ask yourself: What’s the plot line? To make an event timeline, you can add even more structure to this with start, middle, and end categories.
Your characters. Stick to just your main characters, or create a running list of all of them!
Pivotal scenes. This can keep the important events tidy for you. Write them out loosely. You can also briefly explain them.
Elements of fantasy. If you’re writing something fantasy this can be a great way to keep track of those magical ideas of yours.
Important dates or facts. Both fiction and non-fiction works can potentially have tiny details to keep track of.
Book and story outlines can be incredibly helpful. Looking at how many different ways there are to outline, just remember to keep it light and let the inspiration come to you. Your book should be a full expression of your idea, and so should the way you outline!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a short story outline and one for a book?
The difference will likely be the size of the outline. As we touched on above, outlines can be shaped to work best for you. It can be a few short sentences, or a greatly detailed document. Outlines are simply meant to help you keep your ideas and story organized.
Do I need to outline my book before starting?
It’s not necessary for everyone! If you want to write a story, an outline can help you keep track of important things and give you some structure. Don’t let this stifle your creativity though, remember to stay flexible!
