How To Outline A Book: Step-by-Step Instructions to Write a Better Book Faster in 2023
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- Outlining your novel is one of the most efficient ways to fail-proof your book before you write that first sentence.
Have you ever written a book and discovered plot holes and inconsistencies on your next edit? An outline can help you avoid both.
Think of it as a roadmap or a blueprint for your novel. When you create an outline, you simply:
Create a brief rundown of each chapter
Articulate how you’re going to support the events within each chapter
We love the tried-and-true Mindmap to Outline procedure, so in this video, we teach you:
What a book outline is
Why you should have one
Nonfiction outlining methods
Fiction outlining methods
One extra bonus method
Simply watch this training session to quickly learn how to write a better book, faster!
JOIN YOUR FREE WEBINAR TRAINING:
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HOW TO OUTLINE A BOOK BLOG POST:
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HOW TO OUTLINE USING THE SNOWFLAKE METHOD:
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OUTLINING TEMPLATES:
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0:00 Introduction
0:06 OUTLINING
2:51 FASTER PROCESS
5:12 SIMPLE BULLET POINT
5:54 CHAPTER BY CHAPTER
8:07 TABLE OUTLINE
8:37 STICKY NOTE OUTLINE
9:09 SNOWFLAKE METHOD
9:46 SKELETAL METHOD
10:21 USE A TEMPLATE
10:51 REVERSE OUTLINE
The method I follow is something I like to call, “The Method of Madness”. It’s like a mix of a lot of the methods in this video (specifically the mindmap, reversal, skeletal, and chapter by chapter methods), but I develop my ideas in a really whack order. I do this because I find it maximizes my creativity.
I do have some sanity with this method, though, I always start my story by writing out the different parts of a story arc structure I like to use to structure my outline (in chronological order):
- exposition (the everyday life of the main
protagonist(s))
- setting (the location of the story)
- trigger (the event the puts the story
into motion)
- rising action (the events leading up to
the crisis and climax)
- crisis (the dark moment of the story, the
“what do we do?” moment)
- climax (turning point, the part with the
highest tension)
- falling action (where all loose ends are
tied off, all unanswered questions are
answered)
- Resolution (the new everyday life of the
main protagonist(s))
If you have a different way you prefer to organize your story in groups, go for it.
Other important things:
- main conflict (summary of the rising
action, the first goal)
- explanation
- majority of it occurs in the crisis and
potentially the climax, any other
loose ends are tied up in the falling
action
I do this because, while I do want to maximize my creativity, I don’t want to spend so much organizing my information later; the only downside is I end up jumping around my outline a lot.
My chaotic order in which I develop my ideas is why I named it, “The Method of Madness”. I’ve followed this order subconsciously for so long that it only took me until just recently (years after I started writing) to be able to break it down. So here it is for you - if you wish to know (feel free to tweak it to your liking):
- main conflict
- explanation
- summary of climax
- summary of crisis
- basic exposition information (I might
start with some information, though,
(like the setting) at the beginning of the
order of events in which I develop my
story)
- main characters
- summary of the falling action and
resolution
- expanding the rising action
- expanding the trigger
- expanding the crisis
- expanding the climax
- expanding the falling action
- character development
- (I don't expand on the exposition,
resolution, or determine my minor
characters until I am sitting down
actually writing my story)
If you haven’t noticed, like a mindmap, I like to first come up with the summary of a lot of my topics, then expand on those ideas later. The reason I wouldn’t consider this kind of like a snowflake method, though, is because it develops ideas in chronological order; I only organize my story ideas that way, not develop them. So rather than the snowflake method, I like to think of it as more of a mindmap. How I specifically expand my summaries is: I divide them up into a couple vague ideas, then those ideas into more ideas, and so on. Because of this, I do end up having a lot of skeletal structure in my outline; later on once I’ve finished my outline I then chunk my ideas up into different chapters (chapter by chapter method).
Finally, when developing my characters near the very end; I like to start at what I want their characteristics to be like at the end of the novel, then plan backwards from there (like the reversal method)
-------------------
Tips:
- If you have writer's block, think: “What
if…?”
- if you are all finished and done and find
yourself needing more ideas and / or
conflict to reach a goal you might have
set for yourself (or for any other
reason); I like to focus on the rising
action, then (rather than adding onto it,
right before the crisis and climax) insert
ideas (or conflicts, same thing)
between two already existing ones.
-------------------
TL;DR: My method called, “The Method of Madness” is basically just me coming up with ideas in a weird way (listed above) to maximize my creativity, but they are written down in an organized way (causing me to bounce around my pre-written outline (listed above) a lot). I then chunk up my skeletal structured text into chapters.
I love that you put so much effort into this comment. I am trying to write a book for fun and just for me, but I also want to be good, you know? This was helpful and I appreciate your advice!
@@yourenotalone6583 Aww, thank you!
thank you for this! it was super helpful
@@teiahlu ty!
Thank you for this comment, I have a somewhat similar method (as in jumping around) so I was hoping there might be someone who might have a way of writing like that as I find looking at other’s methods helpful in building my own!
When I started writing the book, I did a basic outlining, but I wasn't aware how important it was! Thanks for the heads up!
The outline is one I always am telling people to go back to when they get stuck because it is so important!
I think I like the bullet point, sticky note & working backwards method the most thx for this video & the great ideas I'm so excited!!
I use mind-mapping, then create an outline of the points I want to include in the book/article, then write from outline points. This is a helpful UA-cam as it explains the processes that could be helpful for you!
That's a great/common method! Do you find yourself needing to add extra details in the outline of points or do you transfer enough over from your mind map?
Glad to see that during your rehabilitation, you have found a positive outlet. I hope that when you are released, you will continue to make these videos.
Amazing video! I send my son a two minute video every morning before i go in to work. Im trying to surprise him with a book using the story ideas we came up with! This will make a big difference! Thank you!
I'm a mix of a plotter and a pantser. Have been using SPS's tips since 2015 and love it!
I enjoyed your webinar on this topic very much. Really inspiring.
1:15--Thank you for defining "outline," something almost no other video does. I must admit, I've never understood why people start novels without the basic elements of the story in their head, but to each his own.
I appreciate the options for creating an Outline. I may play with the Chapter by Chapter and Post It Note Methods. I also appreciate the visual examples you provided.. so helpful!! Thanks so much !!
Have you checked out our Book Outline Template Generator?
Outlining makes writing so much easier. Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure!
This is a very good overview of the different types of outlines for a book. I'm in the process of relaunching my book. I will have to decide whether or not I should revise portions of my book prior to self-publishing it.
Thank you! Which method intrigues you the most? Sometimes creating and outline of what you already have can help you see gaps for your revision!
I like outlining and free flowing. I've used the chapter and bullet point outline's for fiction and other things. Thanks
Such a great strategy! This really helped me organize and clarify what I want to write about :)
Having clear structure really can accelerate your writing process!
I never realized how important outlining a book is! Now my books will be better and sell better as well
Absolutely perfect u explained everything perfectly without too much talking . You also think just like me in the whole explanation and classifications that’s awesome much more excited
I'm a plotser! Great ideas for outlining shared it with my writing group on Facebook! Thanks so much for the tips!
You're welcome! Which method works best for you?
I like to put my ideas on sticky notes pasted to my wall which I can easily add to and move around.@@selfpublishingTV
I am hybrid - I create the initial outline for both fiction and non-fiction. For NF - I use the mindmap process. For Fiction is literally a string of events in the book and what pushed them forward.
Thank you. The skeletal method is definitely the one that my brain likes the most. I’m gonna move in that direction. Thanks again.
Thanks for addressing how to outline fiction. When we learned to outline in school, it was inevitably for nonfiction only.
I'm going with the sticky notes on a wall method for my outline so it doesn't feel too constricting and formal, but still creative and flowing.
That's what our students love about it too! You have the freedom to shift and move things when you want :)
Thanks Bella. Glad I know that editing is responsible for you never taking a breath. LOL - because of what you shared, I will revisit the snowflake method that I tried years ago. I had forgotten about it. I also will use the tools in Scrivener now that I am becoming more familiar with the product. Sticky notes still rock and are a great first step.
ha! Check this out for more help on outlining: self-publishingschool.com/11-ways-outline-book/
And this should help with Scrivener: ua-cam.com/video/qbKOAVKe50c/v-deo.html
Chandler-- As the owner of a publishing company, I am a writer, editor and publisher, and these tips are incredibly AWESOME!!! I will be referring my writers and editors to watch this as part of our company training. Thank you!!!
Thx, working on non fiction, I've been focusing on a chronological approach but I'm keen on avoiding redundancy and introducing sub stories at the right point. I'm leaning towards the post-it notes approach after I first check out scrivener.
Outlining sort of overwhelms me...causes me to get sort of frozen with overload of information so I like the simpler outline styles like bullet point, the reverse outline intrigues me because my storyline covers about an 8-10 yr period. Thank you so much sharing such valuable insight
I have the start to few a chapters on a book that I'm writing, but I got stock so I think that I need an outline in order to make meaningful progress. I watched the video and it really helped, now I plan in to driving in greater depth into a few of the methods that best fit my expression style.
One of the best videos I’ve watched . I have watched it several times.
Our new favorite method is the mindmap system. We learned this you. Thank you 🙂
Glad you found it helpful!
I am a huge pantser but have been looking to get better at outlining for more formal projects. I tend to do looser outlines but I like the idea of having a main point and a simple bullet list of the key points I want to hit.
Profoundly helpful. Thank you.
Definitely doing this!
Great! Which method will you use first?
Absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much for this valuable information. Lots of love from an Australian 🇦🇺
How awesome! I may try the Scribner method, made for writers, Post it note looks fun and/or Reverse Outline method. I do have a bullet list through Scripture!
Thanks for your comment! Happy to read that!
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Love this video! I never realized there were multiple ways to outline. I've always outlined in a sequential detailed format, but I like the idea of the mind map drawing.
Mindmapping is my favorite! how has it helped you in your writing?
Good thoughts on the timeline. I find it very useful to build a timeline to avoid errors.
Your presentation style is just amazing!
Glad you think so!
I'm such a pantser that outlining seems like a foreign concept because my characters take over as I write my YA/NA Contemporary Romances.
However I can follow someone else's outline.
This video presented a lot more than expected. I really learned from it.
Great video! I've been using the post-it note method. I rearrange until it seems to fit, then create a paper outline to work from. I am going to try to look at what Scrivener offers for the next time.
I use to ignore self publishing school videos on guidelines to write a book which I am on trying but I guess I got the right coach here chandler.
lol will you give outlining a try now? Which method?
Makes sense! Thanks for pointing it out so clearly.
Bella another fave of mine. Always teaching me something!
I outline everything! Definitely the best way to get started on your book.
Are you working on a book right now?
@@ChandlerBoltOfficial Just published my fifth book with SPS. :)
@@jenniferhayesyates7878 Amazing! I thought I saw that come through the other day. Keep up the great work. Glad to have you as part of the SPS fam
@@ChandlerBoltOfficial I LOVE being part of the SPS family and the opportunities that come as a result of publishing! :)
@@jenniferhayesyates7878 :)
This sounds like a great guideline. Will try it.
How did giving it a try go? Was this helpful for you?
Thanks for the extra tips on outlining! I like the mind mapping but the reverse writing intrigues me!
Yes! Starting with the end in mind can make for a very different story than if you did the same idea but starting from the beginning!
Very informative video. I like 2 and 3. Bullet points and chapter by chapter. No. 1 is the schools recommendation so I will go there first . Maybe a combination of the 3.
Hi Bella,
New subscriber here! Thanks for a very helpful and entertaining video on how to outline a book! Thank you for the resources you mentioned as well!
An outline helped me organise my thoughts and finish my first book.
Outlining is a great way to write by planning and I write my different ideas for each chapter at the beginning and add extra ideas along the way
Thanks for the great tips on writing a book they're super helpful.
I am glad you found it helpful!
I am a kid of the age 9 and l wanted to write a book thanks for the help belle ma’am 😊
Thank you very much. This video was very helpful. I will definetly try the snowflake method, which seems very fun and exciting to me.
I use Scrivener in tandem with Scapple (Scrivener's sister mindmapping tool). My problem when I'm writing is writing what I've outlined gives me ideas as I'm writing and I can end up going off on tangents then have to go back to my original outline and realise I've just created what needs to be a new chapter (or even a new book).
I've already mind mapped a book (love it!)and outlined another simple bullet point format (more cumbersome, but lots info).
Perfect! Best of luck with writing it :)
It depends on what type of book or genre I'm writing in. Sometimes, I plot everything out in neat regular beats progressing towards a climactic conclusion; other times, I am a 'pantser' and just write what seems the next right step until the story or train of thought unfolds. Both ways actually work for me. I often enjoy NOT knowing how things will end. I often have a general idea but usually there are surprising detours in 'pantsing' and sometimes an unexpected conclusion. Although, that can also happen even when you plot out everything in careful detail; you still need to be open to where the story wants/needs to go.
We completely agree!
I've used the mind mapping technique with sticky notes I can rearrange into groups. :) 5 Groups, three chapters for each group.
Wonderful and entertaining methods for Outlining, Bella! Thank you!
I write mainly non-fiction, and I work toward a goal of getting my readers to do something. So I start with what it is I want them to do, and work backwards from there. If THIS is what they should do, then WHAT, HOW, WHERE, or WHY, etc., should be questions that I get them to ask in order to push them toward that goal.
Mind map I have just learned about and it works.
I pretty much use the same outline process I learned in middle school for writing book reports lol 😂
I think I use a combination, if not another way: I have those large notebooks (an agenda) and on a page I'd write the number of the chapter and its title, and write in points what are the ideas or the events happening in this chapter, and on the top of the page I write in a different colour whose POV is this (if there are multiple characters)
Thanks for sharing!
That's an awesome method!
Good video!
I never liked doing outlining in school and tended to effervescent organize later, but from what I understand from Chandler Bolt is that a freestyle still occurs first so I will give outlining another chance.
Yes absolutely! An outline is more of a guide that allows you to steer your freestyling in the right direction. Which method will you try?
I'm a pantser, I writed my book without a plan and I left it out for several months. Months after, I went back and I forgot where my journey is, and I discovered this video. Now I know now my mistakes.
Love your videos Bella!!! Great tips. Outlining has made a huge difference for me.
I'm binge-watching writing videos and waaa, so much to know and learn. One day I wish to publish three main stories I have (maybe in the future I'll have more) but want to start with one that I developed recently mainly because it's... very personal. I have FOUR outlines for it but I keep feeling like I contradict or dive away from plot when making new points, outlining is one thing I never even DID in highschool or anything... so it's like I'm starting from nothing, heh.
Excellent video and very helpful. Thank you
This is something i'm struggling with atm. Will definitely watch and learn from this
Great video! I read "On Writing" by Stephen King, and he is definitely a pantser. In fact, I hadn't read any of his work before that book. On Writing was SO good and so enjoyable, I ran out and picked up a copy of The Stand at my local PNW Barnes & Nobles while I was dog sick in January of 2020 with a mysterious flu/pneumonia like sickness that even the doctors couldn't diagnose. Ironically, I had COVID while reading The Stand. Total coincidence!!! Felt like I was on death's doorstep. BLAH! But thank you for this video because it gave me two great ways of moving forward with my own novel. The snowflake and reverse outline should work well.
I’m doing the drawing/skeleton/timeline out line way, because the story came from a vivid dream and there’s so much shit going on i have to draw it in order to see what I’m writing, using it as a landmark, it’s so much. I’m doing the Skeleton timeline outline, because of the order of events that happens because Im mostly writing from observation. I sometimes think i have a alternate personality because the stories are beyond anything i could ever come up with. My education is shit so it’s encouraging to see the process im trying to use to Write this book are actual methods that real authors use. Very encouraging to see that. Thanks!
Great tips on outlining books
Outlining has been the most valuable tool I have received from Chandler Bolt.
Great video. I have done mind mapping and avid planner.
Awesome - thank you.
Super inspiring! Will definitely be using this more often!
Thank you! Good luck with your book :)
I'm gonna try the reverse outline. I think that would work well for my personality and writing preferences.
I loved the brainstorm, but need help with the outline. Thank you!
Currently simple table method, but I like the post it note method that I stumbled on recently.
Very helpful! I use the bullet point method.
My writing is non-fiction. I definitely am a prescriber of outlining. I also use Scrivener and have been for years.
I love your presentations Bella. MEsmerising.
Thanks for the tips and pointers on outlining.
Another great video!
I really needed this! Outlining isn't something i do well lol
I like the note book method idea. Im going to try that.
This is a revolutionary tip for book writing!
We agree ;)
I appreciate this information on outlining
Thanks! this is great!
This was really helpful to me and I’ve been able to write much more of my book. Thanks for the great tips and advice!
You're so welcome! How far are you in planning/outlining now?
This is so helpful so glad I found this channel 😅😅
A good technique here, definitely never thought of this.
Have you tried it now? If so, how has it helped your book?
You're a great teacher, Bella!
Thank you so much! :D You're a really great student, Nancy ;)
Thanks so much for these tips!
Wow an aspiring author like me sure could use these tips! Thanks!
Great info - very concise
1:15 begin with the end 4:32 6.mindmap n outlining 8:42 large sticky notecard
great fly over info
Very helpful; thank you!
🙌
I'm a pantser through and through, but an outline is still essential. Yes, I figure it out as I'm writing, but no matter how good you are, if you don't at least go back and outline to catalog stuff, you will have inconsistencies and plotholes. A novel is a very long stretch to do perfectly without any double checks.
You’re so upbeat, I usually watch videos on 1.75 speed, and still get bored and skip. I watched this on normal speed and didn’t skip anything because you were so interesting to listen to. Great video, thank you
Really inspiring I enjoyed the mind mapping exercise.