The first step for savvy storytellers.
Writing a novel or memoir without a story outline is like driving without GPS. You don’t know where you’ll end up and chances are the journey will be a lot longer than necessary. This story outline template will allow you to clarify:
- Your characters’ developmental arcs. Have you introduced yourself, or your character effectively? Is the external action shaping their internal development, and vice versa?
- If the characters have clear goals, motivations and conflicts, and in turn, if your protagonist is passive, or active.
- If every character, subplot, and scene in the story is significant, or if some could be cut/combined.
- If the plot is episodic, instead of taking us on a journey based upon a clear set up, rising stakes, and satisfying resolution.
- If the greater theme of the work (i.e. love triumphs over revenge) is obvious and impactful.
- If the story is original and engaging, or predictable.
Don’t underestimate the importance of starting your writing journey with a clear roadmap; many amateur writers have misty-eyed visions of allowing the work to flow from their inner fountain of creative genius, but I am yet to meet a bestselling novelist who works without some kind of framework. The pros know that a little planning upfront saves a huge amount of re-writing and editing down the line, and the reality is, some manuscripts simply aren’t ready for intensive development. Editing can be a serious investment, so it makes sense to ensure the big picture structural issues have been resolved before you invest in getting feedback on the story at a line/paragraph level.
Once you’ve completed the outline template (feel free to use the one below, or devise your own) you should have a clearer path forward. If you sense there are story gaps, redundant scenes, and/or weak points in your character development, you might consider investing in a professional outline assessment. Of all the developmental editing services I offer, this is by far offers the best return for a comparatively low investment.
Professional Outline Assessment:
If you are creating a document to submit for professional outline assessment, please keep the following in mind:
- For most ‘average-sized’ novels, a 4k to 7k word outline is adequate.
- Short outlines (under 4k words) suggest you need to include more detail so that the assessor has the context required to appreciate the significance of key turning points.
- Long outlines (over 7k words) could be a sign you’re including unnecessary detail like dialogue, or excess description. Keeping the word count low will reduce the cost of your assessment.
- It’s tempting to ‘explain’ the story to your assessor, i.e. by inserting comments like: This bit of information becomes relevant later, in chapter 10. Instead, allow the assessor to experience the story in the same way a reader will. If the reader doesn’t know X yet, then the assessor shouldn’t either.
- Feel free to submit direct questions with the outline, i.e.: Does this character pull their weight, or could they be cut? This is a great opportunity to address all of your existing concerns.
Regardless of whether you need objective feedback or feel ready to fly solo: don’t deny yourself the fantastic free tool below. A story outline template will help make your good book, a great one.
For a specific breakdown of the outline assessment process, click here.