If the thought of writing a book outline makes you gag a little bit, you’re not alone. Many great writers scoff at the outline. (Example: Stephen King.) But not all. Some embrace it to great success. And if you’re planning on writing a memoir, business book, or other piece of nonfiction, an outline is an essential element to the writing process.
Why Writing a Book Outline Is a Good Idea
You want your book to go from point A to point B, then eventually to point Z. A clear outline serves as a roadmap to get you there. Better yet, it saves you precious time and energy. Since you have limited time and energy for your book, it’s important to use it wisely.
Saving time isn’t the only perk. Creating and following an outline for your nonfiction work will provide the following benefits:
- You don’t have to guess. Writing by the seat of your pants is fun, but there’s so much guessing. All that guessing can be exhausting. A book outline takes you out of the guessing game and sets you on firm ground, so you can spend more time writing and less time guessing what should come next.
- You hit all the important points. If you create an outline, you can make sure to hit all the important points. Start without an outline, and you risk writing and publishing a book with unexpected holes.
- Your book has a strong progression. Outlining gives you a 30,000-foot view of your book. From this angle, you can see where your book is going and ensure it keeps moving in the right direction.
Getting Started on Your Book Outline
Writing a book outline can feel like staring at a blank canvas, but it’s one of the most empowering steps you can take on your writing journey.
Start by jotting down your main idea or theme. What message do you want to convey? Once that’s clear, break it down into major sections or chapters. This is where you can let your creativity flow. Let each chapter represent a key point or event in your story. If possible, use cliffhangers. This device is used expertly in fiction, but it can also be helpful with nonfiction.
As you flesh out each section, consider what needs to happen for your story to progress. Ask yourself questions like: What challenges will my characters face? How will they grow? This helps in structuring your book and also keeps your book moving forward so readers stay engaged. And yes, these questions help even in nonfiction.
Still stressed about outlining your book? You don’t have to do it alone. I’m Daniel Brantley, the Southern Ghostwriter, and I specialize in translating your story from your heart and head to the page. If you want to hand over the process of creating your story from book outline to finished manuscript, contact me today.