5 best ways to outline your novel (plus a template or two!)

You’ve probably heard of the terms ‘planner’ and ‘pantster’ in reference to writing the first draft, the latter referring to those people who don’t plan or outline their book and simply dive in. 

The more writers I speak to, the more I realize these terms aren’t binary but sit on a spectrum. 

Take for example, J.K Rowling who is renowned for her detailed outline with pages of notes and every scene, plot, and subplot tracked. At the other end of the spectrum, the pantster will have multiple free-writing sessions with only their imagination for inspiration.

The majority of authors will fall somewhere in between but for new writers working on their first novel, even having a basic story structure can help. 

The only way to find out what works best for you is to experiment and there are various methods you can try. After having written three novels, I quickly learnt where I am on the spectrum. The more detailed my outline, the easier and quicker the book was to write and I go into detail with this process in my digital course, Kick Start Your Book With Karen. 

However, in this blog post I thought it would be useful to write about 5 different types of outlining plus templates - including my own process with a novel outline template - so you can choose the best way that works for you. You can use this for short stories or full length books.

1. The Synopsis 

A synopsis is usually one or two pages outlining key information about your novel. It’s a factual document that includes the setting, main plot points, character development, and structure. While this isn’t my main outline approach, I often write a synopsis anyway as I know most literary agents will require it as part of their submission process and I go into a lot of detail with my students on how to do this. 

The benefit of a synopsis is that while it covers top-level information, it still leaves room for changes. (I update my synopsis several times during the writing of my books). It's a great reference tool for the writing process as it gives a big-picture view of the story when I get too lost in the details. You can learn how to write a synopsis here. 

2. The Three-Act Structure 

One of the most popular ways to outline, this approach, popularized by Syd Field, focuses on clarifying the beginning, the middle, and the end with each part centered around a plot outline. 

The beginning, or act one, should include an inciting incident, a plot point which propels your main character into the story.

For example, in The Hunger Games, the inciting incident is when Katniss’ sister is chosen to take part in the deadly games, inciting Katniss to volunteer and take her place. 

The middle part, or act two, sees rising action in the form of obstacles the main character has to overcome along with the midpoint where another key plot point occurs. At the end of act two is the climax of the story which then leads into act three, the end of the story where you include the key events of your resolution. 

This is my preferred outlining method (along with a synopsis) because it gives me a better idea of where plot holes may occur, the character arc (how the character changes from the beginning to the end of the story), and it's in chronological order.

After writing three books, I've created plot templates and structure templates that are a great support in my novel writing. 

If you'd like access to these, check out my 5-Day Book Blueprint which guides you step by step, including testing your story ideas, the outlining process, and a blueprint template plus bonus templates. Because I wanted to make it as accessible as possible, it's a good deal at just $47 dollars, too!  

3. Beat-Mapping 

Originally used for screen-writing, beat mapping is where you write a list of pivotal and emotional points of your story and then connect them in a way that gives your narrative rising momentum.

To decide which beats to include in your outline, focus on whether the beat changes the course of the story; if it does, include it. 

In the book, Save The Cat Writes A Novel, the author reveals the fifteen beats (plot points) for your beat sheet that make up an entire story and is a great starting point for learning more about this method. 

4. The Snowflake Method 

Created by author Randy Ingermanson, you’ve probably come across this method already as it appeals to so many writers. It involves starting with a sentence or two about your story summary and then expanding from there into characters and plot points, building your information until you have an outline. 

It's similar to a mind map in the thought process and is a great way to explore your hero's journey, plot events and plot structure, and is a relatively flexible technique for your book outline. 

You can access a snowflake method template here. 

5. The Bookends Technique 

Perhaps one of the most flexible, high level outlining methods is the bookends technique, ideal for writers who identify more with being a pantster than a planner. To use this technique, you plot the start and end of your story, to bookend your narrative. You also outline your main characters but that really is the extent of it!

Personally, for new writers, I wouldn’t recommend this approach but for those of you who have a strong sense of your story, you might welcome the creative freedom this technique provides. 

As you can see, there are many different methods and you may use a different creative process for each book you write. The most important thing is that you find a story outline method that works for you, supporting your best ideas and producing your best stories. 

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This post was originally written in February 2022 but has been edited and updated for relevancy.