How to Outline a Novel: Simple Outlining Method

This post is all about how to outline a novel.

All writers have to learn how to outline a novel if you want your book to be a bestseller.

Still… I hope you know me well enough by now to know I would NOT tell you there’s one right way to outline a novel, and there’s no particular writing approach that will guarantee a bestseller.

But there are several ways to make sure your novel outline works for YOU.

A novel outline is not just an item on the checklist of things to do when writing a novel. It’s meant to become your tool and your roadmap to accomplishing two things:

• Making your story as cohesive and compelling as possible.
• Making your writing process as enjoyable as possible.

So, let’s talk about how to create a novel outline that works for YOU.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Our full disclosure policy is pretty boring, but you can read it here.

What is an efficient approach to outlining a book?

The best way to find the best approach for you is to determine what kind of writer you are. Are you a plotter? Panster? Somewhere in between?

Some writers (plotters) need to have as many details meticulously outlined as they can before they start drafting.

Others prefer to explore the story as they go and keep their novel outline super minimal (or maybe, just avoid having an outline altogether and just do some brainstorming at most).

And then there are those that are somewhere in between. Those who like to have a high-level plan so they know where they’re going, but feel constrained if they get too in the weeds.

Knowing which type of writer you are will help you determine whether you should spend time crafting a detailed outline, or keep it more high-level to allow room for creativity.

HOW TO OUTLINE A NOVEL

1. Lean into the way your brain naturally operates

There are so many ways to create an effective novel outline.

You might want to write a bullet-point, detailed outline of each scene in your story. Or maybe you prefer looking at a visual timeline, drawing family trees or sketching out your characters. Perhaps you work better with a bit of a “messy” process where you simply jot down ideas as they come to you so you don’t lose sight of them.

Whatever scratches an itch in your brain and helps you get your story onto paper faster (and with less stress), lean into that method. There’s no right or wrong to the creative process, as long as it’s pushing you forward.

2. The only three things it really needs…

There are three major aspects to every story, which are the only three things your novel outline really needs…

• Your characters
• The setting
• Plot and subplot

Whether you’re making a detailed outline or doing some light brainstorming, these are the three lifelines your story can’t survive without.

My novel planning workbook bundle is made up of three workbooks that each focus on one of these aspects. Whether you pair it with a more detailed outline or just use it on its own for some guided brainstorming, it walks you through everything you need to know about your plot, characters, and world.

3. Experiment with your preferred level of detail

You don’t need to have a perfect, pristine outline before you start drafting.

You can if you want to, of course! But for some writers, waiting until your outline is “complete” can become a barrier or a way to procrastinate.

Brainstorm and outline until you feel excited, invigorated, and inspired to start writing your story. Then, start writing. Write until you feel the need to adjust/expand your outline or do some more brainstorming.

There’s no right or wrong level of detail to include in your outline. It’s all about what works best for you, and your outline can evolve as you write your novel.

4. Never stop testing

You’ll change as a writer over time, so keep an open mind.

Always be willing to test new brainstorming and outlining methods. Be willing to try new tools. It can be uncomfortable at first, but when you give tools and methods a chance, you’ll find more that actually works. And everything that works becomes another tool in your toolbelt that you can turn to when you’re stuck or uninspired.

To recap this novel outline guide…

1. If you’d benefit from some guidance on exactly what to outline/brainstorm about your plot, characters, and setting, grab my workbook bundle! It can be used as an outline on its own or paired with any other approach/method as a brainstorming guide. It’s also designed to work with any genre.
2. Create an outline based on what YOU need to have enough fuel for your story!
3. At minimum, make sure you’ve outlined or brainstormed the three major aspects of your novel—plot, characters, and settling/world.
4. Keep an open mind and always be willing to try new methods! You’ll find different approaches work for you at different times, and no two projects are the same.

This post was all about how to outline a novel.

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