Book Outline Template: A Guide in Creating Better Book
You wish to write a book, therefore. Bravo! One of those endeavors whose intricacy both challenges and stimulates a lot of creativity is writing a book. You will have advanced your craft to new levels before the end. Every process, however, starts with a book outline template, which is a collection of the initial actions that set off a chain reaction of advancement. We'll examine the importance of a book outline today, as well as the finest writing practices and examples to help you make the most of your outline. Let's get started!
- Part 1. What is Book Outline
- Part 2. Book Outline Templates Examples
- Part 3. How to Outline a Book
- Part 4. FAQs about Book Outline Template
Part 1. What is Book Outline
The structure, storyline, characters, scenes, and main ideas of a book are all included in an outline, which is a draft blueprint or road map. It acts as the story's "skeleton" or blueprint, directing the writer from start to finish and assisting them in organizing their ideas, seeing the big picture, and avoiding writer's block. From straightforward one-page summaries to intricate graphic mind maps, an outline is a flexible document that can be modified and expanded as you write.
Part 2. Book Outline Templates Examples
There are many outline templates when writing a book or a novel. In line with that, allow us to give you the top 3 common and most popular book outline templates you might love to follow once you start your book writer career.
Three-Act Structure
Popular with: Ovelists, screenwriters, and genre fiction authors.
Setup, conflict, and resolution are the three separate plot points in this classic storytelling technique. Readers are guided through character development, suspense, and resolution by this structure's distinct narrative arc. It works well in almost every genre and is particularly helpful for establishing tempo and tension in books or screenplays.
Structure
• Act 1: Setup. Introduction of characters and setting, Inciting incident, and the first turning point.
• Act 2: Confrontation. Rising action, midpoint twist, and the second turning point.
• Act 3: Resolution. Climax, falling action, and conclusion.
Popular Example
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: | |
| Act 1 | The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. |
| Act 2 | Training and games start. |
| Act 3 | In the final battle, Katniss outwits the Capitol. |
Hero’s Journey or Monomyth
Popular with: Fantasy, adventure, YA novels.
A framework for mythological storytelling in which the main character sets out on an adventure, encounters difficulties, and returns changed. Because of its universal themes of development, challenge, and transition, it strikes a deep chord with audiences. Perfect for adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy books with compelling main characters on individual tasks or quests.
Stages
1. Ordinary World.
2. Call to Adventure.
3. Refusal of the Call.
4. Meeting the Mentor.
5. Crossing the Threshold.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies.
7. Approach the Inmost Cave.
8. Ordeal.
9. Reward.
10. The Road Back.
11. Resurrection.
12. Return with the Elixir.
Popular Example
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone | |
| Call to Adventure | Receives Hogwarts letter. |
| Mentor | Dumbledore/Hagrid. |
| Ordeal | Confronting Voldemort. |
| Reward | Saving the stone, growth. |
Snowflakes
Popular with: Plot-heavy fiction writers and planners
An orderly, sequential outlining method that begins with a single sentence and progresses to a whole framework of characters and story. It helps manage intricate tales and many character arcs by creating the story sequentially and honing each layer before drafting, making it ideal for writers who enjoy structure and planning.
Simplified Steps
1. One-sentence summary.
2. One-paragraph summary.
3. Character summaries.
4. Expanded one-page plot.
5. Scene list.
6. Draft.
Popular Example
Works well for complex stories like A Game of Thrones, where many threads need to be pre-mapped.
Part 3. How to Outline a Book
Starting a book will become easy and effective once we map everything. Good thing, we have MindOnMap now that can help us make the mapping possible and easy. This tool offers various elements and visuals that can help you organize your thoughts, ideas, and concepts. Here is a quick and simple guide on making it possible. Get MindOnMap now, and start the outlining immediately.
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Mapping your General Ideas for the Story
List the main scenes or events you are now aware of first. These could be the main locales, plot twists, or turning points. Just get the essentials out of your mind first; don't worry too much about the specifics or order just yet. This is a quick and adaptable method for coming up with ideas for your story's main points. Use the Shapes and Text feature of MindOnMap in making it possible.
Adding High-level of Details
After that, give each scene a sentence or brief paragraph. The amount of detail you choose to include is up to you; there are no rules. Consider the characters, the setting, and the message being conveyed in this scene. This will assist you in thinking about character introductions and the relationship between this scene and the one that follows.
Getting the Sequence Right
Seeing your story at this stage enables you to link ideas and themes that you might not have noticed if you had written it right away. Go over your outline again. Seek out scenes that don't seem to belong. Perhaps a character shows up without a suitable introduction, or your transitions need some work. To make the sequence just perfect, move scenes or story points around and highlight areas that require further work.
Asking for Feedback
Being receptive to constructive criticism is crucial for any creative endeavor or skill. It's time to get detailed input on the storyline, character development, and sequence now that you have finished the first draft of your outline. Try not to take criticism personally and keep an open mind to recommendations and enhancements.
Part 4. FAQs about Book Outline Template
What is contained in a book outline?
An outline is a written document that lists the key plot points and details of your work in chronological order. In the end, your outline will function as the table of contents, character analyses, chapter summaries, and more for your novel.
Which errors are frequently made when outlining a book?
Over-adherence to the outline is the common mistake that a lot of writers make. When you begin writing, things will always be different. The length of scenes may surprise you. Characters may completely deviate from your expectations. Adhering too closely to a plan stifles the creative process of writing, which is always an act of discovery.
How thorough should a book's outline be?
The amount of detail you choose to include is up to you; there are no rules. Consider the characters, the setting, and the message being conveyed in this scene. This will assist you in thinking about character introductions and the relationship between this scene and the one that follows. Include a note outlining the main story points.
Conclusion
A strong outline, which serves as a road map for the creative process, is the first step in writing a book. Examine well-known templates such as the Hero's Journey, Three-Act Structure, and Snowflake Method to determine which one best fits your narrative. Bring your novel to life by using MindOnMap to begin organizing your thoughts right now!
