Writing a novel is a big undertaking, but creating a plot outline is a great way to generate ideas and get organized. What exactly is a plot outline, though? And how do you write one? In this post, we’ll explain the basics.
A plot outline is a summary of your story. The four key components are:
We will look at how to develop this final section in more detail below.
Okay, so how do you actually outline the plot of your story? There are many ways you can approach this, but we suggest starting with the big picture and then building on it with specific details. For example:
For variations of this system, you can try another way of conceiving your narrative structure. For instance, you could try using Freytag’s Pyramid or the Hero’s Journey rather than a three-act structure. Or you can try a more visual approach, placing each plot point along a story line rather than simply listing them with bullet points.
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The key is to choose an outline format that suits your needs. As such, feel free to experiment with different styles and see which one works for you!
It might be that you’re only creating an outline as part of the planning process for your novel. But it may also be worth updating your plot outline as you write.
You can then incorporate any changes you make to the story, setting, or characters while drafting. This means you can use your plot outline as an aid while editing your writing. Or you can share it with an editor or proofreader if you hire one.
And if you are looking for help with editing a novel or even just a second opinion on your plot outline, our team of expert editors is available 24/7 to help proofread books, short stories, etc. Try uploading a trial document today to find out more!
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