Writers

How to Outline a Nonfiction Book (Even if You Hate Outlining)

By Tami Nantz

You’ve got what you believe is a great idea for a nonfiction book. Your research is done, creativity is flowing, and you’re as ready as you’ll ever be to start writing. But there’s one little problem—you know you need to put some sort of plan in place before you begin, and you’re no fan of outlining.

Trust me, I get it. The thought of meticulously outlining my book’s structure feels about as fun as watching paint dry. We pantsers (those who write by the seat of our pants) are a free-spirited bunch, after all; creative souls unbound by norms. Outlining just stifles that creativity, right?

Maybe not. Hear me out. Even for the most ardent outline-phobes like myself, a little up-front planning can go a long way in conquering that daunting blank page. Outlining doesn’t have to be a painstaking, joy-sucking process.

Think of it as a light trail of breadcrumbs instead of a reinforced concrete path. You’re not locking yourself into an inflexible plan; you’re simply getting a general lay of the land to make the writing go a little smoother.

So, grab a glass of iced tea, pull up your favorite music-to-write-by playlist, and let’s explore some outlining tips even us pantsers can embrace!

The Freestylers Outline

Who says an outline has to be a rigid, detailed document? If that stresses you out, keep it blissfully vague with just the major mental signposts:

A rough sketch of key topics/chapters
A basic flow of how ideas could be grouped
“Possibility piles” of themes, stories, research to potentially incorporate

Throw it into a list, a mind map, or whatever format works for you. The goal isn’t precise planning so much as preventing a chaotic jumble when you start the writing.

The Chapter-a-Day Approach

For those who like writing organically but need a bit more structure, try this: outline each chapter section individually before you begin. That way, you’re not bogging yourself down with an uber-plan up front, but you’ve still got a little guidance to get the juices flowing for your current writing session.

Don’t like what you outlined? Toss it and start over! The freedom is yours.

The Brain Dump

Speaking of freedom, sometimes just getting your ideas on the page first can be liberating and inspiring. Do a messy brain dump—write out all your thoughts, sections, stories, and ideas without concern for order. Then, take a step back and organize that chaotic masterpiece into a rough outline or ordered list. It’s like outlining in reverse!

The Constant Companion

Commit to keeping a working outline as you write. Jot down quick notes on ideas, rearrange sections, and add those “possibility piles” I mentioned as you go. Your outline becomes a fluid, ever-evolving companion that guides without restricting. And…it grows with your book!

For the Outining Enthusiasts

Maybe you are, in fact, someone who absolutely loves the idea of structure and finds joy in a well-organized plan. Here’s how you can refine these methods to suit your preferences:

The Detailed Blueprint

Map out your book with a detailed outline that includes subheadings, bullet points, and even short summaries of each section. This approach ensures you have a clear roadmap and can see the progression of your argument or narrative.

The Balanced Planner

Combine the Freestylers Outline with the Detailed Blueprint. Start with broad strokes and then gradually fill in the details as you become more confident in your direction. This allows for flexibility while still providing a comprehensive guide.

The Progressive Planner

Use the Constant Companion method with a twist: set aside regular intervals (e.g., weekly) to review and refine your outline. This keeps your structure dynamic and aligned with your evolving ideas.

The most important thing? Make outlining work for you and your unique process, not the other way around. If you need to deviate, do it! If you need to ditch it, ditch it! It is YOUR book, isn’t it?

Don’t think of an outline as a stuffy, rigid plan. It’s simply a light trailhead to orient your creative wanderings and keep you from getting hopelessly lost in the literary wilderness. With a loose outline in hand (or crumpled in your pocket), you’re free to roam as your muse guides you.

Just don’t forget to send me a postcard when you hit the bestseller list—happy writing!

Writers

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