How To Outline A Novel (Like A Pro): 5 Proven Methods & Free Template

Unless you’re embarking on the adventure that is freewriting, you’re going to want to work from an outline when drafting your novel. By outlining ahead of time, you’ll be able to set the pacing of your narrative, ensure your characters develop at a fluid pace, and balance the different story threads that might run concurrently throughout the book. However, whilst plenty of bestselling authors work from outlines, they do so in markedly different ways. Today at What We Writing, we’re running through how to outline a novel like a pro, exploring the different types of novel outlines used by other writers, and arming you with a free novel outline template that you can use in your work, regardless of its themes or genre! 

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What Is A Novel Outline (And Why Writers Need One) 

A novel outline is precisely what it sounds like – a roadmap for your story. It lays out the main plot points, character arcs, and key events before you begin drafting, ensuring that you always know where you’re going. Think of it a bit like laying out the blueprints for your house before you begin decorating the rooms. In essence, a novel outline is your story’s blueprint. 

Writers generally fall into two camps: plotters and pantsers.

• Plotters prefer to plan their stories ahead of time. They map out the chapters, turning points, and character journeys before writing a single line of prose. 
• On the flip side, pantsers (short for “flying by the seat of your pants”) prefer to dive in headfirst and discover the story as they go. They thrive on the spontaneity and creative surprises writing brings. 

Most authors fall somewhere between the two of these terms, using an outline to provide direction whilst still leaving enough room for discovery. Even a loose framework can help a story feel more cohesive – it provides a sense of momentum whilst keeping your characters’ aims and motivations in the spotlight. 

Outlines are also extremely useful for structuring character arcs, pacing, and themes. They help you track how your protagonist grows, ensure every scene moves the story forward, and prevent mid-draft plot holes. A well-built novel outline keeps the emotional rhythm consistent and helps you identify weaker points before you sink hours upon hours writing them. 

But, if you prefer writing more freely, don’t fret – you can still outline after your first draft to ensure the editing process is as smooth as possible.

3 Questions Your Outline Should Answer

Aside from listing characters, plot structure and the major points, your outline should give a general sense of the direction your story will take, as well as the primary conflicts and tensions that will make it interesting for your audience. Keep the following questions in mind as you go about building your outline to get ahead of the novel writing process: 

1. What is the main conflict of the story? You must resolve the promises you made to your reader by the end of the novel. 
2. What sort of time pressure is working on your characters? 
3. What is at stake for your protagonist? Does the pressure on the main characters grow more intense as the story progresses? 

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Check Out Our Guide On How To Begin Writing Your Novel

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How To Outline A Novel – Step-by-Step 

Quick answer: 

To outline a novel, start by defining your central idea or theme, build characters with clear motivations, map out the major plot points (setup, midpoint, climax, resolution), choose an outlining method that fits your process, then refine and revise the outline before you start drafting. 

Step 1 – Define Your Story’s Central Idea or Theme 

Start with a one-sentence logline that captures the main conflict and stakes. Example format: “When X happens, Y must do Z or the world/relationship/life will be ruined.” 

Why this matters: a clear central idea keeps every scene focused and ensures your theme emerges naturally. Use this line as the compass anytime you consider adding a subplot or extra scene. 

Tiny task: Write 3 versions of your logline (short, medium, and one that includes the emotional stakes). 

Step 2 – Build Your Characters and Their Motivations 

Create short profiles for your protagonist, antagonist (or opposing force), and 2-3 key supporting characters. For each, note: 

• Goal (what they’re after) 
• Motivations (why they want it)
• Flaw or vulnerability (what’s stopping them) 
• Arc (how they change come the end) 

Link scenes to motivation: When you outline scenes later, note the character’s goal for that scene (keeps scenes purposeful). 

Step 3 – Identify Major Plot Points (Setup, Midpoint, Climax, Resolution) 

Map your story’s backbone using four to six beats: 

• Setup – ordinary world & inciting incident
• Rising action – obstacles and stakes intensify 
• Midpoint  – a decisive reversal or revelation that raises the stakes 
• Climax – the highest risk confrontation or choice 
• Resolution – consequences and emotional payoff 

This “plot backbone” is the beating heart of your story outline structure – you can expand each beat into scenes or chapters later on.

Plot outline examples: 

• Rom-com: meet-cute → misunderstanding → midpoint (big romantic risk) → breakup → grand gesture/climax → reconciliation
• Thriller: ordinary life → threat revealed → midpoint (big reveal) → chase/complications → showdown → aftermath.

Step 4 – Choose Your Outlining Method 

Pick a method that fits how you think and write – see the next section for a full breakdown of methods. 

Quick guidance: if you like detail, try Snowflake or chapter-by-chapter; if you prefer shape, try Three-Act or Bookend; if you’re visual, try mind maps. 

Step 5 – Refine and Revise Your Outline Before Drafting 

Turn beats into scenes or chapter skeletons. For each scene, note: 

• Purpose (what it achieves in plot/character)
• Conflict (what prevents the character from achieving their goal) 
• Outcome (the change or decision at the end) 

Then read the whole outline as a mini-novel: does cause → effect flow? Are emotional beats spaced well? Trim or combine scenes that don’t serve the central diea. This is also the moment to add theme threads and callbacks. 

Mini Templates You Can Copy Right Now 

One-line logline: “When [inciting incident], [protagonist] must [goal] or [stakes].” 

Three-Act Skeleton: Act 1 (0-25%): Setup + inciting incident. Act 2 (25-75%): Rising action + midpoint. Act 3 (75-100%): Climax + resolution. 

Chapter Skeleton (quick): Chapter title – Goal – Obstacle – Result – Hook to next chapter. 

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Check Out All The Parts Of A Book In Our Complete Guide

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5 Classic Methods Of Creating A Novel Outline 

There’s no single “correct” way of outlining a novel – the key is finding a structure that matches how your brain works. Whether you love planning every detail or prefer to see the story unfold, one of these novel outline methods will fit your creative style. 

1. The Snowflake Method 

What it is: 

This method was created by author and writing instructor Randy Ingermanson. It begins with a one-sentence summary of the story you’re attempting to tell, then expands it into pages, gradually layering plot, character, and theme. The Snowflake Method starts with a simple idea and expands gradually until you have a complete, detailed outline. 

Best for: 

Writers who love structure, logical progression, and refining ideas gradually – perfect for planners and detail-oriented thinkers. 

Example / Mini-Template: 

1. Write your story in one sentence
2. Expand it into a full paragraph summarising the plot
3. Write one-page summaries for each main character
4. Turn each sentence in your paragraph into a paragraph of its own (creating a full-page synopsis) 
5. Keep expanding until each scene or chapter has its own note

2. The Three-Act Structure 

What it is: 

This classic plot outline method divides your story into three parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. It’s simple, flexible, and works across genres from thrillers to romances. 

Best for: 

Writers who want a clear roadmap but still enjoy having some creative freedom. It’s also great for new writers learning about story structure. 

Example / Mini Template: 

Act 1 (0-25%) – Introduce your protagonist, setting, and inciting incident (the event that changes everything). 

Act 2 (25-75%) – The character faces escalating obstacles and a major turning point or revelation at the midpoint. 

Act 3 (75-100%) – The final confrontation or climax, followed by the resolution and emotional payoff. 

(Think: The Hunger Games – Act 1: Katniss volunteers. Act 2: The Games unfold. Act 3: The final showdown and victory.) 

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Check Out Our Guide On How To Write The Three-Act Structure

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3. The Hero’s Journey 

What it is: 

Based on Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, this model follows a universal pattern of transformation – the hero leaves the familiar world, faces trials, and returns changed. 

Best for: 

Writers pulling together stories of adventure, fantasy, or character-driven tales with strong emotional arcs. 

Example / Mini Template 

1. Ordinary World → 2. Call to Adventure → 3. Refusal → 4. Meeting the Mentor → 5. Crossing the Threshold → 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies → 7. Ordeal → 8. Reward → 9. Return Home → 10. Transformation 

Use it to guarantee your protagonist grows through every stage, not just your plot. 

4. The Chapter-by-Chapter Outline 

What it is: 

The chapter-by-chapter outline breaks your story into a scene-level plan, listing what happens, who’s involved, and how the tension grows across every chapter. 

Best for: 

Writers who want practical, straightforward maps to follow during drafting – especially those tackling longer novels or complex timelines. 

Example / Mini Template: 

Chapter	Key Event	Character Focus	Emotional Beat	Hook
1	Introduce the protagonist and problem	Protagonist	Curiosity	Mystery introduced
2	The first obstacle appears	Protagonist & ally	Frustration	New question raised

This method helps you spot pacing issues and maintain momentum. 

5. The Bookend (or Mind-Map) Method 

What it is: 

A flexible, visual outlining method where you map out the start and end of your story first (“the bookends”) and then brainstorm everything that connects them. You can use sticky notes, index cards, or digital tools such as Miro or Milanote. 

Best for: 

Visual thinkers and discovery writers who prefer freedom over structure but still want clarity on how the story begins and ends. 

Example / Mini Template: 

1. Write your opening scene and final scene on opposite sides of a page. 
2. In the middle, jot down key turning points or emotional beats. 
3. Draw connections (literal lines!) between them to see how the events flow. 
4. Add or rearrange elements as the story develops. 

Quick Comparison Table 

Method	Structure Type	Best For	Time Investment	Level of Detail
Snowflake Method	Expanding outline	Analytical planners	High	Very detailed
Three-Act Structure	Classic story arc	Beginners or general writers	Medium	Moderate
Hero’s Journey	Archetypal transformation	Character-driven or fantasy	Medium	Moderate
Chapter-by-Chapter	Linear breakdown	Long-form planners	High	Detailed
Bookend / Mind-Map	Visual and flexible	Creative or intuitive writers	Low-Medium	Light

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Check Out Our Guide On How To Write A Rough Novel Draft

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Wrap Up 

Here’s the truth: your outline isn’t a cage – it’s a compass. It’s there to guide you, not trap you. Even the most detailed novel outlines evolve as your story grows. Characters take you by surprise. Themes deepen. New ideas come to you as you go. It’s all a part of the creative process. 

Think of your outline as a living document – one that keeps you grounded when the blank pages feel overwhelming, but still leaves plenty of room for discovery. Every story changes shape when it’s written; the outline simply helps you change it with intention instead of panic. 

So, take the method that speaks to you the most and begin sketching out your story’s groundwork. You don’t need to have it all figured out – just enough to take that first confident step. 

Now that you’ve chosen your outlining method, here’s how to write your first draft – with focus, flow, and far less fear. 

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Check Out Our Guide On Whether You Truly Need An Outline

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