The How to Publish Series—Step 1, Part 1: Book Outlining

The Book Outline—Where Your Idea Grows Legs

Sarah had always dreamed of writing a book. She had stories—plenty of them—but every time she sat down to write, she got lost in a sea of ideas, unsure where to start. Should she begin with that childhood memory? Or maybe something with dragons and breasty maidens?

What did she want to do? What would people want to read? And would her book get lost amongst hundreds of books just like hers? Why would her book be special?

If you’ve ever felt like Sarah, you’re not alone.

This is why spending time on initial research, scoping it out, and properly outlining your book through the process of book outlining is a great idea.

What Happens in the Book Outline Stage?

Before a single word is written, dig deep into your idea. This isn’t just about slapping together a few chapter titles; it’s about understanding your readers, their pain points, and what they’ll take from your book.

You need to research metadata, competitors, and reader expectations to ensure your book is positioned for success. Then once your main idea feels solid, you can move on to create a detailed chapter-by-chapter summary. Think of it as a skeleton—strong enough to support the story but flexible enough to allow creativity as you write.

I don’t believe in writing just to sell. That approach feels facile and mercenary and readers are not easily fooled by this. You write because you have a great idea you want to share with the world, and then you consider how to give it legs. Worrying about how readers will feel about your every word (Oh no, will this sell? Will they like it?) will completely dry up your creativity. An outline can free you from this worry because you have done the research, thought about it, planned some, and can now let that go.

So my advice is to outline, and then step away. Stay flexible and get down to the fun of writing, using it as your overall roadmap rather than thinking of it in a restrictive sense.

An outline keeps the process smooth and on track, avoiding those “Oh, wait! I just had a great idea—let’s rewrite everything!” moments; trust me, they happen more than you’d think.

It can save on a massive developmental edit and rewrite down the line.

AND

If you’re using a ghostwriter this is particularly important so that they don’t go off on a tangent you don’t want, and waste their time and yours.

How to Prepare for This Step

• Clarify your why. Why are you doing this? What’s the purpose of your book? To inspire? To teach? To entertain? Knowing this will guide everything.
• Know your audience. Are you writing for corporate executives, new moms, or sci-fi lovers? A clear audience means a clear message.
• Gather your ideas. Jot down key stories, lessons, or points you want to include. Don’t worry about structure yet—just get them out of your head.

The Anatomy of a Solid Non-fiction Outline (or, How to Herd Your Thoughts Like a Pro)

1. Foundational Research

Before you dive in, take a good look at what’s already out there. See what others have done, and figure out what works and what doesn’t. All of this answers the question: How viable and unique is this book idea?

• What word count will you aim for? Word count guides the depth and scope of the book, ensuring enough content is included without overwhelming the reader. Certain genres may have specific norms. Plan chapter breakdowns and word count per section. Stay flexible for now.
• Write a short summary about your book. A concise summary helps clarify your book’s purpose and core message. Focus on the main themes or character journeys, depending on the genre.
• Write a cocktail party pitch. In one or two sentences, capture the main conflict and promise of the book in an emotionally compelling way. If someone asks you about your project, this is the answer they’ll get. Book promotion starts now.
• What is your book’s unique selling point? Identify what makes your story stand out—whether it’s the compelling characters, the fresh perspective, or just a fantastic plot.
• Think about your target reader. Knowing your target audience ensures your writing speaks directly to those you want to reach.
• Consider the readers’ pain points and who they are. Understanding your audience’s struggles helps you tailor your content to resonate. List key issues and ensure your book addresses them, either through direct guidance or by showcasing relatable journeys.
• Why will people read this book? Clearly define the transformation your readers will experience. Be specific about the benefits (e.g., personal growth, emotional healing, thrilling adventure).
• What tone or style do you want to use? Decide on a tone—whether it’s light-hearted, supportive, dramatic, or humorous—depending on the genre and your readers’ expectations. Maintain consistency.
• What do you want to say about yourself as the author? Establish your credibility or connection to the subject matter, especially if writing non-fiction. Why are you the right person to tell this story or provide this information?

2. Title & Subtitle

This is your book’s shopfront. If it doesn’t intrigue, no one’s coming inside. Make it clear, catchy, and relevant. Think about front covers for a second because very long titles and subtitles take up lots of space.

3. Introduction

The “Why should I care?” section. Present the problem, the promise, and why you’re uniquely qualified to write this book.

4. Chapter Breakdown

The skeleton of your book. A good chapter breakdown contains all the elements listed below:

• Title. A mini hook to keep readers curious.
• Summary. What’s covered and why it matters.
• Key points. The memorable bits that readers will take away.
• Case studies/ examples/ stories. Because theory alone is as exciting as watching paint dry. Real-world stories make the content practical and relatable.
• Action steps or tools. People want more than abstract ideas; they want direction. Offer clear steps they can take, whether it’s advice for self-help or plot development for fiction.
• A segue to the next chapter.

5. Conclusion

Tie everything together, reinforce key points, and leave readers with a final nudge to act on what they’ve learned or reflect on what they’ve read. Pop a call-to-action for them to leave you reviews or visit your website.

6. Appendices / Resources

Optional, but if you’ve got extra tools, worksheets, or references, include them like a pro. It’s the cherry on top.

7. References

Citations are expected in a non-fiction book, especially if you quote data, reports, or other people. If something is not a commonly known fact, cite it to avoid plagiarism issues.

Next Steps

Once your outline is solid, you’re off to the races. Your book finally has legs, and it’s ready to start walking.

And if you’re feeling stuck at this stage? That’s what we’re here for. Let’s chat about your book idea—email us at info@harvardink.com or visit our homepage to get started!

N.B. Free non-fiction outline template available—just drop me an email!

Up next: Step 1 extends itself into our next article as we focus on Part 2: Fiction Outlining.

Photo by Deephoto, 2019, Pixabay.