Outlining can be a controversial step in the book-writing process. Some people see outlining as important. Some people like to just get into the process of writing and find their way along the way.
In any book process, skipping the outline can create more work, extra churn, and ultimately take more time. When an author works solo, that’s ultimately their choice. But when working with a ghostwriter, an outline is absolutely essential. The outline becomes dual-purposed.
Its primary function is to ensure the book is a success. It ensures there is a smooth flow to the book, that the content stays on topic, and that there is a consistent theme. Its secondary function is to help the author and the ghostwriter work together more seamlessly. The outline aligns expectations and helps the ghostwriter to better facilitate interviews and the general flow of the project.
It’s important to remember that outlines can change along the way. People get worried about creating outlines because they want to be open to the creative process. These two things aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they should go together. So let’s talk about the process of creating an outline.
Use Your Intentions
There’s a reason that the first step in the ghostwriting process (or any writing process) is setting intentions. Your goals for yourself and the reader need to be top of mind as you outline.
First, the objectives for the book are going to determine what content is included in the outline. Just because you have a topic in mind doesn’t mean you can go straight to outlining. You have know what you want to do with that topic. Producing a book built on theory, as compared to creating a book that provides practical guidance on a topi,c will lead to two completely different outlines.
Your intentions also establish the tone and audience of the book. For some authors, this will dictate the structure of the book. They may want really short chapters. Or they may want the book written from a different perspective. This will be captured in the outline as well.
Strike a Balance
The outline should be detailed enough that you know what you were talking about weeks or months later, but it should not be so detailed that you’re getting into the weeds of the content before you start writing. This takes up unnecessary time and energy.
The first priority in outlining should be drafting the topics of the chapters or parts of your book, depending on the structure. This gives you a high-level idea of where you want to head with the content and flow.
You can then begin to fill in details from there by adding subtopics to the chapters. Adding three to seven subpoints that you’d like to cover is a good place to start. You don’t need to get into the weeds of what the topic is; just make sure it’s enough that you’ll remember what you were talking about when you come back to this.
Making comments on the outline as reminders is also a great way to add detail without getting too into the weeds.
Be Flexible
It’s okay for the outline to not be perfect on the first try. It’s okay to put placeholders in the outline and communicate to the ghostwriter that you’re not sure if you want to cover that topic yet or not. It’s okay if you don’t cover every single thing you want to talk about when producing the outline, as long as the key major topics are covered.
Worrying about perfection will make the outlining process go on forever and will take away the flexibility of the writing process. An outline is a guideline. There will almost certainly be deviation from it.
Writing a book is a long process, and it forces the author to really reflect on their views, perspectives, and priorities. There’s bound to be revelations along the way, and those shouldn’t be omitted just because they weren’t included in the outline.
If you’re curious about working with a ghostwriter, let’s chat! Book a free strategy session using the button below!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful