5 Steps to a Great Outline that Wows

wow-155268_1280

As a ghostwriter, the copy is everything. If the client doesn’t like what’s been written, it’s going to be a longer, less enjoyable process. Or worse, the client will walk. This means that the copy has to sing. It has to wow. It has to excite the client. Mastering your essay writing can in turn help you improve your speech writing.

The same holds true for the outline.

I’ve written about the importance of an outline before dong any writing. Read it here. To summarize, an outline is a plan, a blueprint, a direction, a pathway to help you write the book. An outline keeps you on schedule, ensures the story moves along properly, and helps you logically determine what to include and what to leave out.

What I haven’t written about is making an outline sing.

Perhaps I’m being a little dramatic here. Nobody wins Nobels, Pulitzers, Man Bookers, National Book Awards, Hugos or Edgars for the outlines. But they can ensure you never win one.

What I’m really saying is this: Ghostwriters need to consider the client. Will the outline get the client excited about the way you’re the story is presented? That’s what matters here. If the client is excited about the outline, the client will be excited to read the first draft.

To excite the client, the ghostwriter has to craft an outline that focuses on the storytelling aspects, not the writing. Here’s one pathway that has worked for me.

Before Outlining

First, a ghostwriter has to engage in deep conversations with the client. That way, the ghostwriter understands the client’s objectives, tone, audience, overall message for the book; the key themes or messages are identified, and the stories the client wants included in the overall narrative are presented. Clients like seeing their unique experiences, anecdotes, and ideas woven into the outline, so they need to be there.

Next, a ghostwriter has to answer three questions: 

◼︎What role does each chapter play in the book?

◼︎Is the chapter introducing a new idea, resolving tension, or providing context? 

◼︎What the reader will gain from the chapter? It could be knowledge, inspiration, or entertainment. Whatever it is, note it.

The ghostwriter needs to clearly state these answers in the outline to ensure it aligns with the client’s goals.

On to the actual outline:

Craft a Hook that Intrigues

Start the outline with a proposed opening that grabs attention, such as a compelling anecdote or story, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact or statistic. Make sure the outline explains why this hook sets the right tone and engages the reader.

Structure the Chapters Clearly

Now comes the outline’s more commonly known parts, the chapter sections. Using bullet points, Roman numerals, or any other preferred method, divide the chapter into three main sections:

1. Introduction, which sets the stage, introduces the idea, or provides context.

2. Core content, which delves into the meat of the chapter, using subheadings to break down key points or narratives.

3. Conclusion/Transition, which summarizes insights, reinforces the main message, and connects to the next chapter, ideally in a way that will make the book hard to put down.

Emphasize Emotional and Intellectual Engagement

Whenever possible within any part of the chapter that’s applicable, suggest moments where the chapter can evoke emotions or provoke thought; and highlight opportunities to add client-specific anecdotes, metaphors, or examples to make the content relatable and vivid.

Leave Room for Flexibility

A critical part of the outline is to set expectations with the client. A ghostwriter must tell the client that this outline is but a draft, and that the ghostwriter is open to feedback and adjustments.

Re-emphasize that this is a collaboration and urge the client to feel more invested in the process.

I don’t think this plan is really any different from any other outline how-to you might’ve read online before. But it works because I’ve used it on clients, and they get excited.

I hope your clients will, too. Contact Lee Barnathan for your proofreading and editing needs.

If you would like to discuss this or any other post, feel free to leave a message. Just click on the Contact tab and use the provided form.

Let's Start A New Project Together

Contact me and we can explore how a ghostwriter or editor can benefit you.