
#Memoir outline free
Feel free to submit direct questions with the outline, i.e.: Does this character pull their weight, or could they be cut? This is a great opportunity to address all of your existing concerns.If the reader doesn’t know X yet, then the assessor shouldn’t either. by inserting comments like: This bit of information becomes relevant later, in chapter 10. Instead, allow the assessor to experience the story in the same way a reader will. It’s tempting to ‘explain’ the story to your assessor, i.e.Keeping the word count low will reduce the cost of your assessment. Long outlines (over 7k words) could be a sign you’re including unnecessary detail like dialogue, or excess description.Short outlines (under 4k words) suggest you need to include more detail so that the assessor has the context required to appreciate the significance of key turning points.For most ‘average-sized’ novels, a 4k to 7k word outline is adequate.
#Memoir outline professional
If you are creating a document to submit for professional outline assessment, please keep the following in mind: Of all the developmental editing services I offer, this is by far offers the best return for a comparatively low investment. If you sense there are story gaps, redundant scenes, and/or weak points in your character development, you might consider investing in a professional outline assessment. Once you’ve completed the outline template (feel free to use the one below, or devise your own) you should have a clearer path forward. Editing can be a serious investment, so it makes sense to ensure the big picture structural issues have been resolved before you invest in getting feedback on the story at a line/paragraph level. The pros know that a little planning upfront saves a huge amount of re-writing and editing down the line, and the reality is, some manuscripts simply aren’t ready for intensive development. If the story is original and engaging, or predictable.ĭon’t underestimate the importance of starting your writing journey with a clear roadmap many amateur writers have misty-eyed visions of allowing the work to flow from their inner fountain of creative genius, but I am yet to meet a bestselling novelist who works without some kind of framework.love triumphs over revenge) is obvious and impactful. If the greater theme of the work (i.e.If the plot is episodic, instead of taking us on a journey based upon a clear set up, rising stakes, and satisfying resolution.If every character, subplot, and scene in the story is significant, or if some could be cut/combined.If the characters have clear goals, motivations and conflicts, and in turn, if your protagonist is passive, or active.Have you introduced your charactereffectively? Is the external action shaping their internal development, and vice versa? This story outline template will allow you to clarify:

You don’t know where you’ll end up and chances are the journey will be a lot longer than necessary. Writing a novel or memoir without a story outline is like driving without GPS.
