This post is for self-publishing writers (because traditionally published writers get free editing) and writers who might be on the fence about outlining. Here’s my usual caveat: if you’re not outlining, and that’s working for you, you should definitely keep doing what’s working.
I’ve written a lot about outlines. You can find those posts here. I’m the kind of writer who finds outlines a necessary evil. I started off as a pantser, but it ended up making me run into issues when I was trad-pubbed. I find outlining really tedious, but I do like the results.
When you hire a freelance editor, the best way you can make the process less-expensive for yourself is to deliver the cleanest manuscript you can. That goes for developmental editors as well as copy editors.
I’ve mentioned before that it’s a good idea to read your outline through before working on your draft. Avoiding extra expense (and delays with editing) is a great reason to do that.
After you’ve finished writing your outline, read it straight through. Does everything in your story make sense? Do your characters behave according to their individual personalities? Do they make choices that make sense for them? Are there any plot holes? How’s your pacing in the middle of your book? Does anything seem contrived? If you’ve organized your outline chronologically, is there too much happening on one day in your story? Do you see any continuity errors?
I used to just create my outline, then follow it daily without reading the whole thing through and getting a global view of the story. This made for a lot more editing on my part, and for any editors working with me.
Do you outline or are you a pantser? Or do you do something in between?
Outlining Can Save You Money: Share on X
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I outline to the point that I am beginning t write the story. I need a clear path or I'll wander into the desert and never return.
I like that metaphor, haha. That’s exactly what I did that one disastrous time.
I outline my writing. I also outline my daily activity, which I am trying to stop. :) It's hard for me to chill.
Thanks for the article. As usual, I found it useful.
Oh my gosh, I do the same thing! You should see my planner. Planners gotta plan, I guess!
I do use outlines, and they are so useful, Elizabeth. I don't feel bound by them, because sometimes, you get better ideas and they need to be included. But in a general sense. outlines help me with so many of the things that take up time (and more drafts). Even things like characters' names…
Planning the names in advance can really help things go faster during drafting!
It does save time and money to give your editor the cleanest manuscript possible.
And a lot less work in the end, I think, too.
I outline, sort of. I write out a really long synopsis. More like an old school book report. It's very time consuming and not at all easy to check quickly. I need to read your other posts on outlining.
It’s really helpful if you can come up with an outline template for your books. I created one for myself: https://docs.google.com/document/d/143PBC_CrJdO_x6ciW_6kzKmz5XyM_-TIXGOjFAXSj50/edit?usp=drive_link
Hi Elizabeth – I'm pretty much a panster … I have an idea for a post and sometimes just write it up – maybe now I can do that. If I was doing something serious – and especially a book – I'd definitely need to outline the information. You have such helpful posts here … thanks and cheers Hilary
Your posts are always so informative and well-organized! The process works well for you. :)