11 Things you need to do before you outline a book

One of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do is write a book. And online you can find a ton of information on how to outline a book. However, what happens before you start writing, and if you’re looking for a way to get organized, or what do you do if you’re just completely overwhelmed? 

As someone who is also embarking on this journey and has just completed their first draft. This is exactly what I did to get started.

This post is all about the 11 things you need to do before you outline a book. 

11 Things you need to do before you outline a book

1) Get the materials you need 

This is the fun and easy part of starting your writing journey. Before you look up how to outline a nonfiction book, a free book outline template, or how to outline a book chapter you need to decide what your writing tools consist of. 

Are you someone who likes to write everything by hand? If so do you prefer a legal pad or a sketch pad? If you’re someone who goes straight to their computer – do you write everything into one document or do you need a notepad to scribble down notes? When you get into the flow of writing, you really don’t want to stop to look for a pen or restructure how you’re organizing your notes online.

Make these decisions beforehand to eliminate distractions. 

2) Set up your workspace

Do you have a place where you like to write? If not do you know what you need to feel inspired to work?

Personally, I love writing on really large picnic tables. I rather go into my office before work and write at one of these large tables than be at home at a decent size table. 

Figure out what your preferences are so you can feel inspired to bring your best self to your writing. 

3) Plan to build a habit

I love building habits. It’s not just about being disciplined, it’s about building a ritual and then not being able to let go of it. 

In order for you to write a book, you need to plan for it. Decide when and where you will write your book and put it in your calendar. It’ll be easier to stick to it.

If you prioritize and plan to succeed then thou shall succeed. 

4) Collect your notes

Have you written your ideas down somewhere? Maybe you have a few drafts, index cards, or post-its containing some of your thoughts? Gather all of these notes and have them nearby while you’re writing. At this point there’s no need to reread everything you’ve ever written, it just needs to be accessible. 

Think of it as your beacon of inspiration. One that will help you down the road if you should ever come across writer’s block.

Also if you’re like me and you’re someone that likes to look at everything all at once and then connect the puzzle pieces. Then, this will help you greatly – later on in the process. 

5) Read Save the Cat Writes a Novel 

This book is amazing. It gives a wonderful breakdown of how to outline a book. Also, it provides an “outline of a book example” for stories belonging to different genres.

These outlines were so well presented that I felt like I was reading ten books in one and found myself crying and laughing as I read them. 

It also gives you a thorough breakdown of the beat sheet which is the outline to the outline of your book. 

6) Make a Decision

What kind of book are you writing? Are you writing one book, a duology, a trilogy, or a series? 

This will ultimately define your process, your timeline, and your goals related to finishing your book. 

Take the time to develop a clear image of what you want to achieve, it’s the first step to getting there. 

7) Cut down the Process

As you can see writing a book is a process within a process and there’s nothing worst than flying blind. 

This post is all about what to do before you outline a book. Once you’re done here, it’s all about outlining your beat sheet and then book – which can be done with the help of Save the Cat Writes a Novel, and then it’s about writing it. Afterward, there’s editing and publishing and then marketing. 

If you’re able to cut down the process then you’re able to follow it. Without this, you’ll have unpleasant surprises throughout your journey or may forget something that is imperative to you releasing your best work. 

8) Create Deadlines

There is nothing more satisfying than crossing something off your list or completing a goal. 

Now that you’re clear about your process and the different things you need to do to complete your book – you need to set deadlines.

Without a deadline, you’ll never finish your story because you’ll be taking all the time in the world to complete it. It’s Parkinson’s law “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” 

So create deadlines or it’ll take a lifetime to complete your story. 

9) Find Role models

When I began my journey I was surprised to see there were a ton of people like me. 

Find yourself a role model to keep you motivated during your journey. There are a ton of great people on youtube that you can watch for motivation, insight, and helpful tips. 

You don’t have to go through this journey alone so don’t. Here are a few of my favorite people:

10) Start

The hardest part is just showing up. 

Once you have done everything else on this list, then it’s time to go to your workspace with your writing materials at the time you had decided and start writing. 

This is not where you criticize your work or think of the overwhelming process; this is where you write your book and enjoy it. Everything you’ve done has led you to this and now it’s time to go for it.

So go for it.

11) Accountability 

Now it’s time to be responsible and tell a friend or two what you’re doing. 

After you do this, there’s no turning back, you have given this person permission to ask you how you’re doing and it’s fabulous. 

Maybe even find yourself some writing friends so you can hold each other accountable? 

This post was all about the 11 things you need to do before you outline a book.