How to write an outline?

ANNIE · Jul 31, 2005

I'm getting my novel ready to send out and found some agents want an outline instead of a synopsis. I've looked in every book i own and can't seem to find exactly what they are looking for in an outline.

I'm probably being really dense, and while i do know what an outline is, I have no idea what an agent would be expecting when they ask for one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

maestrowork · Jul 31, 2005

I think (and I may be wrong), an outline is like a synopsis, but done chapter-by-chapter. Usually a short paragraph to describe what happens in each chapter....

GPatten · Jul 31, 2005

maestrowork said:
I think (and I may be wrong), an outline is like a synopsis, but done chapter-by-chapter. Usually a short paragraph to describe what happens in each chapter....

I get that same impression and I think I’ve seen that description on a web page of an agent.

I think their request was to make a paragraph, or two (Very brief) on each chapter.

Bufty · Jul 31, 2005

I think you'll find the Agent really means a 'Synopsis'. An Outline is far longer and more detailed - chapter by chapter - and, I believe, more usually submitted with a proposal prior to writing the Novel. If in doubt, ask the Agent what he means.

Good luck

ANNIE · Jul 31, 2005

Thanks! That helps.

Annie

kristie911 · Jul 31, 2005

maestrowork said:
I think (and I may be wrong), an outline is like a synopsis, but done chapter-by-chapter. Usually a short paragraph to describe what happens in each chapter....

Okay, that makes more sense...I was picturing an OUTLINE like you used to have to do for an essay in college.

You know...like: A. Title
1: something important
a: something important about that
2: something else more important
a: and so on and so on

I just couldn't figure out how you'd do that for a fiction novel...especially if it was already written. Maybe for non-fiction...

How to write an outline?

ANNIE

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

GPatten

Dang...

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

ANNIE

kristie911

Happy to be here