Mastering Nonfiction Book Outlines in 5 Easy Steps

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Do you have an idea for writing a nonfiction book, but you don’t know where to start? Your answer is this: It starts with an outline. A clear and detailed book outline will not only help you organize your thoughts, but it will also set a solid foundation for your manuscript. In this article, we’ll explore five easy steps that will help you create an effective nonfiction book outline, so you can turn your ideas into a compelling narrative.

Understanding the purpose of an outline

When it comes to writing fiction, it’s fairly common for authors to forego using an outline (a writing practice known as “pantsing”). But, nonfiction authors are much more likely to start their writing process with book outlining

Scott McCormick, author of the #1 Audible bestseller Rivals! Frenemies Who Changed the World , always starts with an outline for his nonfiction books. “When I’m writing fiction, I tend to ‘pants’ first and outline second. It helps free up my creativity. But that process doesn’t work for my nonfiction books. I need an outline first. It helps me organize my thoughts to make sure I am 100% focused on my central thesis,” he says.

An outline also helps you set clear goals for your book to minimize writer’s block. “The hardest part of writing a book is writing that first sentence,” McCormick says. “It’s such a challenge because you have to figure out where to start elaborating your thesis. And on top of that, you have to worry about making sure each sentence sings. But that’s the beauty of creating an outline first. You’re not worried about grammar and perfect word choice. You’re just focusing on the big picture. So for me, an outline helps to cut through the clutter.”

A detailed outline can also help you make sure you’ve thoroughly thought through your book. Micah Solomon, author of Can Your Customer Service Do This?: Create an Anticipatory Customer Experience that Builds Loyalty Forever, says, “An outline is an important tool to help you determine if your book has enough going on for it, or if perhaps more topics and research are needed.“

And finally, a good outline keeps you focused. “Mission creep can be a real problem when I’m pantsing,” McCormick says. “It’s easy to go off on tangents, which is fun when I’m writing, but then I look back and realize that I’ve strayed from the mission statement. But if I’ve put in the time to create an outline first, I will stay on target. Any stray thoughts can be nicely tucked away in a sidebar or mentioned in a footnote, where they won’t derail the project.”

Now that we know why you should use an outline, let’s see how to write one for nonfiction authors.

Step 1: Organizing your outline

The first thing you want to do, once you have an idea for your book, is to start by defining what you aim to achieve with your book. Are you looking to inform, educate, or entertain your readers? Your objectives will guide the structure of your outline and ensure that your content remains focused and relevant.

Next up: Know your book’s target audience. Who are your readers, and what do they need or expect from your book? Conducting thorough research on your target audience’s preferences, pain points, and interests will help shape your outline.

McCormick writes family-friendly nonfiction history books, so his audience is quite different from Solomon’s, who writes business books for entrepreneurs. “My readers are ages eight to adult,” McCormick says. “So that will determine what goes into my outline and, perhaps more importantly, what stays out.”

If necessary, use tools like surveys, online forums, and social media to gather insights. Knowing your audience will enable you to tailor your nonfiction writing to their needs, making your book more engaging and valuable.

Step 2: Planning the structure of your book

Organize your book chapter outlines logically to ensure a smooth reading experience. Start by brainstorming the main topics you want to cover and develop the chapter titles. Group related topics together to form chapters, then arrange these chapters in a logical sequence. Consider the flow of information and how each chapter builds upon the previous one.

There are several tools available to assist in creating book outlines. Mind-mapping software, such as MindMeister, can help visualize the structure of your book. Word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs offer outlining features that can keep your chapters and sections organized.

Step 3: Developing your nonfiction book outline

Now we’ll go into the main elements of a nonfiction outline.

Introduction and preface

The introduction and preface set the stage for your book. In the introduction, provide a hook to grab the reader’s attention, present the main idea of your book, and explain why the topic is important. The preface, on the other hand, gives you an opportunity to share your motivation for writing the book, your background, and any acknowledgments.

Example: “In today’s fast-paced world, mastering time management is more important than ever. This book will explore proven strategies and techniques to help you take control of your time and achieve your goals.”

Main body

You need to break your content into manageable sections to maintain reader interest. Divide each chapter into subtopics and use headings and subheadings to organize your content. Incorporate case studies, anecdotes, and real-life examples to illustrate your points and make your writing more relatable. For example, in a chapter about time management techniques, you might include sections on prioritization, delegation, and time-blocking, each with practical examples and tips.

Be sure to finish each chapter with a recap of your “takeaway points” so that your readers can retain the most vital information.

Conclusion and appendices

Craft a compelling conclusion to once again reinforce the main points of your book and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Summarize key takeaways and suggest actionable steps for the reader to implement what they have learned. Additional materials like appendices, glossaries, and references can provide further value and support for your content.

Step 4: Reviewing and refining your outline

Get feedback on your outline from beta readers and/or professional editors. This is invaluable and will help you refine your ideas. Share your outline with a select group of trusted individuals who can provide constructive criticism. Look for areas where your outline may be unclear, incomplete, or off topic.

Incorporating feedback effectively involves being open to suggestions and making necessary adjustments. This process can significantly improve the quality of your outline and, ultimately, your entire book.

Step 5: Moving from outline to manuscript

Once your outline is complete, it’s time to start writing your manuscript. “The nice thing about completing an outline,” McCormick says, “is I feel like my book is half finished. All that’s left is to write the book, but since I already know what content I’m using and where everything goes, it’s just a matter of fleshing things out.”

Establish a consistent writing routine to make sure you stay on track. Set aside dedicated time every day or each week, and try to stick to your schedule as closely as possible.

It can be challenging to stay motivated, but using your outline as a roadmap can help.

Remember that your outline is a flexible tool — it’s okay to make adjustments as you write and as new ideas emerge. Just remember to stay on-target and focused on your core message.

Additional nonfiction book resources

Creating a nonfiction book outline is the first step toward writing a nonfiction book. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can develop a clear and effective outline that will serve as a valuable tool throughout the writing process. And when you’re finished writing your book, remember to use BookBaby for valuable services like book design and editing to ensure your book meets professional standards. And when your book is ready for sale, BookBaby can help you get it into the biggest bookstores in the world.

Whether you’re writing a self-help book, a memoir, or a business book, a well-crafted outline will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused, and produce a compelling manuscript that resonates with your readers. Happy writing!