Using Outlines For Better Writing

[DCrux]

Once you get past the canned response of informal writing about "what you know," more writers are at a loss.

Outlines can provide much needed coherence for web writing, which suffers from a certain "Hey gang, let's put on a show" 'lil Rascals vibe.

Well Buckwheat, it doesn't always work that well for your readers.

Many writers might argue outlining stifles their creativity. The very same people who complain about writer's block. An outline can help you know where you are in your writing, and where your writing has to go.

Very often the beginning writers are the ones hung up on "creative freedom." The pros can get plenty creative in getting from points A to B when they know there is a point A and point B.

Copywriters know the formula AIDA. The ones who fail to woo the customer figure if they're done writing, those critical parts of the formula must be in there ...you know, somewhere.

Nothing could be further from the truth. When you have to do such things as counter objections, it helps to have a list of objections to refer to.

Pro copywriters have outlines and checklists which cover every element of a winning sales letter. Amateurs don't.

Outlines are like the requirements and specifications of code. When things don't work, you'll generally find the answer lies in the lack of an outline.

Related:


Why outline? To get you where you're going

[jennypitts]

I have a friend who is an article writer and she always tells me, that when she is at a loss for words she opts for an outline. She thinks it is the best way for a beginner to get started.

[weborglodge]

I like to use outlines when I'm writing about a topic for which I have so many possible angles that I find that I need to have a coherent approach. Oftentimes, the topic lends itself to a logical progression.

[ChrisSEO]

I definitely agree with you guys. I always start with an outline and I find that articles write themselves most of the time.

[articlewriter]

Depending on the topic, I can easily write without the need for an outline. However, there are times in which, I too, have to resort back to basics and what I learned in school, AN OUTLINE. I think it happens to everyone, even the most experienced writers will find themselves occasionally referring back to an outline, especially if the piece is NOT a fiction one. With fiction, well, you pretty much let the imagination run and then go back and edit. So, if you are a beginner in article writing and do not know how or where to begin, MAKE AN OUTLINE, you'll be surprised at the results.

[TheSandi]

Even if you don't use an outline, just making some quick point form notes does help to make sure you don't forget anything important.

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