Outlines mean different things to different people. Sometimes they are simply an idea, in the writer’s head, of the article’s shape. For others, a complete and detailed outline from A to Z is preferable. In every case, an outline is a way of organizing material. Read here about creating and managing your outline so that you can meet your deadline with quality material.

#1: First of all, how long is your article? The shorter the piece, the simpler your outline, of course. For articles of less than 500 words, you need only list three or four points, or sections. Write them out in your notebook, or enter them at the top of the screen as you start your article.

#2: No matter how long or detailed, an outline is an illustration of the thoughts in your head. As your ideas change, so will your outline, so don’t worry about revising it. You are in charge!

#3: Be aware of how you feel about using outlines. Some people can’t work without them. Others find that they make it difficult to write. Begin to develop your own most satisfactory approach to outlining an article.

#4: An excellent tool for outlining your article is to make a rough map. Suppose, for example, that you are writing an article about preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections. You’ve done your interviewing and your research, and now you are ready to put your material together. Find a pad of post-its and on each one write a single item, such as: “Define crb infections” and “conclusion: need executive leadership” and “change hospital culture.”

DO NOT, while you are doing this, force yourself to enter these items in order. What you are doing is laying out the pieces of your puzzle. Once you have a post-it for each item, lay them out in front of you, in a circle, or a grid. Play around with the ideas. Are any missing? Grab another post-it and write them down.

Now, begin to see patterns. Which is the most important piece of information? What pieces are connected to each other? What must you tell your reader first? What is relatively minor? What items are essential to your conclusion? Is more research needed?

By playing around with the puzzle of your outline, you allow your creative side to work, while at the same time keeping a grip on the content. Once you are confident about the content, use the post-it notes to write out your outline.

#5: Another way to outline your article is to start, not with the content but with the structure. This is often the way writing is taught in school. For example, you will almost certainly want an introduction and a conclusion. In between, you’ll need sections such as “identify the problem” or “describe the event,” “comments and observations by leaders and patients,” and “chief concerns.” These sections will vary with each article you write, but they should all reflect the logic of the particular topic.

This approach can be especially useful if your editor has given you some very specific guidelines-in fact you can use those guidelines as the headers for your outline.

If you feel best making an outline with numerals and letters (II.A.1.a., for example), by all means do so.

#6: Every writer has a different approach to getting the work done. Try some different approaches and see which ones suit you best. And remember, you, not the outline, are in charge!

Copyright (c) 2010 Jane Sherwin. You may reprint this entire article and you must include the copyright info and the following statement: “Jane Sherwin is a writer who helps hospitals and other healthcare facilities communicate their strengths and connect with their readers.”

Author Bio: Learn more about Jane at http://worddrivecommunications.com/index.htm. Subscribe to Jane’s free monthly e-newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/2enrdqx for practical tips on communicating effectively with customers, clients, employees and the public.

Category: Writing
Keywords: writing,article writing,write an outline,how to write an outline,writing an outline