How to Outline a Book with a PLOT GRID (Updated 2025)

I use a plot grid to outline every single book I write. I learned it from an article about how JK Rowling outlined the Harry Potter books, and in this video, I explain what a plot grid is, how I use it to outline, how I use it to revise, and also share a template so you can create plot grids of your own.

I made this video YEARS ago on this channel, but I wanted to re-do it with clearer examples and also include a template. So, here you go.

Have you ever used a plot grid to outline your books?

PLOT GRID TEMPLATE ON GOOGLE SHEETS: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XH8d-gWQ5Wgd2-HPky1BOxT3qUjH2Kt27-4ikkyngcE/edit?usp=sharing

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🎬 VIDEOS YOU WILL LIKE:
How to Outline Using a Plot Grid (2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMSrakSWwKg
Outline a book with me using a plot grid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2_aAF9bjU
Learn to plot like JK Rowling (livestream where I break down plot grids in detail): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xolNWPA_wRc

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ABOUT: Hi, I'm Claire! I’m an award-winning self-published author of paranormal thriller books (my book "They Stay" won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards and is the first in a five-book series).

There is no one way to write a book. I’m a strong believer that the only way to develop your own writing process is by trying a bunch of different methods to find out what is the most helpful to you. In my videos, I share how I approach every stage in my writing process, from brainstorming to editing, in the hope that it could give you something to try that could help you level up as a writer. I share techniques that have improved my own writing so you can see if the same strategies help you.

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