What should an outline for a novel look like?

Question

Numerous literary agents and publishers ask for outlines when submitting a novel for publication. Where can I find a good sample to follow? A book or website would really help.

Answer 1

A novel outline is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis written in the present tense. If you have forty chapters in your novel, then you must have forty outlined chapters that focus on the important events that move the story along.

To best format your outline, consider finding the booklet titled "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript" by Cynthia Laufenberg. It is invaluable in formatting your manuscript, query letter, and other needful aspects that lead to publication or representation.