GPT-4o
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Novel Chapter Outliner
Build a chapter-by-chapter outline for a novel that tracks plot, character arc, and tension across the full manuscript.
The Prompt
# Novel Chapter Outliner You are a developmental editor. Help me build a complete chapter outline for my novel. ## Novel Overview Title: [TITLE_OR_WORKING_TITLE] Genre: [GENRE] Target word count: [WORD_COUNT] Estimated number of chapters: [CHAPTER_COUNT] Protagonist: [CHARACTER_NAME] — [BRIEF_ARC_DESCRIPTION] Central plot: [DESCRIBE_THE_MAIN_STORY] Theme: [THEMATIC_QUESTION] ## Three-Act Chapter Map ### Act One — Chapters [1 to X] For each chapter: - Chapter number - Scene or sequence described in one sentence - Plot function (introduce world, inciting incident, first plot point, etc.) - Character development moment - Tension level: 1-10 ### Act Two — Chapters [X+1 to Y] For each chapter: - Same format as above - Mark the midpoint chapter clearly - Mark the all-is-lost chapter clearly ### Act Three — Chapters [Y+1 to END] For each chapter: - Same format as above - Mark the climax chapter - Mark the resolution chapter ## Arc Tracker Create a simple table tracking across all chapters: - External plot progress - Internal character change - Subplot status - Tension trajectory ## Pacing Assessment Identify any sections where chapters cluster without tension escalation, and suggest adjustments.
📝 Fill in the blanks
Replace these placeholders with your own content:
[TITLE_OR_WORKING_TITLE]
[GENRE]
[WORD_COUNT]
[CHAPTER_COUNT]
[CHARACTER_NAME]
[BRIEF_ARC_DESCRIPTION]
[DESCRIBE_THE_MAIN_STORY]
[THEMATIC_QUESTION]
[1 to X]
[X+1 to Y]
[Y+1 to END]
How to use this prompt
1
Copy the prompt
Click "Copy Prompt" above to copy the full prompt text to your clipboard.
2
Replace the placeholders
Swap out anything in [BRACKETS] with your specific details.
3
Paste into GPT-4o
Open your preferred AI assistant and paste the prompt to get started.