Lia Declan's Musings

Outlining Services For Aspiring or Working Writers

You have an idea, and you want a clear way to turn it into a finished book? That’s where I come in. I will help you build a practical outline, so you can sit down to write with a plan.

I am an active novelist and a former bookshop owner. I have spent years talking with writers about projects that feel stuck or scattered. I understand how it feels when you have scenes in your head and no structure to ground them. My job is to give you that structure while you keep your own voice and style.

What I offer

Every outline is specific to you and your project. A standard package includes:

• A short questionnaire about your story, your goals, and your writing habits.
• A one to one planning session.
• A written outline that shows acts, major turning points, and scene level beats.
• Notes on character arcs, stakes, and pacing.
• One follow up check in after you start drafting.

Who this is for

• Writers who have an idea and no clear direction.
• Writers who are stuck in the middle of a draft.
• Writers who want a structural check before a big revision.

Package Options and Pricing

I review your materials, ask questions as needed, and deliver your outline as a document you can work from, either by attachment or through Google Drive.

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Book Outlining Packages

(Fiction, memoir, and narrative non-fiction)

1. Concept Map – 95 USD
For early stage ideas and partial drafts.

You get:

• A review of your intake form and any notes you send, up to 3,000 words.
• A one to two page outline that covers the core concept, main character arc, and key turning points.
• One round of follow up questions and small adjustments.

Best for writers who have an idea and a few scattered scenes, and who want a clear starting map.

2. Full Book Roadmap – 225 USD
For full length projects in development, up to 100,000 words planned or drafted.

You get:

• A review of your intake form, synopsis, and sample pages, up to 10,000 words total.
• A detailed four to six page outline that sets out acts, major beats, and main character arcs.
• Notes on stakes, pacing, and subplots.
• One round of follow up questions and refinements by email, within thirty days of delivery.

Best for writers who want a solid structural plan before or during a main drafting phase.

3. Revision Blueprint – 295 USD
For writers with a full rough draft who feel lost in revision.

You get:

• A review of your intake form, plus a full synopsis and sample chapters, up to 25,000 words.
• A scene level or section level outline that shows what you have, what is missing, and what can move.
• Specific notes on cuts, additions, and reordering.
• Two rounds of follow up questions and clarifications by email, within forty five days of delivery.

Best for writers who know the book is there but need a clear plan to reshape it.

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Essay and Article Outlining Packages

1. Short Essay Outline – 45 USD
For essays and posts up to 1,500 words.

You get:

• A review of your intake form and any notes or draft paragraphs, up to 1,000 words.
• A one page outline with thesis, main points, and order of sections.
• Brief notes on tone and audience.

Best for blog posts, opinion pieces, and short personal essays.

2. Longform Essay or Article Outline – 85 USD
For essays and articles between 1,500 and 4,000 words.

You get:

• A review of your intake form and existing material, up to 2,500 words.
• A two to three page outline with thesis, key arguments, evidence or examples, and transitions.
• Notes on balance between story and analysis, and on likely weak spots.

Best for in depth blog essays, feature articles, and personal or craft pieces.

3. Series Map – 165 USD
For a planned series of connected essays or posts.

You get:

• A review of your intake form and any existing pieces, up to 4,000 words.
• A series level outline for up to five essays, with a clear focus, angle, and purpose for each one.
• A one page summary of how the series fits together for readers.

Best for newsletter arcs, themed blog runs, and content planning for a launch period.

Custom Projects

If your project falls outside these ranges, you can request a custom quote. Or, if you need both book and essay outlining support at once, you can also request a custom quote. Send a short description of what you need, the rough word count, and your hoped for timeline. I will reply by email with options and a clear price before any work begins.

How it works:

You send me a brief description of your project and your current stage. I reply with an intake form. Once we agree on scope and timing, I review your materials. We discuss the plan. I deliver your outline as a working document you can use during drafting.

You stay in control of your story. I help you see the shape more clearly so your writing time feels focused and manageable.

To ask about availability and package rates, contact me through my website or email me at lia.declan@liadeclan.com with “Outlining Services” in the subject line.