The debate between outlining and pantsing is as old as writing itself. Writers often divide into two camps: those who meticulously plan every detail of their story before writing (outliners) and those who prefer to discover the story as they go (pantsers). Both approaches have their strengths and challenges, and the choice often depends on your writing style, goals, and project.
In this guide, we’ll explore both methods in depth, examining their advantages and disadvantages, offering practical tips, and helping you decide which approach is best for you.
When it comes to writing a book, there are two primary approaches: outlining and pantsing. The choice between these methods often shapes how you develop your story and guide it from start to finish. Whether you prefer the methodical planning of outlining or the free-flowing creativity of pantsing, each method has its pros and cons.
In this post, we’ll dive into both approaches, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one fits your writing style best.
Table of Contents
What Is Outlining?
Outlining is a structured approach where the writer carefully plans every aspect of the story before writing the first draft. This method involves creating a detailed roadmap of the story, often breaking it down into chapters or scenes.
Many outliners begin by mapping out the story arc, deciding where the book starts, what the major plot points are, and how the story concludes. From there, they can break it down into smaller details—like character development, individual scenes, or conflicts that drive the story forward. Some writers even map out each chapter and its key events.
Why Outlining Might Be Right for You
Outlining helps give the writer a clear direction. Knowing where the story is headed can prevent writer’s block, make the writing process more efficient, and allow for targeted revisions later on. Outliners tend to be more in control of pacing and structure. The story is usually well-paced because the major plot points have already been determined, and the writer can focus on executing them.
For many, the beauty of outlining lies in its ability to avoid the frustration of writing into a dead-end or having to scrap large portions of the draft. It makes the writing process smoother because the groundwork has already been laid.
However, the structured approach doesn’t always work for every writer. Some may find it too restrictive and struggle to follow a rigid blueprint, feeling that it limits creativity.
What Is Pantsing?
Pantsing—short for “writing by the seat of your pants”—is a more organic, spontaneous approach to writing. With pantsing, the writer dives straight into the manuscript without a clear plan. The story is allowed to develop as they write, often discovering plot points, characters, and events as the process unfolds.
In this method, the focus is on the discovery of the story rather than the planning. Pantsers typically don’t know where their story will go beyond the initial idea. They let the writing process guide them, creating twists, characters, and events naturally.
Why Pantsing Might Be Right for You
For many writers, the thrill of pantsing comes from the freedom it offers. There’s no set plan, no pre-determined outcomes. The story is more fluid, and the writer feels like they’re discovering it alongside the characters. Pantsing can feel more creative, as it allows for surprises and unexpected plot developments that wouldn’t be possible with an outline.
Pantsing also tends to be a faster start. Writers don’t have to spend time planning every detail—they can begin writing right away. And if you enjoy getting lost in your story, allowing the plot to unfold naturally, pantsing might feel like the perfect fit.
However, pantsing also comes with its challenges. Without a clear structure, it’s easy to lose direction, causing the story to become unfocused or overly complicated. Pantsers may end up rewriting large sections of their work, which can result in more time spent on revisions.
Outlining vs. Pantsing: The Key Differences
The core difference between outlining and pantsing lies in how much preparation is involved. Outlining is all about planning ahead and knowing where the story is going, while pantsing is about embracing the unknown and allowing the story to unfold naturally.
| Aspect | Outlining | Pantsing |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Detailed, pre-planned roadmap | No plan, story develops as you write |
| Structure | Highly structured and organized | Flexible, free-flowing narrative |
| Speed | Slower start, more preparation | Quick to start, but often requires more rewriting |
| Creativity | Less spontaneous, more controlled | More freedom and room for surprises |
| Revisions | Fewer, more targeted edits | Extensive revisions and reworking |
Outlining often leads to a smoother writing experience with fewer revisions, as the writer has a clear plan. On the other hand, pantsing offers greater creative freedom, but can be more challenging in terms of maintaining a consistent story structure.
Hybrid Approaches: Blending Outlining and Pantsing
While some writers strictly follow one method or the other, there’s also a hybrid approach. Many writers blend outlining and pantsing to create a process that works for them. This way, they can have structure, but still leave room for creativity and surprises along the way.
For example, a writer might start with a general outline—just the major plot points—and let the story fill in between those points as they write. Or they might write the first few chapters without an outline, then plan out the rest of the story once they have a better feel for the characters and direction.
The hybrid method offers the best of both worlds: structure when needed, but flexibility for creative exploration.
How to Decide: Outliner or Pantser?
Choosing the best method for your writing process depends on your personality and how you like to write. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do you prefer structure or spontaneity? If you like to know exactly what you’re doing before starting, outlining may be the best choice. If you enjoy discovering your story as you go, pantsing might feel more natural.
- How much time do you have for revisions? If you want to minimize revisions, outlining can help prevent major rewrites. If you don’t mind spending extra time editing, pantsing could be a more satisfying process.
- What’s the complexity of your story? If your story involves multiple subplots, characters, or a complex world, outlining might help keep everything in order. Pantsing is ideal for simpler stories or character-driven plots.
- How do you handle writer’s block? Outliners can avoid writer’s block by knowing what comes next. Pantsers may find inspiration through writing, even if it means taking a few wrong turns along the way.
There’s no right or wrong answer here—just what works best for you.
Find Your Writing Flow
Both outlining and pantsing have their merits. Outlining provides structure, which can make the writing process more predictable and focused. Pantsing, on the other hand, offers freedom, allowing you to explore your story in real time.
If neither method feels like the perfect fit, try blending both—create a basic outline but allow for plenty of flexibility in between. Ultimately, what matters most is that you find a process that helps you stay motivated and keeps you writing.
Every writer’s process is unique. Whether you’re an outliner, a pantser, or somewhere in between, the key is to stay true to your creative journey and enjoy the writing process.