Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast
Episode: How To Outline A 60,000 Word Book In 24 Minutes
Host: Nicolas Cole
Release Date: September 9, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Coffee With Cole, host Nicolas Cole delves into a streamlined method for outlining a substantial 60,000-word non-fiction book in just 24 minutes. Tailored for both novice and seasoned writers, Cole demystifies the book outlining process, debunking the myth that only prolific geniuses can achieve such feats. Drawing from his experience of writing and self-publishing ten books, Cole presents a structured framework that can be applied not only to book writing but also to various forms of digital content creation, including social media posts, YouTube videos, and newsletters.

"The outlining method that I'm going to share with you is how I outline all of my books. And I have self-published and written 10 books at this point."
— Nicolas Cole [00:30]

The 4A Framework

Cole introduces the 4A Framework, a pivotal tool in his beginner writing program, Ship 30 for 30. This framework categorizes non-fiction into four distinct types, each defining the voice and direction of the content:

1. Actionable: Focuses on "how-to" guides, providing readers with practical steps to achieve specific goals.
2. Analytical: Delves into the "why" behind phenomena, using data and research to explain underlying causes or trends.
3. Aspirational: Centers on personal growth stories, inspiring readers by sharing transformational journeys from zero to hero.
4. Anthropological: Explores the psychological and societal reasons behind human behaviors and trends.

"The first big decision you need to make before you begin writing is, well, which of these paths am I going to take in my book?"
— Nicolas Cole [02:15]

The 10 Magical Ways to Expand Anything

Complementing the 4A Framework, Cole presents the 10 Magical Ways to Expand Anything, a method to enrich each chapter with diverse content types:

1. Tips
2. Stats
3. Steps
4. Lessons
5. Benefits
6. Reasons
7. Mistakes
8. Examples
9. Questions
10. Personal Stories

These elements ensure that each chapter remains engaging and comprehensive, covering various angles of the main topic.

"If you really wanted to, you could use one of the 10 magical ways as the primary bucket for each chapter."
— Nicolas Cole [10:45]

Structuring the Book: 10 Chapters, 6,000 Words Each

Cole advocates for dividing the book into 10 chapters, each approximately 6,000 words, aligning with the average non-fiction book length of 60,000 words. This structure simplifies the writing process, making each chapter akin to an extensive blog post.

1. Prepping the Outline: Start by listing ten chapters in a bulleted format, assigning each a word count goal.
2. Assigning Content Types: Utilize the 10 magical ways to determine the primary focus of each chapter.
3. Brainstorming: Under each chapter, jot down notes and ideas without self-editing to streamline the writing phase.

"Once you understand this framework, you will never write and outline your writing the same way ever again."
— Nicolas Cole [01:10]

Practical Examples

To illustrate the versatility of his method, Cole provides examples across different topics using the 4A Framework:

1. Actionable: Copywriting Book

   • Chapter 1: Tips on Getting Started in Copywriting
   • Chapter 2: Statistics on the Copywriting Industry
   • Chapter 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Persuasive Copy
   • ... and so on up to Chapter 10.

2. Aspirational: Yoga Memoir

   • Chapter 1: Mistakes Made as a Yogi
   • Chapter 2: Personal Stories from the Yoga Journey
   • Chapter 3: Falling in Love with Challenging Poses
   • ... culminating in Chapter 10 with reflective questions.

3. Analytical: Wealth Management

   • Structured similarly, focusing on data-driven insights and analyses.

"Every one of Ryan Holiday's books reads the same. Each chapter is a different person's story about whatever the central topic is."
— Nicolas Cole [19:30]

The Writing Process: From Outline to Manuscript

Once the outline is in place, Cole recommends transferring each chapter's bullet points into individual documents. This pre-organization facilitates focused writing sessions, allowing the writer to expand on each section without getting bogged down by structure.

Steps:

1. Create Separate Documents: Allocate a document for each chapter.
2. Populate with Bullet Points: Transfer the prepared notes under each chapter.
3. Expand on Sections: Flesh out personal stories, lessons, tips, and other elements as outlined.
4. Avoid the Inner Critic: Focus on getting ideas down first; refinement comes later.

"The vast majority of the time, the people who struggle to write books the most are the ones who skip this entire process and they just dive right in."
— Nicolas Cole [25:00]

Overcoming Writing Challenges

Cole addresses common obstacles writers face, such as the paralysis that comes from staring at a blank page or incessantly editing during the initial drafting phase. By adhering to the outlined framework, writers can bypass these hurdles, ensuring steady progress and maintaining creative momentum.

"This is the most unproductive thing you could possibly do as a writer."
— Nicolas Cole [26:15]

Conclusion

Nicolas Cole's method offers a systematic approach to book outlining that demystifies the writing process, making it accessible and manageable. By combining the 4A Framework with the 10 Magical Ways to Expand, and structuring the book into ten focused chapters, writers can efficiently navigate the complexities of crafting a substantial non-fiction work. This episode serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to embark on a writing journey, providing actionable strategies to transform ideas into a cohesive and engaging manuscript.

Notable Quotes:

• "The outlining method that I'm going to share with you is how I outline all of my books." — Nicolas Cole [00:30]
• "The first big decision you need to make before you begin writing is, well, which of these paths am I going to take in my book?" — Nicolas Cole [02:15]
• "If you really wanted to, you could use one of the 10 magical ways as the primary bucket for each chapter." — Nicolas Cole [10:45]
• "Every one of Ryan Holiday's books reads the same. Each chapter is a different person's story about whatever the central topic is." — Nicolas Cole [19:30]
• "This is the most unproductive thing you could possibly do as a writer." — Nicolas Cole [26:15]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the core teachings of Nicolas Cole's episode on outlining a book efficiently. By following the structured frameworks and practical examples provided, aspiring authors can confidently embark on their writing endeavors, ensuring clarity, organization, and creativity throughout the process.