How to Nail Your Book Outline

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A debrief + book outline session with anti-hustle coach Tracy StangerI’m back after a summer pause to revamp how I’m integrating Substack with my work—and I’m kicking things off with a special conversation with my friend Tracy Stanger. We met on Instagram, grabbed coffee, and realized we share the same philosophy: do the work in a way that fits you. That turned into a trade—half a day on my business with Tracy, and half a day on Tracy’s book with me—followed by this debrief you’ll hear in the episode.Tracy is an anti-hustle business coach whose “Less But Better, Most You” approach helps human, justice-minded (often neuro-spicy) entrepreneurs focus on results—not just checking things off a to-do list—so they can do meaningful work and live their dream days.About TracyTracy Stanger is an anti-hustle business coach who believes we shouldn’t have to choose between meaningful work and living your dream days. She’s on a mission to prove we CAN have time for our dreams when we focus on RESULTS instead of just checking shit off a to-do list. Her Less But Better™ Most You business strategy helps human (justice-minded, often neurospicy) business owners use their uniqueness to make more money and more impact, with more time for rest, and less stress.In today’s episode:* how this episode came to be: a mutual “workday” trade and a recorded debrief* why Tracy stopped waiting to build a “giant platform” before writing her book—and started writing now* how we used a strengths analysis (think an amalgam of personality tools) to shape both her book and my business pivots* what changed for me: moving away from webinars → high-ticket yearlong delivery, to offers that fit my health, capacity, and season* the edit I delivered to Tracy: audio feedback + a written summary (hello, hand neuropathy workaround)* clarifying prescriptive nonfiction: bringing the reader along, adding bridges between ideas, and making sure each chapter delivers the outcome it promises* turning Tracy’s client process into a reader journey (a clear sequence the reader can follow)* the practical writing plan Tracy is using now: 25-minute sessions with her outline and manuscript open, steady and sustainable* why “Less But Better, Most You” isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a book structure, tooLinks mentioned in this episode:* my free Book Outline Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* book a “Nail Your Book Outline” session with me → moretothestory.co/nailyourbookoutline* More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.coWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & connect:* Show notes & transcripts at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhat “should” about platform or process are you letting go of so you can move your book forward now? If you picked one 25-minute action for this week, what would it be? Share in the comments—I’ll respond (and may feature your question in a future episode!).Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe