Outline Writer Needed Long-Term for Crime Fiction & Psychological Thrillers

Mary Stone Publishing is seeking an experienced Outline Writer with a deep understanding of crime fiction and psychological thrillers. This is not a beginner role—we’re looking for someone who already possesses the knowledge and expertise in these genres to create compelling, twist-filled plots and develop dynamic, multi-layered characters on a regular basis.

If you are well-versed in these genres and can bring fresh, creative ideas to the table, this long-term, flexible freelance position offers the opportunity to work on your own schedule, provided deadlines are met and communication is prompt.

Key Responsibilities:

Crime Fiction:

• Create a comprehensive series outline for each new crime fiction series (typically nine books), outlining the overarching plot and character arcs. Then, craft individual book outlines within the series to ensure consistency and ongoing suspense.
• Develop suspenseful, engaging plots with surprising twists, alternating points of view, and strong character development.
• Create multi-dimensional, psychologically complex villains with clear motivations that deepen the story’s tension and conflict.
• Research and accurately integrate police/FBI procedures, forensic details, and other scientific elements.
• Focus on crafting strong heroines that appeal to a primarily female readership while also engaging male readers.

Psychological Thrillers:

• Develop individual, standalone book outlines that emphasize deep psychological exploration and emotional intensity.
• Delve into complex psychological themes such as mental illness, psychological disorders, and intricate mind games.
• Craft unreliable narrators that add layers of ambiguity and keep readers questioning the truth and on edge.
• Build suspense through character-driven tension, focusing on emotional and mental states to deliver unexpected twists that challenge both the characters and readers’ perceptions.
• Create an intense emotional experience, with the tension stemming from the characters’ psychological struggles and interactions.
• Set a dark, tense, and foreboding atmosphere, immersing readers in a mood that heightens the emotional and psychological stakes.

For Both Genres:

• Craft detailed 20,000-word outlines that serve as the foundation for 80,000-word novels.
• Utilizing a shared online platform, work closely with the four-member outline support team, understanding that each outline will go through several rounds of critiques to refine and enhance the story.
• Be a dependable writer who can work independently while meeting deadlines and adapting to our established style.

Requirements:

• Must be able to write in U.S. English and craft detailed, 20,000-word outlines for 80,000-word novels.
• Strong background in writing or outlining for crime fiction and psychological thriller genres, with the ability to create compelling, suspenseful plots filled with unique twists and dynamic character development.
• Skilled in researching and accurately integrating forensic, police, and scientific details, with the ability to document findings.
• Expertise in crafting multi-dimensional characters, including law enforcement and psychologically complex villains, and targeting a primarily female audience while also appealing to male readers.
• Creativity and flexibility in contributing fresh ideas while adapting to editorial feedback and project direction.
• Capable of filling in for a writer and continuing partially finished series outlines while emulating established characters.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote, online team environment, participating in discussions around plot and backstory.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team (editors, outline manager, and support team).
• Open to constructive criticism, with strong time management skills to meet deadlines and proficient in self-editing and proofreading.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, with a willingness to learn and follow Mary Stone Publishing’s style guidelines (Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster).
• Able to respond to communication within 24 hours and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working as an outline writer for crime fiction or psychological thrillers.
• Formal education or training in creative writing, literature, or a related field.
• Familiarity with writing for long-running series and balancing overarching plotlines with individual book arcs.
• Proven ability to craft unreliable narrators and explore complex psychological themes.
• Passion for the crime fiction and psychological thriller genres, demonstrated through previous work or personal projects.
• Note: Please be sure your skills and qualifications match the requirements above and that you will have the time to work with us and to devote to creating many standalone outlines and outlines in a series.
• At Mary Stone Publishing, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

Ownership and Legal:

• Understand that this is a work-for-hire independent contractor position—outline writers hold no rights to the work and must adhere to all legal and ownership agreements set by Mary Stone Publishing.
• Willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for each outline.
• All submitted work must be 100% original. AI-generated, AI-assisted, pre-written templates, or PLR (Private Label Rights) content will not be accepted. Submissions that appear to rely primarily on AI, templates, or PLR material will be disqualified.

Note: Please be sure your skills and qualifications match the requirements above and that you will have the time to work with us and devote time to creating many standalone outlines and outlines in a series. Do not include scripts as your sample outline. We need an actual Crime Fiction outline, including chapter write-ups, all plot points, and police procedures.

**Please note that we pay a per word or flat fee, we needed to include an hourly rate to advertise the position, but we do not pay hourly**.

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