Perhaps you’ve got an idea that would make a great movie or novel, but you’re not sure how to get past the basic premise and start filling in the plot holes.

A beat sheet can help you get past the initial idea phase so you can start outlining the action and pivotal points that will shape your narrative.

A beat sheet differs from an outline in that each beat is generally short and concise (think bullet points). A beat sheet is handy for quickly referring to specific points in the story, rather than having to sift through lengthy outlines and multi-page synopses.

In this post, we’ll show you exactly what a beat sheet is, examples of beat sheet formats you can use, and even give you a free template to help you get started.

What Is a Beat Sheet in Writing?

A beat sheet identifies the most important and emotional points in a story. Beat sheets are typically used by screenwriters to help map out their screenplays, but they can easily be used by authors and novelists too.

Each “beat” is a critical moment that moves the story forward. A single scene can contain several different beats, some of which are subtle, while others are more obvious.

Common types of beats include:

• Key events: Whenever there’s a large event or gathering (say a wedding, funeral, or birthday party), there are often opportunities for characters to express their thoughts or desires, as well as interact with secondary characters, which can advance the plot. Such events are rarely included for no reason.

• Realizations/epiphanies: Beats may take the form of a character’s realization or epiphany after coming across some key information or experiencing their own breakthrough. For example, Michael Corleone realizes in The Godfather II that his brother Fredo lied about knowing Johnny Ola (and therefore knew about his plot to attack Michael). Another example is when Cher realizes she loves Josh in Clueless. Such realization beats can help characters make decisions based on these new insights.

• Resolutions: No, not the denouement type of resolution—we mean the type where a character resolves to do something, which usually happens early on in the story. This sets them on a mission that drives a great deal of the plot, like when Russell and Carl resolve to travel to Paradise Falls in Up.

• Interactions: Throughout the story, the protagonist will come across a variety of other characters, some of which will help them, while others will deter them (intentionally or not) from reaching their goals. These interactions can shape the outcome of the story.

How Do You Make a Beat Sheet for a Book?

Whether you’re writing a screenplay or a book, a beat sheet can be a helpful tool for nailing down your story’s key plot points. From there, you can flesh out specific scenes, settings, and details in an outline.

There are many ways you can go about creating your beat sheet, and yours might be different, especially if your story is not high-concept. In general, however, it helps to divide your story into three or five acts, then fill in key beats for each of those acts.

Here is an example of how you might format your beat sheet with 12 story beats that writers often incorporate:

1. Opening Scene

What is the first thing your readers will experience on the very first page? How will you set the tone for your story? How will you introduce conflict that will propel your story forward?

2. Introduction

Introduce your main character(s) and setting. What does your protagonist want? What is standing in their way? This is also a good place to start worldbuilding.

NOTE: Be cautious when introducing your protagonist and world. Do not info-dump a massive amount of backstory or “world rules & laws” on your reader. Instead, let these elements come out naturally throughout the story via dialogue, interactions, memory, dream sequences, etc.

3. Theme Statement

As succinctly as possible, answer the question of what your book is really about. Of course, you won’t state that directly, but a character should hint at what the protagonist will learn or how they’ll change by the end of the story.

4. The Spark

What’s the catalyst that will push your main character into action? Will they set out on their own, or will they be forced down a path? Once the inciting incident sets them down that path, things will never be the same.

5. The Doubt

The protagonist has some tough choices in front of them, and they may debate about what to do next. This beat shows that they are reluctant to change for one reason or another.

6. Subplot

Once your readers are familiar with the protagonist and the challenges they face, you can open a subplot to highlight your story’s theme. This might be a romance or other storyline involving your secondary characters.

7. New Characters

Throughout their journey, the main character may meet other characters who will either help or hurt the protagonist. The introduction of these characters is a good opportunity for writers to add tension or conflict to the narrative.

8. Midpoint

The midpoint, as the name suggests, is found halfway through the story. At this point, the reality and consequences of the characters’ decisions begin to set in.

9. Low Point

At the low point, something happens to derail the main character’s progress, and it seems that everything may fall apart. There’s a sense of despair as the protagonist questions their journey.

10. Climax

This is where the action peaks and all the tension comes to a head. The main character should be just within reach of their goal.

11. Falling Action

The main character reaches (or falls short of) their goal, and the story begins to wind down. Any loose ends should be tied up for both primary and secondary storylines.

12. Final Scene

What is the final moment your readers will experience? This should wrap up the theme of the story and leave your readers with a sense of how the protagonist has grown over the story’s course of events.

Free Beat Sheet Template

To help you fill out your story’s beats, we’ve created a free beat sheet template that you can download and modify to fit your narrative.

Use Beat Sheets to Plot Your Narrative

Beat sheets can be a great way to plot key events in your story, whether you’re writing a novel or penning a screenplay.

A beat sheet covers all the basic elements of story structure and helps you see the big picture, laying the groundwork for a more detailed outline or synopsis.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• How to Write a Book Outline: The Secret to Writing a Good Book Faster
• How to Turn Your Book into a Screenplay
• How to Write a Scene: Tips for Structure, Timing, and Revision
• Plot Factory Review: What It Is and How It Works