Psychological Thriller Outline Writer – $23.50 – $27.40 an hour
Mary Stone Publishing is seeking a creative, experienced Outline Writer with a deep understanding of psychological thrillers to write outlines for full-length novels on a monthly basis. This is not a beginner role—we’re looking for someone who already possesses the knowledge and expertise in this genre to create compelling, twist-filled plots and develop dynamic, multi-layered characters to keep readers hooked until the final page. This long-term, flexible freelance position offers the opportunity to work on your own schedule, provided deadlines are met and communication is prompt.
If you have a passion for psychological thrillers, a sharp analytical mind, and the ability to see what a story needs to reach its full potential, we’d love to hear from you!
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Key Responsibilities:
Psychological Thrillers:
- Develop individual, standalone book outlines that emphasize deep psychological exploration and emotional intensity, crafting unpredictable, immersive, and emotionally resonant stories.
- 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 on edge and questioning the truth.
- 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.
- 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 outline support team, understanding that each outline will go through several rounds of drafts and 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 outlining for psychological thriller genre, with the ability to create compelling, suspenseful plots filled with unique twists and dynamic character development.
- Expertise in crafting multi-dimensional characters, 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 of 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 research skills with the ability to fact-check mental health conditions, psychological behaviors, investigative procedures, and real-world influences to enhance story credibility and authenticity.
- 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 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, suspense-building, character psychology, tension escalation, twist execution, and explore complex psychological themes.
- Passion for the psychological thriller genre, demonstrated through previous work or personal projects.