Psychological Thriller Outline Writer

Shape the Next Bestselling Psychological Thriller: Seeking Outline Writer for Long-Term Position (100% Remote)

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!

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.

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.

**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**.

Additional Notes:

Our psychological thrillers primarily target women, though we also have a strong male readership. As part of our team, you’ll receive support from our Outline Manager and editorial team, who will provide guidance, feedback, and collaborative insights as needed. Our shared goal is to craft engaging, high-quality psychological thriller series that captivate readers and keep them coming back for more.