How to Nail Your Book Outline

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A debrief + book outline session with anti-hustle coach Tracy Stanger

I’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 Tracy

Tracy 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, too

Links 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.co

Want 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 @undergumtree

Question for You

What “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.)

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