[CHAPTER TITLE]
OPENING HOOK (Target: ~250 words)
[Start with a concrete moment, question, or observation that pulls the reader in. For a principle, this might be a brief scene from a facilitation. For the introduction, it might be the problem with how networks typically gather. Avoid starting with definitions.]
THE CORE IDEA (Target: ~300 words)
In one sentence, this chapter argues: [Write the thesis statement here]
Why it matters for network facilitators: [2-3 paragraphs developing the central idea. Connect to the reader's experience — what they've probably seen go wrong, and what's possible instead.]
Key terms (if any):
- [Term]: [Plain-language definition]
- [Term]: [Plain-language definition]
THE PRINCIPLE IN PRACTICE (Target: ~500 words)
Skip this section for Introduction and Quick Start chapters — use narrative flow instead.
What this looks like: [Concrete description of the principle in action — not a case study, just a clear example. 1-2 paragraphs.]
What to watch for:
- [Observable signal that this principle is working]
- [Observable signal that something is off]
- [What participants often say or do]
Common mistakes:
- [Mistake]: [Why it happens and what to do instead]
- [Mistake]: [Why it happens and what to do instead]
CONNECTION TO LIBERATING STRUCTURES (Target: ~300 words)
Structures that embody this principle:
| Structure | Why it fits | When to reach for it |
|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [1-line reason] | [Context/situation] |
| [Name] | [1-line reason] | [Context/situation] |
| [Name] | [1-line reason] | [Context/situation] |
How these structures work together: [1 paragraph on sequencing or combining — not just a list]
GOING DEEPER (Target: ~200 words)
Use this section for nuance, caveats, or advanced thinking. Optional for shorter chapters.
When this gets complicated: [Honest acknowledgment of edge cases, tensions, or when the principle is harder to apply]
Questions worth sitting with:
- [Generative question for the reader]
- [Generative question for the reader]
CLOSING (Target: ~150 words)
[Bring it back to the reader's practice. What should they do differently, notice differently, or think about differently after reading this? No bullet points here — write it as a paragraph. End with a forward gesture toward the next section or the case studies.]
METADATA & TRACKING
Word Count: Target Word Count: ~1,700 words (~3-4 pages) Status: Draft / Revising / Complete
Connections:
- Related case study: [[]]
- Related principle: [[]]
- Related quick-start step: [[]]
Images/Visuals Needed:
- [ ] [Describe visual]
- [ ] [Describe visual]
TODO:
- [ ] Write first draft
- [ ] Read aloud for flow
- [ ] Check word count against target
- [ ] Add links to related sections
- [ ] Add to compiled manuscript
NOTES TO SELF
[Questions, ideas, things to come back to, passages you're not sure about]
Chapter type targets:
- Introduction: ~2,000 words / ~4 pages
- Principle: ~1,500–1,700 words / ~2-3 pages
- Quick Start step: ~500–700 words / ~1 page