How to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet

Do you know how to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet? It’s a novel-writing template popularized by Blake Snyder in his book “Save the Cat!” I use it for every book I write and want to show you how to utilize it!

STC uses 15 plot points to structure your story and provides percentages—what should happen at each point. When I started writing, I found the download and a great explanation of each part on Savannah Gilbo’s website. I recommend you visit that link and download the beat sheet from there. Since she has a copyright, I don’t want to offer it!

How I use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet

But I can explain how I use it! Over the last two years, I’ve attended writers’ conferences, and I’ve added some of that information to the Beat Sheet. Here’s an example:

You can see in the image that I’ve customized this first page for a 65K book—my cozy mystery! The percentages are guesstimates. They help me stay on track. So, if I get to 13k words, I should show or have shown the protagonist debating what she’ll do next.

From listening to Patricia Bradley’s workshops, I’ve also added what she calls pinch points. They come in on beats other than those shown in my example.

What are the 15 beats?

The Save the Cat Beat Sheet is like a map. It helps you ensure that your story has everything it needs to keep readers reading.

ACT 1: Setting your foundation (0-20%)

1. Opening Image: This is where you HOOK your reader. Grab their attention.

2. State your Theme: What is the big message or idea you want to share with your readers? Often, another character besides the main character hints at the theme.

3. Setup: What is everyday life like for your main character – include flaws. (0-10% of your story)

4. Catalyst/inciting incident: Something unexpected happens that sets the adventure and the protagonist in motion. In my cozies, it’s usually a dead body. 😉

5. Debate (10-20% of the story): The main character must make a decision, and she is reluctant.

6. Break into Two (20%): Your protag or MC decides to take a new approach. This beat bridges Act 1 and Act 2.

ACT 2A: Conflict & Challenges (20-50%)

7. B Story: Introduce a new character to help your protagonist learn her theme. This is the 1st plot point (25%).

8. Fun and Games (20-50%): Have your protag face challenges and either win or lose. 1st pinch point (37%). This beat sets up the midpoint.

9. Midpoint (50%): 2nd plot point. You’re 1/2 way there! This is where there is a false win or loss. Your protag shifts from reacting to situations to being proactive.

ACT 2B: Consequences & Growth (50-80%)

10. Bad Guys Close In (50-75%): More obstacles and your antagonist is closing in. 2nd pinch point (62%) is in this beat. Sets up the 2nd plot point.

11. All is Lost: Your protag is at her lowest point. At this point, she might fail. 3rd plot point (75%).

12. Dark Night of the Soul (75-80%): This is your protag’s darkest hour. She processes what has happened.

13. Break Into Three (80%): Protag rallies, finds her inner strength, and figures out how to handle the bad guys.

ACT 3: Climax & fulfillment (80-100%)

14. Finale (80-99%): It’s time for the final showdown or epic battle between the hero and the bad guys. Your protag shows she’s learned the theme. This beat includes the crisis (88%) and climax (90%).

15. Final Image (100%): This beat shows the protagonist’s current life and how she has grown and changed.

Why I use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet

The beat sheets aren’t something that are set in stone. There is wiggle room. But it helps me stay on track. If you’ve ever read a book or watched a movie that made you think – where are they going with this? It’s because it’s not hitting those normal beats that we as readers and viewers are not only used to – we like them! They make sense.

So, remember to use the STC as a guideline for crafting a great story. Have fun and be creative!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)