---
title: Chapter Goals
category: Workspace
tags: workspace, chapters, goals, revision
contextKey: workspace.chapterGoals
micro: Capture what this chapter needs to achieve for the reader and story.
quickTitle: Chapter Goals
quickSummary: Chapter Goals record the purpose, emotional movement, reader takeaway and risks for a chapter.
screenshot:
---

# Overview

Chapter Goals describe what the chapter is meant to achieve. They help keep drafting and revision focused on purpose, not just sequence.

# When Should I Use This?

Use this section before drafting a chapter, when revising a chapter that feels loose, or after moving scenes around.

# How To Use It

Write short, practical notes. The goal is not polished prose; it is a working brief that helps you decide whether the chapter is doing its job.

# Understanding the Fields

| Field | Use it for |
| --- | --- |
| Goal summary | The chapter's main story job. |
| Emotional goal | The feeling or relationship shift the chapter should create. |
| Reader takeaway | What the reader should understand, suspect or feel by the end. |
| Must include | Clues, promises, turns or continuity details that cannot be dropped. |
| Risks or concerns | Weak spots, open questions or choices to watch during revision. |

# Example

A chapter goal might be: "Beth commits to reopening Annie's case, but the reader should suspect the family version is incomplete."

# Writer Tip

If the chapter feels crowded, compare each scene against the goal and ask whether it contributes to the same movement.

# Common Mistakes

- Writing a full synopsis instead of a useful working brief.
- Forgetting the reader takeaway.
- Keeping old goals after the chapter's scene order changes.

# Related Guides

- [Chapter Workflow](/Help/Article/workspace.chapterWorkflow)
- [Chapters](/Help/Article/chapters.overview)
- [Revision Queue](/Help/Article/workspace.revisionQueue)
