For a basic manuscript template, use these free book layout templates from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Your book page in Word will be the standard paper size of 8.5 in. x 11 in. Therefore, the variance in size between the Word book template and your finalized printed book means there isn’t an exact equivalence.
If you need further instructions, there is also a handy PDF that you can download with more info.
In this article, we are simply listing the free book template resources that self-published authors can utilize as they write a book.
Reasons to use a book template
Generally, a paperback novel in the standard print size can contain about 250-300 words per page. In Microsoft Word, one page in the standard size and 12-point font will be about 500-550 words per page.
Featuring an easy-to-use design, this responsive template generator is great if you know the specifics of your book’s layout, such as binding and size.
Whether you’re writing a fiction book or a nonfiction book, you’ll want to start writing as quickly as possible to reach your goal of becoming an author.
The same plot lines, the same buildup, and the same climax can become boring, especially for avid readers.
To shed some light on how templates actually help writers, here are some of their practical benefits.
As someone who has written on various topics, I understand the thrill that comes with completing a well thought out and written piece.
Crimson has an efficient and simple page layout that doesn’t break a long manuscript into too many sections. Instead, it optimizes manuscripts according to classic layouts.
Simplicity
From the book title and table of contents to the cover design and title page design, the aesthetics of a book matter a lot to readers.
The fantasy template uses a mix of both classic and modern structural elements to create a story with an optimal pace, character arc, plot timing, and reader engagement.
If you study some of the best works of literature in history, you’ll find that they all cover the story completely and give you all the fine plot details at specific times as the story progresses.
This basic but helpful template is designed for Scrivner and can be downloaded here.
This template is designed specifically for nonfiction writing. Another template to assist you in formatting your finished copy, it is easy to both understand and use.
You may decide that none of the existing templates are going to work for you. It can happen - everyone is different. If this is the case, you may consider creating your own template.
Each template is different and you will need to decide which is right for you and your book. These are some factors to consider when making the decision.
The Britannia Template
Not only are they already created, but there are questions and thoughts to guide you through each chapter. These prompts are designed to keep your story on pace and keep events happening where they should.
For a simpler and more straightforward fantasy template, you can check this one out:
In addition to this, however, it is helpful to also consider the passage of time throughout your story. When planning the events of your book, note the time frame. How many days, months, years have passed?
If you are a fiction writer, it will help you with creating plots and going back and forth in time.
There is no one size fits all writing software available in the market. Some writers prefer a distraction-free minimal interface, while others are comfortable with cluttered yet feature-rich softwares. In general, you need to try different writing software to find out which one works best for you. However, we have done the heavy lifting you. I have tested dozens of writing softwares to help you pick the best one depending on your needs.
MS Word also supports autosave, though you’ll have to manually turn it On by going to File > Options > Save and make sure the “Save AutoRecover info” box is checked. The default number of minutes set in this box will be 10, lower it to 1 minute.
Pros: You can set daily goals and add timers. It works on every platform from Windows and Mac to Linux.
3. Focus Writer – Free
Verdict: Scrivener allows you to write drafts, organize references, and visualize manuscript on a single platform instead of working with 5 softwares at the same time. And if you are a plotter, Scrivener is probably the best place to get started.
Cons: While it is not as robust as Scrivener and WriteItNow (we’ll come to that soon), it is definitely better than Google Docs when it comes to features.
Microsoft Word is standard for writers as it comes pre-installed on almost every Windows PC. You can begin typing the moment it launches. There are basic formatting options like font size, colors, links, attachments, page layouts and then some other options like exporting in PDF format.
Cons: You normally need an active Internet connection to write in Google Docs, which might be a deal breaker when your Internet goes down or when Google servers are down. Although chances of both of them happening are getting lesser each day.
- Step 1: Print out the BookMap and have a few clean sheets of paper ready.
- Step 2: Use the BookMap template to draw your own map with everything you know about that topic.
- Step 3: Organize those sections to form your book outline.
And for a fiction book, think about what you’re inspired to write! Do you love mysteries, or coming-of-age stories? Are you fascinated with a particular event in history, a specific person, or a concept that can be dramatized in a novel?
Nonfiction example: Maybe you have an anecdote that would serve as a great example for one of the lessons you want to share. In that case, group those 2 things together—they deserve to be in the same chapter.
I want to introduce you to a book-outlining system you can use to dramatically speed up the time it takes to write a book—while making the whole process simpler, easier, and less intimidating.
Book Outline Template Generator
Example: My friend Mindy tried to lose her weight through exercise alone, without changing her diet. And she continued to gain weight—until she finally realized that she needed to change the foods she was putting in her body.
Stories & examples: People learn best from hearing stories about real people overcoming real problems. What stories can you remember that will help you to illustrate your points more effectively?
No matter how you choose to do it, the idea is the same: combine all the related ideas together.