Free pack

Your Google Docs Novel Template

Stop juggling a hundred documents. Download the ready-made file, or make one folder and copy each block below into its own Google Doc.

Download the whole template

One file with the story bible, outline, progress tracker, reader notes and chapter page, ready to fill in. Prefer Word or Pages? It works there too.

Download the template (.docx)

For Google Docs: upload the file to Google Drive, then right-click it and choose Open with, Google Docs.

Or copy each block below straight into a Google Doc.

1. Folder layout

Make one folder in Google Drive for the whole book, with these inside.

MY NOVEL (folder)
  00 - Read me (this page)
  01 - Story bible (premise, characters, setting)
  02 - Outline
  03 - Manuscript (one doc per chapter: Ch 01, Ch 02 ...)
  04 - Research and notes
  05 - Feedback from readers

2. Story bible

One doc. Fill this in once, then update it as the story changes.

WORKING TITLE:
GENRE:
ONE-SENTENCE STORY: When ____ happens, a ____ must ____ or else ____.
WHO IS IT FOR:
POINT OF VIEW AND TENSE:
SETTING (where and when):
THEME (what is it really about):

MAIN CHARACTER
  Name:
  Wants (outer goal):
  Needs (inner change):
  Fear:
  What stands in the way:

OTHER CHARACTERS (name, role, one detail you will remember)
  -
  -

3. Outline (three acts)

You do not need every scene. Start with these turning points.

ACT ONE (about 25%)
  Opening image:
  The ordinary world:
  The event that changes everything:
  The choice to go in:

ACT TWO (about 50%)
  First big obstacle:
  Midpoint (a surprise that changes the game):
  Everything falls apart:

ACT THREE (about 25%)
  The final push:
  The climax:
  The new normal:

4. Chapter doc header

Paste this at the top of every chapter doc so you always know where you are.

CHAPTER ___    WORD COUNT: ____    STATUS: draft / revised / done
POV character:
Where and when:
What happens (one line):
What changes by the end:
---

5. Reader notes tracker

One table in one doc. Log each reader, what they said and what you will change.

READER | CHAPTERS READ | LOVED | CONFUSED OR BORED | WILL I CHANGE IT?
-------|---------------|-------|-------------------|-----------------

Count your words automatically

Link your finished Google Doc to Scribley and it will count the words for you each time you sync. We only keep the number.

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