Free Downloads

Writing Templates

Professional templates to organize and plan your writing projects

All templates are free to download. Markdown format works directly in Author's Forge or any text editor.

How to Use Templates in Author's Forge

Get started in under a minute

Download the Template

Click the download button on any template below. The file will save as a .md (Markdown) file.

Copy to a Bookshelf

Make sure you have at least one Bookshelf in Author's Forge (create one if you don't). Then, using Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows), go to your Library folder → Bookshelves → your bookshelf, and copy the .md file into its notes folder.

Restart Author's Forge

Close and reopen Author's Forge. Your new template will appear under Notes for that bookshelf!

Need more help? Check out our detailed guide on Using Templates in Author's Forge for step-by-step instructions with screenshots.

Planning

Markdown

Novel Outline Template

A comprehensive three-act structure template with chapter breakdowns, scene cards, and story beats.

Three-act structure guide
Chapter breakdown sheets
Scene planning cards
Story beat tracker

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Characters

Markdown

Character Profile Sheet

Deep-dive character development worksheet covering personality, backstory, motivations, and relationships.

Physical description section
Personality traits & quirks
Backstory timeline
Relationship mapper

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World Building

Markdown

World Building Guide

Comprehensive template for creating rich fantasy and sci-fi worlds with consistent rules and history.

Geography & climate planner
Culture & society builder
Magic/tech system framework
Historical timeline

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Publishing

Markdown

Query Letter Template

Professional format for agent submissions with examples and guidelines for each section.

Hook formula guide
Synopsis structure
Bio section template
Sample queries

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Planning

Markdown

Series Bible Template

Keep track of all the details across your book series with this comprehensive continuity tracker.

Character tracking sheets
Timeline tracker
Plot thread manager
Continuity checklist

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Planning

Markdown

Short Story Planner

Streamlined planning template designed specifically for short fiction with tight structure.

Single-scene breakdown
Word count tracker
Theme exploration
Ending variations

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