Novel Planning Workbook: Just Write
Updated: 5/19/2026
Do you have a powerful story idea, but need help drafting a novel? Our editing staff put together a FREE printable to guide you through the outlining and drafting process. Introducing, our novel planning workbook: Just Write is a 60-page guided planner. A tool you can use to write the first draft of your fiction manuscript. We’ve included a variety of templates and story building tools so you can create a concise and compelling story.
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Here’s a sneak peek of the printable! 👇
It's Live
📖✒️
It's Live 📖✒️
This is the first edition of our novel planning workbook; a free printable for our loyal subscribers. The planner was launched on September 8th!
Not on the email list, but you’re ready to write a first draft? Join below!
Update: The workbook is live. Grab it today!👇
What’s included in this novel writing planner?
Just Write is a 60-page writing workbook. Inside the planner, you get these templates:
Goals Page
Checklist
Research Page
Short Outline Template
Long Outline Template
3-Act Story Structure Template
Character Profiles
Worldbuilding Template
Scene Cards
Music Playlist Sheet
Blank Calendar
Word Count Tracker
Lined Note Pages
This novel planning workbook is designed to help you write the first draft of your book. However, a story is a story, and this planner can be used for short stories, novellas, and screenplays. Just Write is a tool for writers ready to outline the first draft of their story. You get to customize it however you see fit. The only limitation to this planner is that it’s only designed for fiction. However, this includes all fiction— that’s right, you can easily utilize this workbook if you’re writing a fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, or other fiction subgenres.
The heart of this planner aims to help you create a cast of characters that embark on a journey of change—to build a world that imbues themes into the narrative.
If you’re writing non-fiction, let us know in the comments below if you’d like a workbook guide. We are happy to brainstorm some ideas and provide one.
Why did we create a novel workbook?
Writing a book can take years; it’s an endeavor that consumes a lot of time. Simply put: sitting to express a memorable story that fulfills character arcs, has a seamless plot, all the while imbuing theme throughout—is hard. We wanted to give writers a guide to walk them through the drafting process—to nail down essential story beats.
The first step to creating an impactful book is understanding story structure. If you don’t know it, the road to publication is far more challenging than simply taking the time to understand what makes up a story. How do you learn that? You write—you take tools such as this one and write a book—and you study them.
When I started out as a new writer, I struggled to understand why my stories weren’t working, and why I left so many unfinished projects behind. I didn’t understand how to utilize story structure. Since I didn’t know what made up a story, I never outlined. I pantsed to my heart's content until I finally had enough of watching my dream dissipate by half-finished manuscripts. I started outlining my story ideas. And it worked.
Prior to outlining, my dream to publish was fogged by my inability to take the time to learn the craft, so I started reading, then I wrote analysis after analysis of those books I read — I wrote about structure, theme, character development, metaphor, etc. I truly learned from those before me. Then, I felt compelled to write again. Because of all those lessons, my writing significantly improved, as did my intuitive storytelling skills.
Then, I had an idea. I was galvanized to create this workbook because I seek to help other writers finish their first drafts, like I did. Writing a book is possible, but it takes time, practice, and patience.
What makes our novel workbook different from others?
Our editing staff strategically designed this guided novel workbook for concise, clear, and thoughtful story outlining. Every page is formulated to help you craft a compelling first draft, using what we believe are the most crucial aspects of storytelling. Writing a novel can take years; you don’t have time to waste on random worksheets that won’t further your narrative.
We also break down two types of stories with the guided 3-Act Story Structure template so you can understand each beat on a deeper level. It’s one thing to follow a worksheet, but we give you story examples, showing you how they are applied in real narratives. We believe that if writers understand how the beats are utilized in other stories, they can wield them within their own work. This template helps you break down each pertinent story beat so you can start to recognize them on a functional and practical level. We study two types of fiction stories: contemporary and fantasy.
Just Write: A Novel Planning Workbook is a tested guide that we use to craft a first draft. We want you to return to this tool for every fiction project you write.
What do you do after completing the novel planner?
After you use the planner to draft your novel, it’s time to sit and write it. Return to the workbook if you ever get stuck; it’s a tool you can always refer to.
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to grab your copy!
It’s time to draft your next great story—the world needs your book!
Also…
UPDATE: Do you want to join a community of writers? Join our writing sprints on our new Discord server through our Patreon. We hope to see you in the writing room!
What to do when you’re ready to edit the manuscript?
Download this checklist; it’s our guide to self-editing a novel.
Once you’ve finished writing the first draft and completed some self-edits to your manuscript, feel free to send us a message. Let’s get your new story evaluated through our editorial assessment services.
If you are looking for 1:1 collaboration, we offer fiction book coaching services and are always excited to dive into new projects. Send us a message!
Now, you have all the information and tools, it’s time to Just Write!
Good luck, writer.
Meet your Editor,
Serena Montoya
Serena is the founder, content manager, lead book editor/writing coach, an indie author, and film producer. She specializes in fiction, short stories, poetry, and children’s books. Learn more about our editors and get in touch with us today.
Serena’s fascination for stories blossomed in adolescence—books were the remedy to life’s overgrown weeds. Now, she’s on a mission to give readers what stories always offered her: inspiration and connectivity. She’s fulfilling that journey by writing her own fiction and helping authors hone the heartbeat in their stories through her book services.
