The Writer's Toolkit
Eight practical templates and trackers to plan, draft, revise, and submit your writing.
Whether you're mapping out your first novel or getting a decade-old manuscript ready for submission, sometimes what you need is something practical in front of you: a page to fill in, a checklist to work through, or a template to start from. The Writer's Toolkit is a library of eight resources drawn from tools we use with writers every day, gathered into one place so you can reach for whichever one your project needs, whenever it needs it.
There's no sequence to follow and no assignments to complete. Each worksheet comes with a description walking you through how to use it and a brief example, then it's yours to fill in, adapt, and return to across every project you write.
What's included:
- Character Development Worksheet: build depth into your protagonist before (or while) you draft
- Plot & Structure Templates: three different frameworks (three-act, hero's journey, and a beat sheet) to plan or pressure-test your story
- World-Building Worksheet: or any invented or reimagined setting
- Revision Checklist: a five-step self-editing guide, from big picture structure down to the final proofread
- Query Letter & Synopsis Templates: fill-in templates and structure guidance for approaching agents and publishers
- Style Sheet Template: keep names, places, and timelines consistent as you draft (essential for longer projects and series)
- Submission Tracker: log every submission so nothing falls through the cracks
- Goals & Progress Tracker: set a word-count goal and watch your progress build over time
How does it work?
After enrolling, you'll have instant access to all eight resources. Browse them in any order, use only what your current project needs, and come back to the rest later. There's no schedule to keep and no work to submit for feedback. You're free to fill these in over a weekend or return to them across years of projects.
You'll have lifetime access, so the Toolkit is there whenever your writing needs it.
This course is suitable for writers at any stage, from first-time drafters mapping out their opening chapter to experienced writers preparing a manuscript for submission.
For more information, see our FAQ below.
Course level: Aspiring, Emerging and Developing
Writing NSW members receive a $10 discount on this course. Email us for your discount code. Not a member? Join here.
"It's a good all-round summary of the steps to take when writing a novel and I think it will help me get organised." — Elizabeth (September, 2026)
Your Instructor
Writing NSW is the state’s leading provider of services to writers, including courses, seminars and workshops, writing groups, festivals and events, grants and prizes, and information and advice. A not-for-profit organisation formerly known as the NSW Writers’ Centre, we have been providing quality support to the writers of our state since 1991.