Free Book Templates in Microsoft Word
Get your manuscript into a professional layout—fast. Our free Microsoft Word book templates come pre-set with the right trim sizes, margins, gutters, and styles, so your file is ready for smooth printing and fewer proof rounds.
Why Use Our Word Templates
- Correct margins & gutters for perfect binding and clean trim
- Real book sizes (e.g., 5″×8″, 5.5″×8.5″, 6″×9″, A5) pre-configured
- Heading/body text styles set for consistency and easy updates
- Pagination & sections ready for front matter, chapters, and back matter
- Printer-friendly defaults to reduce rework and keep costs down
What’s Included
- Template files for popular trade sizes (paperback & hardcover interiors)
- Sample chapter pages, title page, copyright page, and TOC style
- Paragraph and character styles (body, headings, captions, quotes)
- Guidance notes inside the template for quick orientation
How to Use the Templates (Quick Start)
- Download the template that matches your chosen trim size.
- Paste your manuscript (Paste and Keep Text Only to inherit styles).
- Insert high-resolution images (300 dpi at final size).
- Export to PDF/X with fonts embedded and 3 mm bleed if images touch the edge.
- Upload your interior PDF and separate cover spread to get a print quote.
Need help with the cover? See How to create a cover in Word or use our Word cover calculators.
File Prep Tips (Save Time & Reprints)
- Use our Book Fonts guide to choose readable faces and set line spacing.
- Check safe areas with the Book Margins Calculator.
- Pick a suitable stock via Paper Types (uncoated for novels, coated for image-heavy).
- Keep body text 100% K; reserve rich black for large solids.
- Name files clearly:
Title_Author_INTERIOR_v1.pdf,Title_Author_COVER_v1.pdf
Popular Trim Sizes Covered
| Trim size | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 5″×8″ | 127×203 mm | Compact fiction & memoir |
| 5.5″×8.5″ | 140×216 mm | Versatile trade |
| 6″×9″ | 152×229 mm | Non-fiction, manuals |
| A5 | 148×210 mm | Handbooks, chapbooks |
Common Questions
Can I customise styles and spacing?
Yes—update the master styles once and the whole document follows.
Do you provide templates for photo-heavy books?
Use the same templates, but confirm image placement and allow extra bleed; consider coated stocks.
Will these templates work on Mac and Windows?
Yes—built for Word on both platforms. Just check font availability or embed fonts in the PDF.
Do I need different templates for hardcover vs paperback?
Interiors are usually the same size; your cover file differs. Ask us for a cover size guide based on page count and paper stock.
Next Steps
- Download the Word template for your trim size
- Format your manuscript with the built-in styles
- Export print-ready PDFs and request a tiered quote (100/250/500/1000)
- Order a proof, then schedule your launch or preorders
Resources:
Book Margins Calculator:
/author-resources/resources/book-margins-calculator
Paper Types:
/author-resources/book-components/paper-types
Book Fonts:
/author-resources/the-book-printing-process-explained/book-fonts
Budget Paperback Calculator:
/instant-quotation/budget-paperbacks
Premium Paperback Calculator:
/instant-quotation/perfect-bound-books
