Author Publishing Templates: Seven Editable Worksheets and Downloads
Publishing a book involves many small decisions that become difficult to manage when they are scattered across email, loose notes and half-finished documents. The Author Rise publishing templates turn those decisions into seven editable worksheets. Use the files to organize your next action, prepare a clearer brief for a collaborator, and keep the approved details of your book in one place.
Start with the worksheet that matches the task in front of you. You do not need to fill every file before you can make progress.
Download the author worksheet pack
Download all seven worksheets (ZIP) →
The ZIP contains seven Excel files and a short starting guide. Each worksheet can also be downloaded separately below.
Choose the worksheet for your next publishing task
| Worksheet | What you can do | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Publishing checklist | Track production tasks, owners and final checks. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Launch planner | Calculate planned dates from your release date. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Media kit | Prepare your bio, book facts and publicity assets. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Book description | Draft and review reader-facing copy. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Metadata record | Keep approved listing details and verification notes. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Promotion planner | Plan outreach and record observed results. | Download Excel worksheet |
| Author business | Organize deliverables, partners and document locations. | Download Excel worksheet |
How to open and use the files
- Download one worksheet or extract the ZIP pack on your device.
- Open the Excel file in your spreadsheet application. If you use Google Sheets, import the file and review its layout and formulas after conversion. Google explains the Excel-to-Sheets workflow.
- Save a separate copy for the book or project you are working on.
- Fill in the pale-yellow entry cells. Keep approved facts separate from rough ideas and mark a task Done only after you have checked the result.
- Return to your file regularly and update the next action, owner and due date.
These are downloadable working files. Your edits stay in your saved copy; they do not automatically update an Author Rise account or a shared profile.
Make the launch planner work for your schedule
Enter a real publication date in cell B6. The planned-date column calculates from that date and the day offsets in column A. A positive offset means days before release; a negative offset means days after release. Change the offsets to fit your production timetable. Leave the publication date blank while it is undecided, rather than planning around a date you cannot meet.
Use the checklist to prepare a better handover
The publishing checklist gives you a sequence from manuscript decisions to the review of live listings. Assign an owner and deadline where another person is responsible. Use the Notes column for the location of approved files, outstanding questions or the reason a task does not apply. A completed count helps you see progress, but it does not replace checking the final cover, interior and retailer listing.
Connect your description, metadata and media kit
Draft the reader-facing description in its writing worksheet, then copy the approved version into the metadata record and media kit. Record which format or edition each identifier belongs to. When a title, release date or public contact route changes, update every place that uses it. Check current platform rules before submitting; KDP's metadata guidelines are one useful platform-specific reference.
Keep promotion practical and repeatable
Plan one reader-focused message per row. Include a clear next action, the asset or link you need, and the result you actually observed. Do not label a channel successful simply because you posted frequently. Keep the tasks you can repeat sustainably and use your own results to decide what to try next.
What should I do first?
If the manuscript is still changing, begin with the publishing checklist. If publication is scheduled, start with the launch planner. If someone asks about your book, prepare the description and media kit. Choose one small task, complete it, and return to the library for the next guide.
Keep your publishing work moving
Explore all seven author worksheets or return to the Author Rise Resource Library.
Need a collaborator or professional support? Browse the Author Rise Directory →. Agree scope, deliverables and any fees directly with the person you choose.