"Google Docs Book Template: Does it Exist?"

Anna Aug 03, 2026

If you're planning to write a book and are considering using Google Docs for its extensive features and easy collaboration, you might be wondering, "Does Google Docs have a book template?" Google Docs doesn't offer a dedicated book template like Microsoft Word, but it doesn't mean you can't create a well-structured book using Google Docs. Let's explore how to format your book in Google Docs.

the novel book template 2 google docs is shown in black and white, with an image
the novel book template 2 google docs is shown in black and white, with an image

Despite not having a built-in book template, Google Docs is a powerful word processor that can accommodate your book-writing needs. By understanding its features and using some workarounds, you can create a professional-looking book document.

The Prettiest Google Docs Templates
The Prettiest Google Docs Templates

Using Section Breaks for Book Formatting

One of the most useful features in Google Docs to create a book structure is the Section Break. This feature allows you to set different text flows and page breaks, mimicking the structure of a book with distinct chapters, parts, or even different pagination styles.

How to Format a Book in Google Docs
How to Format a Book in Google Docs

To insert a Section Break, go to 'Insert' in the menu, click on 'Break,' and choose the type of section break you need, like 'Next Page' or 'Odd Page.'

Formatting Book Chapters

a white sign that says use this template to easily write your novel on google docs
a white sign that says use this template to easily write your novel on google docs

Google Docs doesn't provide automatic chapter formatting, but you can create a consistent chapter format by adjusting the heading styles. Use the 'Heading 1' style for chapters and customize it with numbers, like 'Chapter 1.' The 'Heading 2' style can be used for chapter subheadings or sections.

Here's how to format headings: Select the text, click on 'Format' in the menu, then choose 'Paragraph styles,' and select the desired heading format.

Creating a Table of Contents

a computer screen with the text how i format my docs for manuscript writing google docs
a computer screen with the text how i format my docs for manuscript writing google docs

Google Docs doesn't automatically generate a Table of Contents (ToC) like some other word processors, but you can create one manually or use an add-on. To create a ToC manually, use heading styles, then copy and paste the headings into a new page to format your ToC.

For a more automated approach, use an add-on like ' Tables of Contents' by 'sccolo.com.' This add-on automatically generates a ToC based on your heading styles.

Designing Your Book Cover in Google Slides

Meet the Google Doc Checklist Feature - Building Book Love
Meet the Google Doc Checklist Feature - Building Book Love

While you can't design book covers directly in Google Docs, you can use Google Slides to create a beautiful book cover. Google Slides offers a wide range of templates, formatting tools, and images that you can use to design a professional book cover.

Once you've designed your cover, you can export it as a PDF and insert it into your Google Docs book document.

Make a book with me!!📓💘
Make a book with me!!📓💘
the book review page is shown in this graphic style, with an image of a plant and
the book review page is shown in this graphic style, with an image of a plant and
an open book with the title how to format google docs like a novel file page setup
an open book with the title how to format google docs like a novel file page setup
several different colored folders with the title 24 extremely useful google docs templates
several different colored folders with the title 24 extremely useful google docs templates
an orange and yellow business letterhead with the words degenkler on it
an orange and yellow business letterhead with the words degenkler on it
the novel book template for google docs
the novel book template for google docs
How to Make a Book on Google Docs - Edutechspot
How to Make a Book on Google Docs - Edutechspot
Google Docs Book Template - [ FREE ] Edutechspot
Google Docs Book Template - [ FREE ] Edutechspot
10 Neat Ways to Create Beautiful Google Documents
10 Neat Ways to Create Beautiful Google Documents

Adding a Title Page

To create a title page in Google Docs, format a page with your book title, author name, and any other essential information. You can use Google Fonts or upload custom fonts to customize your title page. Make sure to adjust the line spacing, font sizes, and alignment for a clean and professional look.

Remember to set a different page orientation for your title page if your book requires it. Go to 'File,' then 'Page setup,' and choose the desired orientation.

Google Docs, while not offering a dedicated book template, provides sufficient tools and features to help you create a professional book document. By using section breaks, heading styles, and incorporating your book cover and title page, you can format your book in Google Docs. Happy writing!