Welcome to GRIN’s Writing & Publishing Tools: here you’ll find free templates, checklists, and reflection worksheets for writing and self-publishing. We’ve curated proven tools from our collaboration with authors—so you can gain clarity, strengthen your texts, and make well-informed publishing decisions.
Writing
Make your dialogues come alive! With intention, fear, and subtext, you bring tension and depth to every scene. You can find out exactly how this works in this magazine article.
Supporting characters are more than just a filler: they mirror, complement and expand your story. Learn how to bring them to life with meaning, presence, and attitude.
Conflicts are at the heart of every story. Learn how inner struggles, dilemmas, and anger add depth and tension to your characters.
A non-fiction book doesn’t start with day one of writing — it starts with clarifying the impact you want to create and defining exactly whom you’re writing for. When you know your “why, who, whom, and how,” you’ll automatically write a more impactful and successful book.
Believable romance instead of cliché: here are our best tips on setting, tropes, point of view, and conflict — plus six key scenes that create real emotional impact.
Writing a children’s book may seem easier at first glance than it actually is. Less text, simple language, a straightforward plot – this initially sounds like a compact writing project. In practice, however, the opposite is often true: children are a sensitive, honest, and highly demanding audience.
Planning & Mindset
Before you start writing, you need to know why. Your motivation is the key to staying consistent, overcoming self-doubt, and actually finishing your book.
Whether you’ve been carrying an idea around for ages or you’re still searching, every book idea deserves room to grow. Here’s how to find your entry point—and turn a single thought into the beginning of your book.
Are you writing your own book and thinking about keeping a journal of your writing process along the way? Then you are in exactly the right place. We have gathered the key information for you here.
Do you like to plan your writing projects thoroughly? We have put together the most important information, tips, and tricks on plotting for you here.
Every story takes place in its own small or large world. This is not only true for fantasy or science-fiction novels. That’s why we’ve compiled the most important information about worldbuilding for you here.
Publishing Decisions
The choice of the author’s name is crucial in self-publishing: real name or pseudonym? Find out when which step is worthwhile and how to find a suitable pseudonym for you.
Goodreads and Lovelybooks are the largest reading communities where people share book recommendations. We’ll give you a detailed overview of both so you can decide which one is the best fit for you:
Want to publish your own book? Here are 10 essential things to consider before self-publishing—from cover design and costs to marketing strategy and target audience.
Finding the right image for a book cover is about more than personal taste. A strong cover image immediately communicates genre, mood, and professionalism—and often determines whether readers will take a closer look at your book. We’ll show you how to choose the right motif, which mistakes to avoid, and what to keep in mind when it comes to image rights and cover templates.
Revising
Good self-editing and proofreading give your text more bite: From saving scenes to sharpening conflicts to deleting filler words – your manuscript will be stronger.
Beta readers can significantly improve your manuscript—if you use them the right way. Learn how to find the right readers, ask better questions, and turn feedback into real improvements.
Simply choose what supports you most right now—and download it straight away. Enjoy!
Do you like our magazine? Then sign up for our GRIN newsletter now!
Do you have any questions or
do you need help?
Simply give us a call or write to us:
We are happy to assist you personally.
