Best Workbooks for Writers (2026): 5 Picks Compared, Plus 5 More

A novelist stuck on chapter nine usually needs a plan more than another craft essay, so the best workbooks for writers give you prompts to fill in. We compared what each listing publishes: author, page count, publication date, series position and description.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Only Plotting Workbook by Holladay	9.8/10	Buy
2	Outlining Workbook by Weiland	9.7/10	Buy
3	Writer's Workbook by Hanika	9.6/10	Buy
4	Psychology Workbook by Smith	9.6/10	Buy
5	Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Brody	9.5/10	Buy

1

The Only Plotting Workbook by Holladay

T.M. Holladay·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For novelists and screenwriters who want to map a plot before drafting, using worksheets for 10 plotting methods.

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Pros

• Worksheets for 10 plotting methods, with timelines and scene maps
• 55 scene worksheets and calendar sheets for tracking the story
• The description says it works before, during and after drafting

Cons

• Scratch note pages pad each section, so some pages are spare space
• Plot-focused, with separate volumes named for character and world building
• The listing states no reading age or grade level

2

Outlining Workbook by Weiland

K.M. Weiland·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For novelists who want guided exercises that turn a story idea into a working outline.

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Pros

• Hundreds of questions and exercises on premise, characters and scenes
• Covers plot holes and brainstorming for new plot possibilities
• 142 pages, a compact length for a planning workbook

Cons

• Book 2 of 12 in the Helping Writers Become Authors series
• Builds on the author's earlier Outlining Your Novel
• Published November 12, 2014, with no newer edition stated

3

Writer's Workbook by Hanika

Tanja Hanika·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For authors plotting a novel who want checklists and planning structures in one notebook.

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Pros

• Second revised edition with new worksheets and a glossary
• Covers character development, plot structure and marketing plans
• Checklists and planning structures run throughout, per the description

Cons

• The listing title carries a German subtitle, so confirm the language
• Published July 22, 2017, with no date given for the second edition
• Includes marketing plans, which some novelists will not need

4

Psychology Workbook by Smith

Darian Smith·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For writers who want psychology applied to characters and story conflict, with two worksheets per chapter.

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Pros

• Two worksheets per chapter, one for characters and one for the story
• The description says the author holds a psychology degree
• 90 pages, the shortest listing in this article

Cons

• Focuses on characters and conflict, so plot structure gets less space
• Published August 17, 2015, with no newer edition stated
• The listing gives no chapter count or contents list to check

5

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Brody

Jessica Brody·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For novelists who want a story-structure method built on 15 plot beats, written as a guide.

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Pros

• Lays out 15 plot beats, from the opening image to the finale
• Covers ten story genres alongside the beats, per the description
• 320 pages, the longest of the five picks

Cons

• No worksheets or exercises are mentioned in the listing
• Applies a screenwriting method to novels, so beats may need adapting
• Published October 9, 2018, with no newer edition stated

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More picks to compare

• Character Keeper by TallstruntFor writers tracking up to 50 characters, with space for portraits and notes.Check on Amazon
• A Writer's Workbook by SharpFor writers wanting daily warm-up exercises to focus and make progress.Check on Amazon
• Creative Writing Workbook by YehFor writers wanting a full course in fiction, poetry and life writing, with readings.Check on Amazon
• Character Development Sheets by MarloweFor writers who want printed profiles for 20 characters, covering history, traits and goals.Check on Amazon
• The Persuasive Writer by LisserFor grades 7 to 12 students and homeschool families learning five-paragraph essays.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the five picks lists a reading age or grade level, so that part adds nothing to any score. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best workbooks for writers

Start with the stage of the book

Plotting and outlining workbooks suit a writer with an idea but no structure yet, as The Only Plotting Workbook does. The Psychology Workbook for Writers suits a writer working on characters and conflict.

Check the format before you buy

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is a method book, and its listing mentions no worksheets, so pair it with a planning workbook. For more craft reading, browse fiction books and nonfiction books.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date and whether the listing names a newer edition.
• For a series, check the book number, such as Book 2 of 12 for the Outlining Your Novel Workbook.
• Check the contents against your reader, since none of these listings states a reading age or grade level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which workbook should a writer start with?

Start with your stage: The Only Plotting Workbook covers plot planning, and the Outlining Your Novel Workbook covers premise, character and scene exercises.

Do these workbooks include an answer key?

None of the listings states an answer key, so check the contents before you buy.

Is Save the Cat! Writes a Novel a workbook?

No. The listing describes a story-structure guide built on 15 plot beats.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Only Plotting Workbook by Holladay

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