I can tell you how I would do it:
[code]\usepackage{lettrine}
\lettrine[lines=3,findent=0.5em,nindent=0pt]{T}{he word processor}, that staple of writers’ tools…
[/code]
Result:
[size=80]It’s not quite the right look for the manual, I think, but I could be happy with that result![/size]
It took me five minutes to look that up, download the letterine documentation and type in an example that looked good to my eyes; very easy! Granted, it may take one more than a few hours to learn LaTeX though. 
Sorry, I don’t have much by way of InDesign knowledge. I did a few quick searches for keywords like “+indesign rtf docx import book novel template” and came up with what appeared to be a good amount of tutorials, articles and tips for those getting into the process for the first time. Let us know if you find any good resources!