Also, if you are using quick parts on a regular basis it makes sense to store them in a template that is either in your Word Startup folder or in the Building Blocks folder. That way they are always available for all documents. The only ones that should be in document templates are ones that are only applicable to documents based on that template or where you use the same quick part name to apply to different parts depending on which template is attached.

More on AutoText can be found at Automated Boilerplate Using Microsoft Word