Overview
Learn how to use the Book Outline feature to generate comprehensive book outlines based on your customer research.
The Book Outline feature is an essential time-saving tool that performs best with your thoughtful oversight and input. This guide walks you through the complete process of generating a book outline.
Prerequisites
Before starting, complete the following preparation:
Watch Module 3's lesson titled "Book Outline" to learn what a strong and detailed outline should look like
Complete your customer research to understand your target audience
Review the Book Title lesson in Module 3 if you need guidance on title creation
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Main Book Title
Add a working main book title for your book.
Requirements:
Does not need to be your final title
Must include your POC (Proof of Concept)
Must include important target audience information
If you need help: Watch the Book Title lesson in Module 3 for guidance on writing effective titles.
Step 2: Subtitle
Enter the subtitle for your book.
Requirements:
Does not need to be final
Should follow the structure taught in the Book Title lesson in Module 3
Important Content Moderation Note:
The software includes content moderation to ensure words align with Amazon's terms and conditions
Do not use offensive words or profanity in your title
Do not attempt to test the software's limits - this will flag your user account within Publishing.ai
Step 3: Your Vision for the Book
Provide your book vision and desired writing style to guide the AI models.
What is a Book Vision?
Your book vision helps ensure the final work aligns with your initial goals. Use this space to:
Define the core message or theme
Establish your unique perspective
Visualize the impact you want to create
You can write your vision in any format:
Bullet points
Full sentences
Paragraphs
Any combination of the above
ChatGPT Assistance Template
If you need help writing your vision, use this template with ChatGPT:
"I would like to provide a [transformative/comprehensive/informative/etc.] guide for [audience] seeking to [understand/manage/achieve/etc.] [core message]. It should include [actionable strategies, insights, exercises, etc.] to [specific goal or outcome]. It is important to draw from [source of knowledge or perspective] and provide relatable examples and case studies, following the outline structure and details. I aim to [shift the narrative/offer a new perspective/etc.] around [topic] from [current perception] to [desired perception], showing that [key insight]. This book aims to [educate/inspire/uplift/etc.], offering a path to [specific benefits or outcomes]."
Example Vision Statement
Topic: Anger Management Book
Vision: "I would like to provide a transformative guide for individuals seeking to understand and manage their anger effectively. It should include actionable strategies to navigate their feelings constructively. Drawing from the latest psychological research and providing relatable examples is important. I aim to shift the narrative around anger from shame and frustration to empowerment and understanding, showing that properly managed anger can force positive change. This book aims to educate and uplift, offering a path to emotional resilience and a more harmonious life."
Step 4: Reading Level
Tailor your content to match your audience's comprehension skills.
How to Select: Click the reading level box to open the drop-down menu.
Reading Level Options:
1. Young Reader
Target Grade: 6-7
Age Range: Readers as young as 10 years old
Best for: Content requiring simple, engaging language
2. Average
Target Grade: 8-10
Best for: Most book reader audiences
Recommendation: Choose this if unsure about your target readability
3. Advanced
Target Grade: 11-12
Best for: Technical topics, Finance and Tech niches
Most popular choice for specialized subjects
Note: Reading levels are based on ARI (Automated Readability Index) scoring. If unsure about your audience, refer to your customer research report.
Step 5: Number of Chapters
Set the projected number of chapters for your book if you have a desired amount.
Default Setting:
Default number: 8 chapters
Rationale: Ensures each chapter covers a cohesive idea while maintaining reader engagement within 30,000 words
Custom Settings
Manual selection: Choose any number based on your content needs
Software behavior: Our AI will do its best to fit generated content within that number of chapters you have selected. For example, if you are creating a 10-step process, select 10 chapters
Note: You can always edit chapters and content after outline generation using Edit Mode (toggle on top right).
Step 6: Author Biography
Include an optional author bio in your book's introduction.
Benefits of Including a Bio:
Engages readers with your background
Establishes credibility and expertise
Creates connection with your audience
What to Include:
Facts and information about yourself
Accomplishments and achievements
Relevant experience in your topic area
Any credentials that support your expertise
Note: The AI will transform your input into a cohesive, professional bio.
Step 7: Create and Generate Outline
Click the Create button to begin outline generation!
Timeline:
Typical duration: 11-16 minutes
Variable factors: Current software usage may affect timing
Progress Tracking:
Loading bar shows generation progress
Page flexibility: You can leave and return when complete
Notifications: You'll receive alerts within Publishing.ai and via email
Copying Options:
Full outline: Click the Copy button at top right
Specific sections: Highlight text and use Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
Multiple Versions:
Regeneration: Click Create again if you would like to generate new results
Version tracking: The outline shows "V1 of 2 Generations" or "V2 of 2 Generations"
The visible version is what the AI will use for next steps
Using the Generated Outline
Text Editor Features
Editing Capabilities:
Move sections around as needed
Click sections to add or modify text
Paste content from external documents
Type new text directly into sections
If you want to learn more about our outline text editor, please click here!
Formatting Guidelines
Use bullet points when adding content to maintain consistency
Sections are separated and formatted automatically
Bold formatting applied to section titles automatically
Finalizing Your Outline
Before Proceeding:
Review thoroughly to ensure alignment with your book goals
Make necessary refinements using the text editor
Verify chapter order and content organization
Important: You cannot change chapter order or outline content after proceeding
Continuation Process:
Click Continue when ready for writing sample
Confirm with "Yes, finalize" in the pop-up
REMINDER: It is always best to read through the outline to ensure it aligns with what you want this book to be about, as it may need further refinement.
If you feel something in this guide is missing, please let us know by contacting support@publishing.com and sharing your feedback!