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Guide: Book Outlines

Learn how to use the Book Outline feature.

Landon avatar
Written by Landon
Updated over a week ago

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:

  1. Review thoroughly to ensure alignment with your book goals

  2. Make necessary refinements using the text editor

  3. Verify chapter order and content organization

  4. Important: You cannot change chapter order or outline content after proceeding

Continuation Process:

  1. Click Continue when ready for writing sample

  2. 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!

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