Quick start: create your first book

This is the fastest “good default” workflow.

Step 1 — Decide what book you want

Write 2–3 sentences:

• Who is the reader?
• What problem does the book solve?
• What should the reader be able to do after reading?

Step 2 — Write your book prompt

Go to New Book and write a prompt. It can be:

• as short as a title, or
• as long as a detailed outline (recommended).

Tip: If you already have a TOC you like, paste it into the prompt. Youbooks may not follow it perfectly, but it helps.

See: Write a great book prompt

Step 3 — (Optional) Add Content Sources

Sources are optional — but useful if you want the book grounded in your own material.

To attach sources to a book project, you must create them first:

• Go to Content Sources
• Upload text documents
• Wait until the source status is Ready
• Then select up to 3 sources in your book project form

See: Create a Content Source

Step 4 — Pick style (optional)

• No Style: default voice based on your prompt
• Style Prompt: reusable style instructions
• Human Model (+20%): stronger style emulation

Step 5 — Choose word count + structure

• Pick a realistic word count.
• Use the structure slider to choose:
  • many short chapters (narrow topics)
  • balanced
  • few long chapters (broad coverage)

Step 6 — Submit the project

After you submit:

• If you didn’t request TOC approval, you can leave and come back later.
• If you requested TOC approval, check back ~5–10 minutes later to approve/edit the TOC.

See: Request TOC Approval

Step 7 — Download and polish

When delivered, download MD (Markdown) or DOCX and do your final edits.

See: Downloads & file formats

Need help?

Use the support chat widget (bottom-right in the app), or email master@youbooks.com.

If you’re asking about a specific book, include your Project ID (you’ll find it on the book’s page).