Write a great book prompt

Your prompt is the most important input. Content Sources can help, but the prompt still defines the book.

A simple prompt template

Copy/paste and fill in:

• Topic:
• Target reader: (beginner / intermediate / advanced)
• Reader goal: (what they’ll achieve)
• Scope (include): (key topics you want covered)
• Scope (exclude): (what to avoid)
• Tone: (friendly, direct, academic-lite, etc.)
• Structure: (chapters, sections, exercises, case studies, etc.)
• Style rules: (no hype, avoid buzzwords, use examples, etc.)

“Youbooks can’t read minds” (important)

If you have a very specific book in mind, you must spell out:

• what makes it unique,
• which arguments it must include,
• what it must not say,
• what level of detail you expect.

Otherwise, Youbooks will produce a good “typical” non-fiction book on the topic — which may not match your personal vision.

Tips that improve results fast

• Include a rough TOC in your prompt (even if it’s not perfect).
• Write clear constraints (“avoid X”, “don’t include Y”).
• Add a few examples of the tone you want.
• Keep your scope realistic. “Everything about business” becomes shallow.

If you want the book based on your material

Attach Content Sources — but don’t rely on sources to “force” a viewpoint. Sources influence the writing; they don’t fully override the model.

See: Use sources in a book project

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).