eBook Creation

Create Your First eBook with These Free ChatGPT Writing Prompts

Create Your First eBook with These Free ChatGPT Writing Prompts
13 Aug

If you’ve been meaning to write an eBook but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. The blank page can be tough. The good news is you can use free ChatGPT prompts to plan, outline, draft, and polish your book—without getting stuck. Think of ChatGPT as a helpful assistant: it won’t replace your voice, but it can speed up the parts that feel slow or messy.

In this guide, you’ll get a complete prompt toolkit for each stage of your project. We’ll cover topic ideas, outlines, chapter drafting, research helpers, editing, and even the small things like your title, subtitle, and back-of-book description. You’ll also see how to package your finished draft, make a simple cover, and share your eBook with readers.

A simple way to use ChatGPT (without losing your voice)

Before we jump into the eBook writing prompts, a quick mindset check:

  • Keep the ideas yours. Use prompts to generate structure and options, then shape them in your own words.
  • Fact-check. If your book includes claims, verify them and add your sources.
  • Add stories. Personal examples make even basic topics feel fresh.
  • Revise in rounds. Draft first, refine later. Don’t aim for perfect on pass one.

Now, let’s build your eBook step by step.

Step 1: Pick a focused topic readers actually want

Broad topics create broad drafts. Choose a narrow promise and write toward it. Use these prompts to find a direction.

Topic-finding prompts

Prompt: “Act as a helpful writing coach. Give me 10 narrow eBook topic ideas for [audience], focused on solving [problem] in 1–2 hours of reading. Aim for practical, step-by-step outcomes.”
Prompt: “List 10 common mistakes [audience] makes when trying to [goal]. Turn each mistake into an eBook topic with a clear result.”
Prompt: “Based on this working title — ‘[Working Title]’ — suggest 5 tighter variations that promise one specific outcome.”

AI writing tips: If results look generic, add constraints: “for beginners,” “using free tools,” “with templates,” or “without a website.” Constraints sharpen the topic quickly.

Step 2: Define the reader and the outcome

A clear reader makes your tone and examples easier. Use a short persona prompt, then build a one-line promise.

Audience & promise prompts

Prompt: “Create a short reader profile for my eBook: [audience, industry, skill level]. Include: key goal, 3 pain points, 3 constraints (time, budget, tools).”
Prompt: “Given this profile, write one sentence that finishes ‘After reading this book, you will be able to…’ Use simple language.”

Keep that promise at the top of your draft. Everything you write should support it.

Step 3: Outline your eBook (three options to choose from)

Outlines keep you from wandering. Ask for two or three outline shapes and pick the one that feels easiest to write.

Outline prompts

Prompt: “Propose 3 different outlines (8–10 sections each) for an eBook that helps [audience] achieve [outcome]. Label sections with verbs. Keep it practical.”
Prompt: “Take outline #2 and add bullets under each section: what to teach, a small example, and an action step.”
Prompt: “Suggest where checklists, worksheets, or short templates would help the reader. Name each asset.”

Choose your outline, then copy it into your document. That’s your roadmap.

Step 4: Draft chapter by chapter (use the ‘teach → example → action’ loop)

You don’t need to write long chapters. Aim for a steady rhythm:

  • Teach: 1–3 short paragraphs
  • Example: one small story, screenshot idea, or mini case
  • Action: a checklist or quick task

Chapter drafting prompts

Prompt: “Using this outline section: [paste section], write a 600–800 word draft that follows ‘teach → example → action’. Keep the tone friendly and simple. Use short paragraphs and bullets when useful. Leave [brackets] where I should insert my personal example.”
Prompt: “Condense the draft above into a 5-bullet ‘Quick Recap’ and a 3-step ‘Try This Now’ list.”

Tip: Always add at least one real story from your own work. That’s what makes your book yours.

Step 5: Add helpful assets (checklists, templates, and worksheets)

Readers love tools they can use right away. Generate them as you draft.

Asset prompts

Prompt: “From chapter [X], create a one-page checklist (10–15 lines) a beginner could follow. Keep each line to one action.”
Prompt: “Turn chapter [Y] into a printable worksheet with labeled sections the reader can fill in.”

If you plan to publish your eBook as a PDF, you can style these pages in Canva afterward. (See: Beginner Tips for Designing eBook Covers with Free Tools.)

Step 6: Keep the tone steady (and plain)

Tone shifts make a draft feel patched together. Ask ChatGPT for a tone guide, then apply it during revisions.

Voice & tone prompts

Prompt: “Based on my audience and promise (below), write a 6-bullet tone guide with examples: vocabulary, sentence length, transitions, and how to explain a concept simply. Audience: [profile]. Promise: [one-line outcome].”
Prompt: “Rewrite this paragraph in the tone guide above. Keep the meaning, remove filler, and avoid buzzwords: [paste paragraph].”

Step 7: Explain concepts with simple analogies

If your topic gets technical, use simple comparisons.

Analogy prompts

Prompt: “Create 5 analogies to explain [concept] to a beginner. Keep them short and based on everyday objects or routines.”
Prompt: “Take analogy #2 and expand it into two plain-language paragraphs with an example.”

Pick one you like; delete the rest.

Step 8: Add short stories and case studies

Stories keep readers engaged and show your advice in action.

Story prompts

Prompt: “Suggest 5 short story angles showing someone going from [starting point] to [result]. Each angle should fit in 150–200 words and end with a clear lesson.”
Prompt: “Draft a 180-word case vignette for this chapter using angle #3. Leave [brackets] where I should insert a personal detail.”

Replace the placeholders with your own details before publishing.

Step 9: Build your title, subtitle, and back-of-book description

Readers scan these first. Keep them clear and honest.

Title & subtitle prompts

Prompt: “Generate 12 title options and matching subtitles for an eBook that helps [audience] achieve [outcome] using free tools. Keep titles 3–6 words and subtitles under 14 words.”

Back-cover blurb

Prompt: “Write a 120–140 word book description: who it’s for, what they’ll learn, and one or two concrete results. Keep it simple.”

Choose one set and tweak the language until it feels like you.

Step 10: Edit in three short passes

Editing doesn’t have to be heavy. Do three fast rounds:

  1. Structure pass (sections make sense, order flows)
  2. Clarity pass (shorten sentences, remove repeats)
  3. Polish pass (typos, headings, consistent terms)

Editing prompts

Prompt: “Check this section for clarity and flow. Suggest cuts and simpler phrasing. Do not change the meaning: [paste 500–800 words].”
Prompt: “List repeated ideas or phrases across this chapter and suggest one concise version.”

Step 11: Add an intro and a final checklist

Write the intro after the body is done. Keep it short and useful.

Intro prompt

Prompt: “Write a 250–300 word introduction that states the promise, who this is for, how to use the book, and what to skip if short on time. Tone: friendly and practical.”

Final checklist

Prompt: “Create a one-page ‘You’re Ready’ checklist recapping the key steps in this book.”

This checklist also makes a great bonus download.

Step 12: Format and export (PDF first)

For your first eBook, PDF is enough. It prints well and is easy to share.

  • Write in Docs/Word, then move to Canva for layout if you want headings, icons, or simple graphics.
  • Export at high quality, keep the file size reasonable (under ~15 MB if possible).
  • Create a contents page with page numbers.
  • Add a light footer with your URL or brand name.

When you’re ready to make a cover, see Beginner Tips for Designing eBook Covers with Free Tools.

Step 13: Share it (and gather readers)

If you don’t have a website yet, you can still publish quickly.

  • No-site route: Gumroad, Notion, or a simple Canva Website page (one clear button).
  • Email delivery: Send the PDF after signup or as a direct free download.
  • Promotion: Create 3 images (cover, spread, checklist), share on two platforms.

Your free ChatGPT prompt library (copy, paste, adapt)

Below is a compact set you can keep by your side:

1) Topic & audience

“Give me 10 narrow eBook ideas for [audience] to achieve [outcome] using free tools, readable in 60–90 minutes.”
“Write a 6-line audience profile: goal, pain points (3), constraints (time, budget), and most common mistake.”

2) Outline

“Propose 3 outlines (8–10 sections each). Each section should: teach one concept, include an example, and end with a small action.”

3) Chapter drafting

“Draft 700 words for this section: [paste]. Use teach → example → action. Keep language plain. Mark [my story here] where personal examples fit.”

4) Assets

“Create a one-page checklist from this chapter with 12 short action lines.”
“Turn this section into a printable worksheet with labeled fields a beginner could fill in.”

5) Tone & clarity

“Based on this audience, write a 6-bullet tone guide. Then rewrite this paragraph using the guide: [paste].”
“Identify repeated points and suggest one concise version.”

6) Title, subtitle, blurb

“Suggest 12 title + subtitle pairs (clear, short, outcome-focused).”
“Write a 130-word book description with who it’s for, what’s inside, and two outcomes.”

7) Introduction & wrap-up

“Write a 280-word intro: promise, who it’s for, how to use it, and a fast-track route.”
“Create a final ‘You’re Ready’ checklist with 10 bullets.”

Keep this set in a notes app so you can jump in quickly.

A 7-day plan to finish your first eBook

You don’t need months. Here’s a doable week:

  • Day 1: Topic, audience, promise, and 3 outline options → choose one.
  • Day 2: Draft two sections using the teach → example → action loop.
  • Day 3: Draft two more sections + one checklist page.
  • Day 4: Draft the last sections + add one story or mini case.
  • Day 5: Edit for clarity; generate title, subtitle, and book description.
  • Day 6: Format in Canva, export PDF, and create 2–3 preview images.
  • Day 7: Publish on Gumroad/Notion, write a simple landing page, and send an email.

If you want to turn the book into a list builder, see How to Create a Lead Magnet Using Free Canva Templates.

FAQs

Will ChatGPT write the whole eBook for me?
It can draft sections, but the best books include your stories, examples, and point of view. Use AI to speed things up, not to replace your ideas.

How long should my first eBook be?
Aim for 6–10 short sections. Most readers prefer something they can finish in 60–90 minutes.

How do I keep it original?
Use your experiences, add screenshots or photos you own, and write in your natural tone. If you include facts or stats, verify them and cite the source.

Can I sell it later?
Yes. Offer a free version first to gather feedback, then publish an expanded edition or bundle with worksheets. When you’re ready, mockups help your page convert—see How to Use Free Mockups to Promote Your eBook or Course.

Wrap-up

Writing your first eBook doesn’t have to be slow or stressful. With the free ChatGPT prompts in this guide, you can move from idea to outline to finished draft in a week—while keeping your own voice front and center. Start small, keep your promise clear, and add one helpful asset per chapter. When you’re done, package the PDF neatly, share a simple landing page, and send it to your audience.

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