How to create an ebook with AI from start to finish: structure, writing, design and distribution

Before writing a single word, you need clarity on three things: who the ebook is for, what problem it solves and why you’re the one writing it. AI helps you sharpen this in minutes.

1. Open ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) or Claude (claude.ai).
2. Write this prompt (adapt it to your area):

I am [your profession or area of expertise]. I want to create an ebook about [general topic].
My ideal audience is [description of your reader].
Give me 5 specific angles for an ebook that solves a real problem for this audience.
For each angle, suggest an attractive title and subtitle.

3. Choose the angle you’re most excited about and can write with authority (from your real experience).
4. Ask the AI to validate the idea:

For the ebook "[title you chose]", what are the frequently asked questions this audience has
that the book should answer? List 10.

Save those questions: they’ll be useful for the index and the FAQ section of the ebook.

A good table of contents is the backbone of the ebook. With it defined, the rest is filling it in.

1. In the same chat with the AI, write:

Create a detailed table of contents for the ebook "[your title]" aimed at [your audience].
The ebook should be between [X] and [Y] pages. Include:
- Introduction
- [4 to 8 chapters] with 3 to 4 sections each
- Conclusion
- Additional resources or next step
For each chapter, describe in 2 lines what the reader learns.

2. Review the table of contents and adjust anything that doesn’t fit your actual knowledge or experience.
3. Remove chapters you can’t write with authority or that stray from the central problem.
4. Save the final index in a Google Docs document or notepad.

An ebook with 6 to 8 chapters of 3 to 5 pages each is a solid and manageable product. You don’t have to write a 300-page book.

With the index ready, you write one chapter at a time. Don’t try to do the entire ebook in a single prompt: AI works better in blocks.

For each chapter:

1. Give context at the start of the conversation if you start a new chat:

You're helping me write the ebook "[title]" for [audience].
The tone is [friendly / professional / practical]. Here is the complete table of contents: [paste the index].

2. Then request the chapter:

Write Chapter [N]: "[chapter title]".
Include: [sections you defined]. Length: approximately [X] words.
Use concrete examples and clear language, without unnecessary jargon.

3. Review the draft, add your real examples and your voice. AI gives the skeleton; you add the flesh.

Flow tip:

• Write all chapters first and save them in Google Docs.
• At the end do a global editing pass to make the tone consistent.
• Use the tutorial How to improve your writing with AI to polish specific paragraphs.

An ebook with good design is perceived as a valuable product. You don’t have to be a graphic designer.

Cover with Canva:

1. Go to canva.com and search “ebook cover” in the template search bar.
2. Choose a template that fits the tone of your content (professional, modern, creative).
3. Change the title, subtitle and your name. Adjust colors to your brand if you have one.
4. Canva Magic Design (integrated AI) can generate variations if you describe your ebook.
5. Download the cover as PNG or JPG in high resolution.

Ebook interior:

You have two routes:

• Simple route (Google Docs): Paste all content into a document. Use heading styles (Heading 1 for chapters, Heading 2 for sections). Insert the cover at the start. Export as PDF.
• More designed route (Canva): Search “ebook interior” or “ebook presentation” in Canva. Use a multi-page template, paste your content and adjust the design.

Use readable fonts: a serif font for the body (Georgia, Lora) and a sans-serif for headings (Inter, Poppins). Minimum size: 11pt for the body.

The most universal format for non-fiction ebooks and lead magnets is PDF. If you want to sell it on Amazon Kindle, you’ll also need EPUB.

Export as PDF:

• From Google Docs: File > Download > PDF.
• From Canva: Share > Download > Standard PDF (or Print PDF for higher quality).

Prepare the PDF:

1. Open the PDF and review it completely: cover, table of contents, content, margins, images.
2. Make sure the file name is descriptive: ebook-your-topic-your-name.pdf (no spaces, lowercase).
3. If the file is larger than 10 MB, compress the PDF at ilovepdf.com or smallpdf.com (free).

For Amazon Kindle (optional):

1. Use Calibre (free, calibre-ebook.com) to convert your DOCX or PDF to EPUB.
2. Create an account on KDP (kdp.amazon.com) and follow the publishing process.

With the ebook ready, you have several ways to put it to work:

As a lead magnet (free in exchange for email):

1. Upload the PDF to Google Drive or Dropbox and generate a direct download link.
2. Create a form in your email marketing tool (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Brevo) that automatically delivers the link upon subscribing.
3. Promote the form on your social media.

To sell it:

1. Create an account on Gumroad (gumroad.com): free to start, charges a percentage per sale (10% on the free plan, less on paid plans).
2. Upload the PDF, set the price (or $0 if free), write a description and publish.
3. Gumroad handles payment and file delivery automatically.
4. Alternatives: Payhip (similar to Gumroad), Hotmart, your own site with Stripe.

Next step: If you want to go further, the tutorial How to write a book with AI covers how to scale from a short ebook to a full book.

Problem	Fix
AI generates generic text without depth	Give more context: your experience, real examples you want to include, the exact tone you’re looking for
PDF has cut text or bad formatting	Check in Google Docs that margins are at least 2 cm; in Canva, use the individual page editor
The file is too large	Compress at ilovepdf.com or reduce image resolution to 150 DPI
Gumroad rejects payment	Verify your PayPal account or card is correctly set up in the Gumroad dashboard