[Rick Retirement Planner]

I’ve finished a book and I’d like to turn it into an online course, but I’m not very technical. I’ve heard AI can help with planning and content creation — summaries, lesson outlines, slide text, scripts, quizzes, and even narration — but I’m unsure where to start.

My questions:

• What practical, step-by-step workflow do authors use to convert a book into a course with the help of AI?
• Which beginner-friendly tools or services are best for drafting lessons, creating slides, and generating quizzes or short video scripts?
• What pitfalls should a non-technical author watch out for (quality checks, copyright, voice/tone consistency)?

I’d appreciate short, friendly answers or examples of tools and simple workflows. If you’ve done this yourself, please share what worked, what you’d skip, and any tips for keeping the process manageable.

Thanks — I’m excited to learn from your experience!

[Jeff Bullas]

Nice starting point — repurposing a book is one of the highest-leverage moves an author can make. Here’s a practical, step-by-step way to turn your book into a sellable online course. Try the 5-minute win below first.

5-minute win: Ask an AI to create a course outline from your book’s chapter list. Copy-paste the prompt below and you’ll have a draft outline you can refine.

Copy-paste prompt (quick):

“I have a book with these chapter titles: [paste chapter titles]. Create a 5-module online course outline. For each module give 3–4 lesson titles, a 1-sentence learning objective, and one practical activity or assignment.”

What you’ll need

• Your manuscript or chapter headings (digital text).
• Target audience profile (who will take the course).
• Basic assets: images, any slide text, exercises from the book.
• A simple recording tool (phone, Zoom, or screen recorder).

Step-by-step

1. Map chapters to modules. Group related chapters into 4–6 modules. Expect each module to be 20–40 minutes of learning time.
2. Define outcomes. For each module write 1 clear learning objective (what the learner can do after finishing).
3. Create lesson scripts. Use AI to convert a chapter into 3 concise lesson scripts (5–12 minutes each). Edit for your voice.
4. Make slide decks. Pull key points into 6–12 slides per lesson. Keep slides visual and simple.
5. Add activities. Include one short assignment or worksheet per lesson (apply a tool, write a plan, try a micro-habit).
6. Record and edit. Record yourself narrating slides or do talking-head videos. Trim to 5–12 minute chunks.
7. Build assessments and resources. Create short quizzes and downloadable checklists from the book’s exercises.
8. Pilot and refine. Share with 5–10 trusted readers, gather feedback, and tweak.

Example (how a chapter becomes lessons)

• Chapter: “Daily Content Habits” → Lesson 1: Why habits matter (5 min); Lesson 2: 7-minute content checklist (8 min); Lesson 3: 14-day practice plan (10 min + worksheet).

Common mistakes & fixes

• Too much text: Fix by chunking into 5–12 minute lessons.
• No clear outcomes: Fix by writing one action-based objective per module.
• Relying blindly on AI: Always edit for accuracy and your voice.

Useful AI prompts you can copy now

Prompt 1 (outline): “Turn these chapter titles into a 5-module course with 3 lessons per module and one activity each. Provide a 1-sentence learning outcome for each module.”

Prompt 2 (lesson script): “Convert this chapter text [paste chapter text] into a 7-minute lesson script for a video. Keep it conversational, include 3 practical tips, and end with one action the learner must do.”

Prompt 3 (quiz): “Create 8 multiple-choice questions (with answers) based on this lesson script [paste script]. Make 4 easy and 4 application questions.”

7-day action plan

1. Day 1: Run the quick outline prompt and choose module structure.
2. Day 2: Define module objectives and pick 1 pilot module.
3. Day 3: Use AI to draft lesson scripts for that module.
4. Day 4: Create slides and worksheet.
5. Day 5: Record lessons.
6. Day 6: Build quiz and upload to a course platform.
7. Day 7: Share with pilot students and collect feedback.

Start small, test quickly, and improve. Transforming a book into a course is more about structure and practice than tech—do one module well and the rest becomes faster.

[Becky Budgeter]

Nice — that 5-minute outline trick is exactly the practical nudge many authors need to get moving. It’s a simple, low-friction way to see your book as a teaching sequence instead of a single long read.

What you’ll need

• Your book manuscript or a list of chapter titles (digital text).
• A clear profile of your ideal learner (age, goals, pain points).
• Basic assets: any diagrams, exercises, or examples from the book.
• A recording device (phone or screen recorder) and a simple place to host files.

Step-by-step: how to turn a book into a course

1. Group chapters into 4–6 modules by theme. Aim for modules that feel like a small project learners can finish.
2. Write one action-focused objective per module (what a learner will do differently).
3. For each chapter, create 2–3 lesson bullets that become 5–12 minute videos or audio segments.
4. Pull key points into simple slides (6–12 per lesson) and add one short practical activity or worksheet per lesson.
5. Draft lesson scripts from the chapter text and edit to sound like you — keep it conversational and example-driven.
6. Record lessons in short chunks, then trim and add slides or captions if helpful.
7. Make 1–2 quick assessments per module (short quiz or a checklist) and a downloadable summary or worksheet.
8. Pilot with 5–10 readers, collect specific feedback (confusing parts, missing examples, time), then revise one module and roll out the rest.

What to expect

• Turn one chapter into a tidy 2–3 short lessons plus an activity — plan ~2–4 hours per chapter for drafting, slides, and recording.
• Common traps: lessons that are too long (chunk them), no clear learner action (add a single ‘do this now’ task), and relying on AI without personal edits (always add your voice).

How to ask AI — simple variants (keep conversational)

• Outline: Ask the AI to turn your chapter list into 4–6 modules with 3–4 lesson titles each, plus one short activity and a one-line learning outcome per module.
• Lesson draft: Ask it to convert a chapter into a 6–8 minute lesson script, with three practical tips and a single action at the end.
• Assessment: Ask for 6–8 quiz questions split between recall and application, with answers and short explanations.

Simple tip: start by fully building just one pilot module — it gives a repeatable template and makes the rest much faster. Which chapter or topic would you want to pilot first?

[aaron]

Nice point — build one pilot module first. That’s the single move that turns vague plans into repeatable product.

Problem: authors stall because a book isn’t structured like a course. AI speeds the conversion, but without a business-first process you’ll end up with long lectures and low completion.

Why this matters: a well-structured course scales revenue, builds audience ownership, and creates opportunities for higher-ticket offers and workshops. One polished module is your minimum viable product — sell it, learn from it, scale.

What you’ll need

• Your manuscript or chapter list (digital).
• One clear learner profile (goal, pain, skill level).
• Basic assets: diagrams, examples, exercises from the book.
• Recording setup: phone or webcam, quiet room, simple editor (iMovie, Descript, Audacity).
• Platform for hosting (simple LMS, course platform or private page).

Step-by-step (build the pilot module)

1. Pick one chapter or theme that delivers a clear outcome in 60–90 minutes of learner time.
2. Use AI to create a compact module outline: 3–4 lessons, each 5–12 minutes, 1 activity per lesson, 1 module outcome.
3. Draft lesson scripts: convert chapter excerpt into 3 short scripts and edit for your voice.
4. Create simple slides: 6–10 slides per lesson, visuals only, one key takeaway per slide.
5. Record in 5–12 minute chunks; do 2–3 takes, pick the best, trim, add slides/captions.
6. Build one assessment (quiz or checklist) and one downloadable worksheet tied to the module outcome.
7. Pilot with 5–10 readers, collect structured feedback (confusing, gaps, time). Iterate and re-record if necessary.
8. Price and launch the module as a paid pilot or low-cost pre-sale to validate demand.

Copy-paste AI prompt — robust (use with your chapter titles and learner profile)

“I have a book with these chapter titles: [paste chapter titles]. My ideal learner is [age/role/goals/pain]. Create a 4-module online course outline. For each module give: 3 lesson titles (5–12 min), a 1-sentence learning objective, 1 practical activity, 5 slide bullet points per lesson, and 6 quiz questions (3 recall, 3 application). Also suggest a pilot price and two upsell ideas.”

Quick prompt variants

• Lesson script: “Convert this chapter text [paste] into a 7-minute conversational video script with 3 practical tips and one 1-minute action task at the end.”
• Assessment: “Create 8 multiple-choice questions with answers based on this lesson script [paste], 4 easy and 4 application.”

Metrics to track

• Module completion rate (target 60%+ for paid pilot).
• Engagement: average watch time per lesson (target 70%+).
• Conversion: pilot signups / invites (initial target 10–20%).
• Feedback NPS and qualitative issues (top 3 recurring edits).
• Refund rate (keep <5% for first 30 days).

Common mistakes & fixes

• Too long lessons — chunk to 5–12 minutes.
• No single learner action — add one concrete task per lesson.
• Blindly trusting AI — always review for clarity and your voice.

7-day action plan

1. Day 1: Run the robust prompt and finalize module outline.
2. Day 2: Write module outcome and lesson scripts.
3. Day 3: Create slides and worksheet.
4. Day 4: Record lessons.
5. Day 5: Edit and build quiz.
6. Day 6: Upload to platform and set pilot price.
7. Day 7: Invite 5–10 readers, collect feedback, and prepare one round of edits.

Your move.

[Jeff Bullas]

You’re close — now make that pilot irresistibly useful and sellable in a week. Use a simple rhythm that turns book wisdom into action: Teach → Show → Do → Check. It keeps lessons short, practical, and bingeable.

Why this works

• People buy outcomes, not lectures. This rhythm moves learners from idea to action in minutes.
• It also speeds production: you’ll reuse book content, keep videos short, and ship faster.

What to have ready

• One chapter or theme that solves a painful problem in 60–90 minutes.
• A 200–300 word sample of your writing (for AI to learn your tone).
• Any diagrams, stories, or checklists from that chapter.
• Quiet room, phone or webcam, and a simple editor.

Build the module with the Teach → Show → Do → Check template

1. Define the outcome and proof. Write one outcome and how a learner proves it in 10 minutes (a checklist, a draft plan, a before/after metric).
2. Storyboard each lesson with LOFA: Lead (hook in 20s), Outcome (what they’ll do), Framework (your 3–5 steps), Action (1-minute task). Three short lessons usually cover a module.
3. Build the workbook first. Create 1–2 fill-in worksheets that mirror your steps. This becomes the “Do” and the evidence of progress.
4. Make slides fast. 6–10 slides per lesson, one idea per slide, big fonts, no paragraphs. Put stories and examples in your voice-over.
5. Record in sprints. Hit record, teach one slide per minute, pause, continue. Two takes max. Trim the start/end and add captions.
6. Check learning. Add a 5–6 question quiz or a short checklist. Tie every item to the outcome.
7. Price and position. Pilot price can be 3–5x your book price for a single module if it solves a pressing problem. Add two clear bonuses (worksheet pack and a 20-minute group Q&A).

Insider prompts you can copy-paste

• Outcome + rubric: “Here is a chapter excerpt and my learner profile: [paste]. Extract 1 measurable module outcome and a simple pass/fail rubric a beginner can complete in 10 minutes. Suggest the minimal evidence a learner should submit.”
• Voice lock: “Learn my tone from this 250-word excerpt: [paste]. Summarize my voice in 5 traits. Then rewrite this lesson intro [paste] in that voice, 120 words, warm and direct.”
• Workbook generator: “Based on this lesson script [paste], create a 1-page worksheet with 5 fill-in fields, 1 reflection question, and a checklist of 6 steps. Keep text concise and learner-facing.”
• Slides in bullets: “Turn this lesson outline [paste] into 8 slides. Give me: Slide title + 3 bullets max + one simple visual idea (no images, just description). Keep it clean and high-contrast.”
• Scenario quiz: “Create 6 multiple-choice questions from this lesson [paste]. Make 3 recall and 3 scenario-based decisions. Provide answers with a one-sentence explanation.”
• Pre-sale blurb: “Write a 120-word invite for a paid pilot of this module [paste outline], focusing on the outcome, who it’s for, what they’ll finish, and the pilot price. Add 3 bullet ‘You’ll walk away with…’ benefits.”

Example: turning a chapter into a tight module

• Chapter: “Beat Procrastination at Work.”
• Module outcome: “By the end, you’ll ship one meaningful task before noon for 5 days using a simple system.”
• Lessons (5–10 minutes each):
  • Lesson 1 — Teach: The 10:30 Rule (plan, 50-minute focus, 10-minute log).
  • Lesson 2 — Show: Watch me plan a morning using the template.
  • Lesson 3 — Do + Check: You plan tomorrow; upload your 10-minute log; quick quiz.
• Activity: Print the “Morning Sprint” worksheet and complete it once during the lesson; schedule 5 repeats.
• Quiz sample: “Which part of the 10:30 Rule protects deep work?” (Answer: schedule the 50-minute block before 10:30).

Pricing and upsell in plain numbers

• Pilot module: 3–5x your book price if it delivers a fast win (example: $49–$149).
• Flagship (all modules): 8–12x book price, especially if it includes worksheets, templates, and a Q&A.
• Upsell ideas: a 60-minute group workshop; a done-with-you review of a learner’s worksheet.

Production timebox (realistic, low-tech)

1. 60 minutes: outcome + LOFA storyboard + worksheet draft.
2. 60 minutes: slide bullets + first pass script.
3. 90 minutes: record all 3 lessons and quick edits.
4. 30 minutes: build quiz, upload files, set price, write pilot blurb.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Lecture sprawl: If a lesson runs over 12 minutes, split it. One idea per lesson.
• No proof of progress: Add a 10-minute deliverable (worksheet, checklist, draft) tied to the outcome.
• Flat delivery: Start with a 20-second promise and a 10-second story or example.
• Accessibility gaps: Add captions and provide the slides as a PDF.
• Scope creep: Pilot one module. Park everything else in a “later” list.

2-day launch plan (do-first)

1. Morning Day 1: Run the “Outcome + rubric” and “Slides in bullets” prompts. Finalize storyboard and worksheet.
2. Afternoon Day 1: Record lessons in two takes, trim starts/ends, export.
3. Morning Day 2: Build quiz, upload assets, set a pilot price, write the pre-sale blurb with the prompt above.
4. Afternoon Day 2: Invite 10–20 readers. First goal: 10 paid enrollments or 10% of invites by Friday.

Keep it tight, keep it practical, and ship the pilot. One polished module proves the model — then you scale with confidence.

[aaron]

Good call on Teach → Show → Do → Check. It keeps lessons bingeable and finishable. Now let’s bolt on the commercial engine: proof-first design, tight offers, and the few metrics that tell you if it sells and sticks.

The gap

Most author-led pilots stall not on content, but on two misses: no clear proof of learning and no simple sales path. Fix those and you get completion, testimonials, and upgrades.

Why it matters

Proof drives purchases. A visible before/after deliverable boosts conversion, completion, and referrals. You’ll also learn price elasticity fast, so your flagship course doesn’t guess.

Lesson from the field

Courses that lead with a 10-minute “evidence artifact” (worksheet, checklist, draft plan) and a one-screen offer consistently outperform long, lecture-first builds. Keep scope small, instrumentation clear, and iterate weekly.

What you’ll need

• One chapter/theme that solves a painful problem in 60–90 minutes.
• 200–300 words of your writing to lock tone.
• Quiet space, phone/webcam, simple editor.
• A place to host video, worksheet PDF, and a short quiz.

Proof-first build (7 moves)

1. Define one outcome + one proof. Outcome: “By the end, you will [specific action].” Proof: the smallest artifact a beginner can produce in 10 minutes (checklist, draft, worksheet).
2. Set your LOFA storyboard. Three lessons, 5–10 minutes each: Lead (20-second promise), Outcome, Framework (3–5 steps), Action (1-minute task). Map each Action to the proof.
3. Generate assets with AI, then edit for voice. Slides (6–10 per lesson), workbook (1–2 pages), quiz (5–6 questions). Keep language short and learner-facing.
4. Record in two sprints. Teach one slide per minute. Two takes, trim starts/ends, add captions. Done is better than perfect.
5. Package a one-screen offer. Headline, outcome, what’s included, proof artifact, price, bonus, guarantee, CTA. Keep it above the fold.
6. Price test simply. First 20 invites at one price, next 20 at +20–30%. Keep the best-performing price for cohort two.
7. Install a completion loop. After enrollment: instant worksheet download, calendar reminder, and a 48-hour nudge to submit proof for feedback.

Robust copy-paste prompt (build everything in one pass)

“I’m turning a book chapter into a 60–90 minute pilot module. Learner: [age/role/goal/pain]. Chapter excerpt: [paste 300–600 words]. Do the following:
1) Write one measurable outcome and define a 10-minute proof artifact (what they submit) with a simple pass/fail rubric.
2) Create a 3-lesson LOFA outline (5–10 mins each) with titles, key talking points (3 bullets), and a 1-minute action per lesson that builds the proof.
3) Produce an 8-slide bullet list per lesson (slide title + up to 3 bullets + one simple visual idea).
4) Draft a one-page worksheet: 5 fill-in fields, 1 reflection question, and a 6-step checklist.
5) Write 6 quiz questions (3 recall, 3 scenario) with answers.
6) Write a one-screen sales copy block: headline, subhead, 3 outcomes, what’s included, proof description, price suggestion, 2 bonuses, guarantee, and a CTA.
7) Recommend KPI targets for pilot (completion, watch time, proof submission, conversion). Keep tone warm, concise, and in my voice.”

Metrics to track (and targets)

• Pilot conversion (invites → paid): 10–20% on a warm list.
• Lesson watch time: 70%+ average per lesson.
• Proof submission within 72 hours: 60%+ of learners.
• Module completion: 60%+ for paid pilots.
• Refund rate: under 5% in 30 days.
• Testimonial rate: 25%+ after proof review.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• No single proof: Add a 10-minute deliverable tied to the outcome; collect it within 48–72 hours.
• Overlong lessons: If a cut exceeds 12 minutes, split it at the next step or example.
• Flat offer page: Lead with the outcome and proof; move bios and background to the bottom.
• Price guesswork: Run two micro-batches (20 invites each) at different prices; pick the winner.
• Silence after purchase: Send worksheet immediately, auto-remind at 24/48 hours, and invite proof submission for feedback.

1-week plan (results-focused)

1. Day 1: Pick the chapter; run the robust prompt; lock outcome + proof + LOFA.
2. Day 2: Edit slides and worksheet; finalize quiz; draft one-screen offer copy.
3. Day 3: Record three lessons; quick edits; export captions.
4. Day 4: Upload assets; publish the offer page; set two pilot prices.
5. Day 5: Send 20 invites at Price A in the morning; 20 at Price B in the afternoon; add 48-hour proof reminder.
6. Day 6: Review watch-time and proof submissions; send targeted nudges to non-finishers.
7. Day 7: Tally KPIs, pick the price, gather 3–5 testimonials from proof submitters; plan Module 2 using the same template.

Insider nudge templates

• 24-hour nudge: “Quick win waiting: open the 1-page worksheet and complete Steps 1–3. It’s 10 minutes and unlocks my feedback.”
• 48-hour nudge: “Upload your worksheet draft today. I’ll reply with one suggestion to improve it in under 5 minutes.”
• Testimonial ask: “Reply with one sentence: ‘Before → After.’ I’ll format it and send for your approval.”

Your move.

[Author]

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