How to “Ocean’s 11” an Amazon Best Seller

Let’s pull off the heist of a lifetime - with the help of AI.

James here. 

Just back from a trip to Vegas and as luck would have it? Ocean’s 11 was playing on my return flight. 

And I thought…

If Pitt, Clooney, and Damen can pull off an elaborate plan to rob a casino?

… We can scheme our way to the #1 book slot in a category we pick, right?

So let’s have some fun…

… and plan our own Thomas Crown Affair for Best Seller status and the 1,000+ book sales a day that comes with it. 

But before we start? 

What’s the first thing every good heist needs?

A crew.

Normally, a bunch of people who specialize in tasks crucial to the heist…

… A pickpocket, someone on the inside, a safe cracker, and others…

(In our caper this would be the plot, the characters, and the outline.)

…In the movies (and probably real life) each crew member wants a cut of the score…

Luckily for us?

Our crew will be Chat GPT and Claude.ai

…They only ask for a $20 a month.

Let’s get planning our heist.

First we need a category that we know sells a lot of books.

I thought it’d be fun to do something out of the normal business related topics so let’s go with ROMANCE!

…However we need to niche down more...

… I hear paranormal romance is hot…

And the first non-sponsored, non-famous-author, result is selling about 1.300 copies A DAY so I think we have a winner.

Next?

 We’ll need a plot.

I’ll start by giving our AI crew this prompt:

“Can you give me 5 setups, conflicts, and resolutions that would make for good paranormal romance books?”

Here’s what it gave me:

#3 sounds like something my wife would read so I’m going with that.

(Note: You could easily give more specific parameters, about any topic, and create better 3 act plots with this prompt.Specificity is key when prompting AI.)

Now that we’ve got our basic plot from Chat GPT let’s contact the next member of our crew…

…I was going to have the outline created, but realized…

Asking AI to write us an outline without knowing the characters is like sending in our safecracker without a map to the vault.

Might get there eventually but we’d waste precious time in the process.

My prompt for characters looked like this:

“Please create me 5 versions of the main characters who'd fit well in this paranormal, vampire/werewolf, romance novel plot: Setup: A prophecy foretells that a vampire-werewolf hybrid will bring balance to the supernatural world. Conflict: Both vampire and werewolf factions seek to control or eliminate the hybrid to prevent the prophecy. Resolution: The hybrid, with the help of their vampire and werewolf parents, fulfills the prophecy, bringing harmony and new laws protecting hybrids.”

Since there are 3 characters and each was outlined in 5 ways?

… It would be a lot of text to screenshot and add to this newsletters…

Here’s the character development I went with:

Version 5: The Reluctant Ruler

Aurora (Hybrid)

• Personality: Introverted, analytical, and reluctant to accept her destiny. Aurora is more comfortable in the shadows, preferring to observe rather than lead.

• Appearance: Pale with long, platinum-blonde hair and striking blue eyes that seem to see into the souls of others. She dresses in dark, understated clothing to avoid attention.

• Abilities: Invisibility, telepathy, and the ability to manipulate time on a small scale.

• Character Arc: Aurora’s journey involves stepping out of the shadows and accepting her role as a leader, learning that sometimes the greatest power lies in the ability to inspire others from behind the scenes.

Selena (Vampire Mother)

• Personality: Intellectual, strategic, and always one step ahead. Selena is a scholar and tactician who values knowledge above all else.

• Appearance: Sharp features with auburn hair tied back in a severe style and deep, green eyes. She often carries a book or scroll, always seeking new information.

• Abilities: Enhanced intelligence, the ability to read and manipulate memories, and a mastery of ancient languages and rituals.

• Character Arc: Selena’s journey involves learning to trust in Aurora’s instincts, even when they go against logic, and supporting her daughter as she finds her own way to fulfill the prophecy.

Luca (Werewolf Father)

• Personality: Quiet, reserved, and a natural protector. Luca is a stoic figure who often prefers action over words. He is deeply loyal to his family and values honor and duty above all else. Though he doesn’t express his emotions easily, his love for Aurora and Selena runs deep, and he would do anything to keep them safe.

• Appearance: Tall and imposing with broad shoulders and a rugged, weathered appearance. Luca has dark, shaggy hair streaked with silver, and his deep-set amber eyes hold a quiet intensity. In his wolf form, he is a massive, powerful creature with dark fur and a commanding presence.

• Abilities: Enhanced strength, heightened senses, and the ability to control his transformations at will. Luca also possesses a unique ability to create protective barriers, shielding himself and others from harm. His connection to nature allows him to communicate with animals and draw strength from the earth.

• Character Arc: Luca’s journey involves learning to balance his protective instincts with the need to let Aurora find her own path. Initially, he struggles with the idea of his daughter being thrust into such a dangerous role, wanting to shield her from the world. However, as the story progresses, Luca learns to trust Aurora’s judgment and recognizes that his role is not to lead her but to support her as she steps into her destiny. He also confronts his own fears of vulnerability, ultimately opening up more to Selena and Aurora, creating a deeper bond within the family.

Seems like a pretty decent start for the main characters.

We could always change character names or add/remove characteristics from these profiles with parts from 1 of the other 4.

These are quick building blocks for us to start with.

Not finished products.

We take what we like, adapt as we see fit, and make everything our own.

Make sense?

Now that our pickpocket got us into the building and the inside man has shown us the way to the vault - it’s time for the safe-cracking big guns.

Now that our plot is ready and the characters fleshed out - it’s time to get some ideas of what the story would actually look like.

Time to “write” our outline.

If you’ve noticed?

Our prompts keep getting longer.

The reason?

We have more to go on

…The more time we spend ‘casing the joint’..

…The more we can give our AI heist crew…

…The more likely we pull off the big score.

As you’d expect - this will be the longest prompt yet - giving it everything we’ve done already to get the best outline we can.

Prompt:

“Can you take the below setup, conflict, and resolution, as well as the characters included, and use it to outline a paranormal romance novel? 

Setup: A prophecy foretells that a vampire-werewolf hybrid will bring balance to the supernatural world. Conflict: Both vampire and werewolf factions seek to control or eliminate the hybrid to prevent the prophecy. Resolution: The hybrid, with the help of their vampire and werewolf parents, fulfills the prophecy, bringing harmony and new laws protecting hybrids. Aurora (Hybrid) Personality: Introverted, analytical, and reluctant to accept her destiny. Aurora is more comfortable in the shadows, preferring to observe rather than lead. Appearance: Pale with long, platinum-blonde hair and striking blue eyes that seem to see into the souls of others. She dresses in dark, understated clothing to avoid attention. Abilities: Invisibility, telepathy, and the ability to manipulate time on a small scale. Character Arc: Aurora’s journey involves stepping out of the shadows and accepting her role as a leader, learning that sometimes the greatest power lies in the ability to inspire others from behind the scenes. Selena (Vampire Mother) Personality: Intellectual, strategic, and always one step ahead. Selena is a scholar and tactician who values knowledge above all else. Appearance: Sharp features with auburn hair tied back in a severe style and deep, green eyes. She often carries a book or scroll, always seeking new information. Abilities: Enhanced intelligence, the ability to read and manipulate memories, and a mastery of ancient languages and rituals. Character Arc: Selena’s journey involves learning to trust in Aurora’s instincts, even when they go against logic, and supporting her daughter as she finds her own way to fulfill the prophecy. Luca (Werewolf Father) Personality: Quiet, reserved, and a natural protector. Luca is a stoic figure who often prefers action over words. He is deeply loyal to his family and values honor and duty above all else. Though he doesn’t express his emotions easily, his love for Aurora and Selena runs deep, and he would do anything to keep them safe. Appearance: Tall and imposing with broad shoulders and a rugged, weathered appearance. Luca has dark, shaggy hair streaked with silver, and his deep-set amber eyes hold a quiet intensity. In his wolf form, he is a massive, powerful creature with dark fur and a commanding presence. Abilities: Enhanced strength, heightened senses, and the ability to control his transformations at will. Luca also possesses a unique ability to create protective barriers, shielding himself and others from harm. His connection to nature allows him to communicate with animals and draw strength from the earth. Character Arc: Luca’s journey involves learning to balance his protective instincts with the need to let Aurora find her own path. Initially, he struggles with the idea of his daughter being thrust into such a dangerous role, wanting to shield her from the world. However, as the story progresses, Luca learns to trust Aurora’s judgment and recognizes that his role is not to lead her but to support her as she steps into her destiny. He also confronts his own fears of vulnerability, ultimately opening up more to Selena and Aurora, creating a deeper bond within the family.”

Long, I know, but mostly a copy and paste of what we already created.

The first outline created was pretty good but…

It had no romance in this romance novel, so I took advantage of ChatGPT’s memory feature and added this instruction:

“There's no romance in this outline. Please try again and remember this is a romance novel.”

And it came up with this:

I. Introduction/Setup

1. Prologue: The Prophecy

   • The ancient prophecy foretelling the rise of a vampire-werewolf hybrid is revealed, causing unrest among supernatural factions. The prophecy hints that the hybrid’s power will be tied to a bond with another supernatural being.

2. Chapter 1: Aurora’s Life in the Shadows

   • Introduce Aurora, an introverted and analytical young woman, hiding her true nature. She’s aware of the prophecy but is reluctant to embrace her destiny. She avoids forming close relationships, fearing the burden of her secret.

   • Aurora meets Damien, a mysterious vampire who is drawn to her unusual presence. They share a brief, intense connection that leaves Aurora both intrigued and cautious.

3. Chapter 2: The Tension Between Factions

   • As tensions rise between vampires and werewolves, Aurora’s parents, Selena and Luca, warn her to stay hidden. They’re aware of Damien’s interest in Aurora and are concerned, as vampire-werewolf relationships are taboo.

   • Meanwhile, Damien, a powerful vampire with his own secrets, begins to investigate the prophecy, suspecting Aurora is the hybrid.

II. Rising Action/Conflict

4. Chapter 3: A Growing Attraction

   • Aurora and Damien cross paths again, and their connection deepens. Despite her reservations, Aurora finds herself drawn to Damien’s dark charisma and his understanding of her struggles.

   • As they grow closer, Aurora’s powers start to manifest more strongly, hinting at the significance of their bond. Damien is captivated by Aurora’s strength and vulnerability, while Aurora feels a sense of safety she’s never known.

5. Chapter 4: Secrets and Betrayal

   • Selena discovers Damien’s true identity—he’s a member of a powerful vampire family with a history of manipulating prophecies for their gain. She confronts Aurora, warning her to stay away from him, but Aurora defends her growing feelings.

   • Luca, torn between protecting Aurora and respecting her independence, grows distant. Aurora, feeling isolated, turns to Damien for comfort, further deepening their bond.

6. Chapter 5: The Revelation

   • During a romantic moment, Damien and Aurora share a telepathic connection, revealing Aurora’s identity as the prophesied hybrid. This revelation strengthens their bond but also makes them a target.

   • Damien confesses his initial motives for getting close to Aurora, but he insists that his feelings have become real. Hurt but unable to deny her own emotions, Aurora struggles with whether to trust him.

7. Chapter 6: The Factions Close In

   • Both vampire and werewolf factions discover Aurora’s identity and her relationship with Damien. They see their bond as a threat and plot to separate or eliminate them.

   • In a desperate attempt to protect Aurora, Damien offers to take her away from the conflict, but Aurora decides to stay and face her destiny, realizing that her feelings for Damien have made her stronger.

III. Climax/Resolution

8. Chapter 7: The Battle for Love and Power

   • The factions launch a coordinated attack on Aurora and Damien. Selena and Luca, finally united in their desire to protect their daughter, join forces with Damien to defend her.

   • In the midst of the battle, Aurora’s full powers are unleashed, driven by her love for Damien. She uses her abilities to manipulate time, saving her family and Damien from certain death.

9. Chapter 8: The Prophecy Fulfilled

   • With the battle won, Aurora fulfills the prophecy by establishing new laws that protect hybrids and ensure peace between the factions. She does so with Damien by her side, their love symbolizing the unity between vampires and werewolves.

   • Selena and Luca, having come to terms with Aurora’s destiny and her relationship with Damien, give their blessing, realizing that Aurora’s happiness is key to the world’s balance.

10. Epilogue: A New Beginning Together

    • Aurora and Damien, now openly together, begin a new chapter in their lives. They work to build a future where their love is a symbol of hope and unity in the supernatural world.

    • The novel closes with a moment of quiet intimacy between Aurora and Damien, reflecting on how their love has not only changed them but also the world around them.

I showed this outline to my wife - and she said she’d read it.

Which means it’s got a shot at the best seller.

(Like in marketing - if a book is enticing to one reader - it’ll be enticing to a lot of readers.)

From here?

Writers who enjoy getting their hands dirty…

… Can take the pieces we’ve created in under a half hour…

And start writing the book as they see fit.

- Or - 

Someone can take each chapter of the outline, paste it into AI, and tell it to write the whole chapter for you.

If you have AI write the whole thing?

You could probably be done with the content book in a couple hours.

But the heist isn’t finished there…

We still need to:

• Design an attention grabbing cover

• Format the book for KDP

• And create a plan to promote the book on social media

  • What to post

  • When to post

  • How to get other authors and influencers to talk about our books

TBH, my expertise ends with the writing.

But my friend and colleague Ty Cohen has created dozens of best sellers in both fiction and non-fiction categories.

And Side Hustle Club readers can watch a recording where Ty walks through how to create and promote every kind of book…

… Low to medium content books like we talked about last week…

…Or novels like we outlined today…

The psychology behind making people buy doesn’t change.

What Ty goes over in this video works for all books.

So if you’re looking to become a well-known author…

…Or set up dozens of income streams anonymously…

Check out the replay of how you can create and promote your books here.

In your corner,
James Foster