THE NO-HYPE AI PLAYBOOK

Template Library Starter Kit

For Freelancers and Consultants

This companion resource contains ready-to-use AI prompt templates organized by business function. Each template follows the five-part framework from the book: Role, Goal, Context, Constraints, and Output Format.

To use these templates: Copy the entire prompt, paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or your preferred AI tool, replace [BRACKETS] with your specifics, and review and edit output before using.

Section 1: Client Communication (7 Templates)

1.1 New Client Onboarding Email

Role: You are a professional [type of freelancer] who prioritizes client experience. Goal: Write a welcome email for a new client. Context: New client: [name/type]. Project: [describe briefly]. Start date: [date]. What I need from them to begin: [list 2-3 items]. My preferred communication method: [email/Slack/etc.]. Constraints: Warm, organized, reassuring. Under 200 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.2 Project Update Email

Role: You are a [profession] providing a project update to a client. Goal: Write a project update email. Context: Client: [type]. Project: [describe]. What’s complete: [list]. What’s in progress: [list]. What’s next: [describe]. Any decision needed from client: [describe or N/A]. Constraints: Brief, organized, proactive. Under 150 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.3 Difficult Conversation Email

Role: You are a professional advisor helping a freelancer navigate a difficult client communication. Goal: Draft an email addressing [issue—scope creep / missed deadline / quality concern / etc.]. Context: Situation: [describe]. My position: [describe]. Desired outcome: [describe]. Relationship history: [describe]. Constraints: Direct but professional. Not defensive. Offers a path forward. Under 200 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.4 Check-In with Quiet Client

Role: You are a freelancer maintaining client relationships. Goal: Write a friendly check-in email to a client I haven’t heard from in [X weeks]. Context: Client type: [describe]. Last interaction: [describe]. Project status: [describe]. Constraints: Light touch. Not desperate. Genuine interest in their situation. Under 100 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.5 Project Wrap-Up Email

Role: You are a professional service provider closing out a project. Goal: Write a project completion email. Context: Client: [type]. Project: [describe]. What was accomplished: [list key outcomes]. Any final deliverables: [describe]. Follow-up timeline: [when they can expect the last item or when the project is fully complete]. Constraints: Appreciative, professional, forward-looking. Under 150 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.6 Testimonial Request

Role: You are a business advisor helping a freelancer request testimonials. Goal: Write an email requesting a testimonial. Context: Client: [type]. Project completed: [describe]. What went particularly well: [describe]. Where the testimonial will be used: [LinkedIn / Google / website]. Constraints: Genuine, specific, not demanding. Offer to draft if they’re busy. Under 100 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

1.7 Referral Request

Role: You are a business developer who asks for referrals naturally. Goal: Request referrals without being pushy. Context: Client relationship: [describe—how long, what you’ve accomplished together]. What I do: [describe]. Type of client I’m looking for: [describe]. Constraints: Genuine, not transactional. Frame as a question, not a demand. Under 100 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

Section 2: Proposals and Business Development (6 Templates)

2.1 Proposal Introduction / Executive Summary

Role: You are a senior consultant writing a project proposal. Goal: Write an executive summary. Context: Client: [describe]. Their problem or need: [describe]. My proposed solution: [describe]. Why I’m the right choice: [describe]. Constraints: Client-focused, confident, no jargon. Under 150 words. Output format: One paragraph executive summary.

2.2 Scope of Work Section

Role: You are a project manager documenting project scope. Goal: Write a scope of work section for a proposal. Context: Project: [describe]. What’s included: [list]. What’s explicitly excluded: [list]. Deliverables: [list]. Timeline: [describe]. Constraints: Specific and protective—clearly defining what’s in and out prevents scope creep. Output format: Numbered list of deliverables with brief descriptions.

2.3 Follow-Up After Sending Proposal

Role: You are a business development professional following up on a proposal. Goal: Write a follow-up email [X] days after sending a proposal with no response. Context: Proposal was for: [project type]. Client: [type]. Sent: [X] days ago. Relationship: [describe]. Constraints: Not pushy. Professional. Brief. Add something of value if possible. Under 100 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

2.4 Discovery Call Preparation

Role: You are a sales coach preparing a freelancer for a discovery call. Goal: Generate questions I should ask in a discovery call. Context: Prospect: [describe type of client]. What they’ve told me so far: [describe]. My services: [describe]. Constraints: Questions should uncover: their real problem, their timeline, their budget comfort, their decision process, and whether this is a good fit. Output format: 8-10 questions organized by category.

2.5 Post-Discovery Call Follow-Up

Role: You are a professional consultant following up after a discovery call. Goal: Write a follow-up email after a discovery call. Context: Call with: [client type]. What they need: [describe]. What I can offer: [describe]. Next step agreed on: [describe]. Constraints: Recap the key points. Confirm next steps. Warm and professional. Under 150 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

2.6 Polite Decline

Role: You are an advisor helping a freelancer decline work professionally. Goal: Write an email declining a project. Reason: [not a fit / outside my scope / timing / budget]. Context: Client: [describe]. Project: [describe]. Relationship: [existing or new]. Constraints: Warm, brief, doesn’t burn the bridge. If appropriate, suggest alternatives. Under 100 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

Section 3: Marketing and Visibility (6 Templates)

3.1 LinkedIn Post (Thought Leadership)

Role: You are a [profession] writing thought leadership for LinkedIn. Goal: Write a post about [topic/insight]. Context: My specific angle: [describe]. Supporting detail or example: [describe]. Target reader: [describe]. Constraints: Personal, specific, not salesy. Under 200 words. No hashtags. Output format: LinkedIn post.

3.2 LinkedIn Post (Lesson Learned)

Role: You are a [profession] sharing professional insights on LinkedIn. Goal: Write a LinkedIn post about a lesson I learned. Context: What happened: [describe]. What I learned: [describe]. Why it matters to my audience: [describe]. Constraints: Honest, reflective, not a humble-brag. Under 150 words. Output format: LinkedIn post with a strong opening line.

3.3 Website Homepage Copy

Role: You are a copywriter for independent professionals. Goal: Write homepage copy for my freelance website. Context: I help [target client] with [specific problem]. My approach: [describe]. What makes me different: [describe]. Constraints: Clear, benefit-focused, conversational. Under 150 words for the main section. Output format: Headline, subheadline, and two-paragraph body.

3.4 About Page Copy

Role: You are a copywriter specializing in professional services. Goal: Write an About page. Context: My background: [describe]. Why I do this work: [describe]. Who I help: [describe]. What working with me is like: [describe]. Constraints: Warm, personal but professional. Not a resume recitation. Under 250 words. Output format: Headline and two to three paragraphs.

3.5 Lead Magnet Content

Role: You are a content strategist for independent consultants. Goal: Create a lead magnet outline. Context: My target audience: [describe]. Their most pressing problem: [describe]. Lead magnet format: [checklist / short guide / template / assessment]. Constraints: Specific and genuinely useful. Must deliver real value in under 10 minutes of reading. Output format: Title, introduction paragraph, and 7-10 item checklist or outline.

3.6 Newsletter Issue

Role: You are a business writer for an independent professional’s email newsletter. Goal: Write a newsletter issue. Context: Topic: [describe]. My key insight or takeaway: [describe]. Audience: [describe]. Constraints: Practical, not promotional. One clear takeaway. Under 300 words. Output format: Subject line, preheader, and newsletter body.

Section 4: Pricing and Money Conversations (5 Templates)

4.1 Presenting Your Rates

Role: You are a business coach helping a freelancer present rates confidently. Goal: Write the rate section of a proposal or a standalone rate email. Context: Rate: $[X] per [hour/project/retainer]. What the client gets: [describe value, not just tasks]. Constraints: Confident, not apologetic. Frame in terms of value delivered. Under 100 words. Output format: Rate presentation paragraph.

4.2 Rate Increase Announcement

Role: You are a professional advisor. Goal: Draft a rate increase email to an existing client. Context: Current rate: $[X]. New rate: $[Y]. Effective date: [date]. Relationship: [describe—how long, what’s been accomplished]. Constraints: Confident but appreciative. Brief explanation of value, not justification or apology. Under 150 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

4.3 Payment Reminder Sequence

Role: You are an accounts receivable professional. Goal: Write a three-email payment reminder sequence. Context: Invoice amount: $[X]. Payment terms: [describe]. Service: [describe]. Client relationship: [describe]. Sequence: Email 1 (due date—friendly), Email 2 (7 days overdue—firm), Email 3 (30 days—formal, mentions consequences). Each under 100 words. Output format: Three emails with subject lines.

4.4 Scope Change Request

Role: You are a project manager documenting scope changes. Goal: Write an email addressing an out-of-scope request. Context: Original scope: [describe]. What client is asking for: [describe]. Impact: additional $[X] / [X] days. My proposal: [approve with additional fee / decline / offer alternative]. Constraints: Professional, factual, not defensive. Requires written approval before proceeding. Under 150 words. Output format: Email with subject line.

4.5 Handling Price Pushback

Role: You are a negotiation coach for independent professionals. Goal: Draft a response to a client who has pushed back on my price. Context: My rate: $[X]. Their pushback: [describe—too high / asking for discount / comparing to others]. My position: [willing to negotiate / holding firm / offering alternative]. Constraints: Confident, not defensive. Maintain the value frame. Under 150 words. Output format: Email response.

Section 5: Content Creation (3 Templates)

5.1 Blog Post

Role: You are a business writer for a freelance [profession]. Goal: Write a blog post first draft. Context: Topic: [describe]. My unique angle: [describe]. Key points: [list 3-4]. Target reader: [describe]. Constraints: Practical, specific, no filler. First-person voice. Under 600 words. Output format: Post with headline and 3 subheadings.

5.2 Content Repurposer

Here is content I’ve already written: [paste content]. Repurpose it into: 1) Three LinkedIn posts, each under 150 words, each with a different hook. 2) One email newsletter intro, under 100 words. 3) One pull quote I could use as a standalone social post.

5.3 Case Study Outline

Role: You are a case study writer for professional services. Goal: Create a case study outline from a client success story. Context: Client type: [describe—anonymized]. Problem they had: [describe]. What I did: [describe]. Results achieved: [describe]. Constraints: Specific results, not vague praise. Under 400 words. Output format: Case study with Problem / Approach / Results / Key Takeaway structure.

Section 6: Admin and Productivity (5 Templates)

6.1 Meeting Summary

Here are my rough meeting notes: [paste]. Organize into: 1) Key decisions made, 2) Action items with owner and deadline, 3) Open questions needing answers. Use bullet points. Under 200 words.

6.2 Email Template Creator

I regularly write [type of email]. Help me build a reusable template with clear [BRACKET] placeholders for the parts that change each time. Base it on this example: [paste an email you’ve written]. Make it professional, complete, and easy to customize in under 60 seconds.

6.3 SOP Creator

I’m going to describe how I do [task]. Turn it into a numbered step-by-step Standard Operating Procedure a new team member or VA could follow. For steps where the reason isn’t obvious, add a brief explanation. My process: [describe]. Output format: Numbered steps with brief notes.

6.4 Weekly Planning Assistant

Role: You are a productivity coach for independent professionals. Goal: Help me plan my week. Context: My priorities this week: [list]. Commitments I can’t move: [list]. Energy level / any constraints: [describe]. Constraints: Realistic, not aspirational. Build in buffer. Flag any conflicts or overloads. Output format: Day-by-day plan with time blocks.

6.5 Decision Support

I’m facing a business decision: [describe the decision]. Help me think it through by: 1) Identifying the key factors I should consider, 2) Listing the pros and cons of each option I’ve identified, 3) Asking me two clarifying questions that might change my analysis. Don’t make the decision for me—help me think more clearly.

Section 7: Voice and Personal Branding (3 Templates)

7.1 Voice Guide Creator

I want to create a voice guide for my writing so AI tools can match my style. Ask me ten questions—one at a time—about how I write: sentence length, vocabulary preferences, words I never use, tone, humor, formality, and what makes my writing recognizably mine. After I answer all ten, compile my answers into a voice guide I can paste into future prompts.

7.2 Voice Application

Apply the following voice guide to rewrite this content. Change only what’s necessary to match the voice. Don’t change the information, add content, or alter the structure. Voice guide: [paste your voice guide]. Content to rewrite: [paste content].

7.3 De-Robotify AI Content

Review this content and flag any phrases that sound generic, corporate, or AI-generated. For each flagged phrase, suggest a more natural alternative that fits this voice guide: [paste your voice guide]. Content: [paste content].

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