USE CASES · WRITING AND MEDIA
NotebookLM for book clubs and reading groups
Short answer
Reading groups load a book or its chapters into NotebookLM to prepare discussion questions tied to the text. NotebookLM Ultra Exporter splits an EPUB by chapter on import with Pro, and exports the questions, a character or concept map and a study guide as PDF or Word for the group.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stages | Collect sources, work in NotebookLM, export the result |
| Outputs | Discussion sheet (.pdf); Theme map (.png); Reading guide (.docx); Audio recap (audio file) |
| Cost to start | Free. Each linked guide states whether its output is Free or Pro. |
Steps
- Install NotebookLM Ultra Exporter in desktop Chrome, then refresh any open NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) tab.
- Create a notebook for this piece of work and add the sources listed below.
- Generate and save the answers, reports or Studio items you need.
- Export each result in the format its destination accepts, then check the file.
1. Collect the sources
2. Work in NotebookLM
- Ask for questions that cite a page or chapter.
- Generate a mind map of themes.
- Use the discussion questions prompt.
3. Get the result out
| Output and guide | Format |
|---|---|
| Discussion sheet | |
| Theme map | .png |
| Reading guide | .docx |
| Audio recap | audio file |
Only load books you have the right to use this way, and keep the files private.
Free or Pro?
The basics are free; the advanced options listed on this page need Ultra Exporter Pro. Pro covers the extension only; it does not include a Google subscription or raise NotebookLM's own limits. Current prices are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with a Kindle book?
Only with files you can lawfully open as EPUB or PDF. The extension does not remove copy protection.
Can NotebookLM answers be trusted for this?
NotebookLM answers from the sources you give it and cites passages, which makes checking fast, but it can still misread a source. Open the cited passage for anything you will reuse, and keep the export as your record of what was checked.
Related guides
How to export NotebookLM notes to PDF. You get a print-ready PDF of the note with its headings, tables and citation references.
How to export NotebookLM mind maps to PNG. You get an image of the whole map or one branch with automatic layout, on a white or transparent background.
How to export NotebookLM reports to Word. You get the full report, whether a briefing document, study guide or FAQ, as an editable .docx with headings.
Download a NotebookLM Audio Overview as an audio file. You get the original audio file of the Audio Overview, in the format NotebookLM provides.
NotebookLM is strong at questioning sources and weak at keeping the result. For a personal knowledge base, export what you learn to Markdown.
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