Content publishing
Build an article brief around a reader's question
Start with one question a specific reader would ask, then write the answer in a sentence or two. List the evidence and examples that answer needs, and state what the article will leave out. A section that does not serve the answer can be cut before it is written.
A text to start with
I am planning an article for [type of reader] who is trying to [task or problem]. Their question is: [question in their words]. I already know these facts: [facts and sources]. Draft a brief with the question, a short answer, the evidence needed to support it, one or two examples worth including, and a scope boundary. List topics to leave out. Do not write the article.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Article brief worksheet
Reader: [who they are and what they are trying to do] Reader question, in their words: [ ] Short answer in two sentences: [ ] Evidence needed Claim 1: [ ] Source or person: [ ] Located (yes/no): [ ] Claim 2: [ ] Source or person: [ ] Located (yes/no): [ ] Claim 3: [ ] Source or person: [ ] Located (yes/no): [ ] Examples to include: [ ] What each example shows: [ ] Scope boundary This article covers: [ ] This article leaves out: [ ] Where the reader should go for the excluded topics: [ ] Sections, and the part of the answer each one supplies: Section 1: [ ] Part of the answer: [ ] Section 2: [ ] Part of the answer: [ ] Section 3: [ ] Part of the answer: [ ]
Where briefs go wrong
Check that the question sounds like something a reader would type or say, not a topic label such as a product name. A short answer that restates the question in other words is not an answer yet. Mark evidence you have not located as needed, instead of assuming it exists. A scope line like "everything about [topic]" limits nothing. If two readers with different goals would both fit the brief, split it into two articles or choose one.
Ask another agent to check the result
Read this brief and list every planned section or evidence item that does not help answer the reader's stated question. For each one, say whether to cut it, shorten it or move it to another article, and give the reason in one sentence. Suggest a new section only if the short answer cannot be supported without it.
Test the brief before drafting
Show the brief to someone who fits the reader description and ask whether the short answer would satisfy them. Collect missing evidence now, including source links and dates. Choose a working title that names the reader's task. Then draft the sections in the order the answer needs them, checking each against the scope boundary.