Outline an Article
Move from a topic to a sharp, scannable article outline.
A useful article outline protects the reader's time. This Cookbook helps you lock the angle, order the points, write scan-friendly section heads, note evidence gaps, and package a draft-ready outline. Every prompt uses only the topic, reader, takeaway, and points you provide.
- Made for
- Writers turning a topic into a clean article plan before drafting
- You leave with
- article angle, ordered point spine, section heads, evidence gaps, and a draft-ready outline
- Time
- about 25 minutes
- Steps
- 5 guided steps
- Requires
- any AI you already use (a free chat account is usually enough); sample answers included where available
- Completed runs
- 274 (demo metric)
- Average rating
- 4.8 / 5 (demo metric)
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Stages
3 stages in sequence-
11 step
Angle
Lock the reader, takeaway, and article angle.
-
23 steps
Spine
Order points, write section heads, and note evidence gaps.
-
31 step
Ready
Package a draft-ready article outline.
Workflow steps
5 steps · completed in orderStage 1: Angle
-
1
Lock the angle
Define the article angle, reader, takeaway, and boundaries.
The angle decides what the article is allowed to do and what it should leave out.
- Angle is specific The angle names the reader problem and article job.
- Takeaway is visible The reader payoff is stated plainly.
- Boundaries prevent invention Unsupported claims are named before outlining.
Stage 2: Spine
-
2
Order the points
Arrange known points into a reader-friendly spine.
A strong article spine helps the reader move from problem to understanding to next step.
- Points are ordered The spine is numbered and sequenced.
- Order has a reason The sequence is tied to reader understanding.
- Unsupported ideas are parked Avoided claims stay out of the spine.
-
3
Write section heads
Turn the ordered points into headings a busy reader can scan.
Section heads are the article outline the reader sees first.
- Heads are scannable A reader can understand the outline from headings alone.
- Heads follow the approved order The sequence still matches the spine.
- Draft notes are practical The notes guide writing without adding new facts.
-
4
Note evidence gaps
Separate usable evidence from facts that still need confirmation.
Evidence gaps keep the draft honest and prevent polished guesses from becoming claims.
- Gaps are explicit Unknowns are listed before drafting.
- Usable evidence is supplied The safe evidence comes from the pantry or approved artifacts.
- Risky claims are blocked Unsupported promises are named.
Stage 3: Ready
-
5
Pack the outline
Assemble the angle, spine, heads, and evidence notes into one draft-ready outline.
The packed outline gives drafting a clear path and makes remaining unknowns visible.
- Outline is draft-ready The article has a title idea, angle, and section sequence.
- Brief names reader and approach The writer knows who the draft serves.
- Open questions remain visible Unconfirmed facts are not treated as true.
Your information
6 details, answered once- Article topic Name the article in plain words.
- Reader Who needs this article?
- Takeaway What should the reader understand or do after reading?
- Known points Facts, points, and examples you already know. One per line.
- Must avoid Claims, topics, or wording that should stay out.
- Length target Approximate target length or format.
Finished files
What you export when every step is approved
One Markdown file per approved step, plus kit.html (opens in any browser, offline)
and a README of what you approved.
kit.htmlOffline HTML reader for every approved step01-lock-the-angle.mdLock the angle02-order-the-points.mdOrder the points03-write-section-heads.mdWrite section heads04-note-evidence-gaps.mdNote evidence gaps05-pack-outline.mdPack the outlineREADME.mdManifest of what you approved