Lock the outline before you draft a word

The same workflow builds the full outline in Claude first: sections, order and the point of each section. Only after the outline looks right does the writing start, which keeps a brain dump from turning into a shapeless draft. The tool used here is Claude. Pricing listed for Claude: Free; Pro $20/mo.

Done with CClaude

"I don’t start writing yet. I figure out the structure first."timomason.substack.com

How do you do it, step by step?

The same workflow builds the full outline in Claude first: sections, order and the point of each section.
Only after the outline looks right does the writing start, which keeps a brain dump from turning into a shapeless draft.
Copy the prompt on this page into Claude and fill in your own details.
Edit the output in your own voice and check any facts before you publish.

Which tool does this use?

Claude. See all Claude use cases or more in Drafting.

What does it cost?

Free; Pro $20/mo

What should you watch out for?

Features and prices change. Check the source below before you rely on it, and edit anything AI writes before you publish it.

What prompt should you use with Claude?

Rebuild any prompt with the prompt helper

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft.

Context:
- I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM].
- My voice: [YOUR VOICE]
- My goal: [YOUR GOAL]

Task:
Use my brain dump below to create an article outline: an intro that shows stakes and what the reader gets, 3 to 6 main sections with a one-line purpose each, and a strong takeaway at the end. Do not write the article yet. Wait for me to approve the outline.

Constraints:
- Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID].
- Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing.
- If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start.

Output format:
Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item.

Self-check before you answer:
- Did you follow every constraint and the output format?
- Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords.
- Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]?
Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

Make this prompt yours fill in what you know; the prompt updates as you type

Anything left in [BRACKETS] is for you to fill in, or the AI will ask you. Nothing you type leaves your browser. Want to rebuild a prompt you found elsewhere? Use the prompt helper.

Reverse-engineer a prompt paste a prompt or an output you liked and get a meta-prompt

Your meta-prompt

Paste this into ChatGPT or Claude. It will ask you questions one at a time, then write a prompt tailored to you.

Open Claude ↗

Frequently asked questions

How do I lock the outline before you draft a word?

Which tool do I need for this, and what does it cost?

This use case uses Claude. Pricing listed for it: Free; Pro $20/mo. Check claude.com for current prices.

What prompt can I use?

You are a writing coach who helps writers get to a first draft. Context: - I write for [WHO YOU WRITE FOR] on [YOUR PLATFORM]. - My voice: [YOUR VOICE] - My goal: [YOUR GOAL] Task: Use my brain dump below to create an article outline: an intro that shows stakes and what the reader gets, 3 to 6 main sections with a one-line purpose each, and a strong takeaway at the end. Do not write the article yet. Wait for me to approve the outline. Constraints: - Avoid [WHAT TO AVOID]. - Use only facts I give you. Don't invent stats, quotes, names or examples. Write [NEEDS DETAIL] wherever something is missing. - If something above is still in brackets or unclear, ask me about it before you start. Output format: Follow the counts and format given in the task. Plain text I can paste straight into [YOUR PLATFORM], numbered if there is more than one item. Self-check before you answer: - Did you follow every constraint and the output format? - Does it sound like my voice and not generic AI writing? Cut filler openers and buzzwords. - Is every claim backed by something I gave you, or marked [NEEDS DETAIL]? Fix anything that fails, then give me the result.

What are related use cases?

Put About Me, strategy and persona in context files (Claude)
Five writing samples beat thirty (Claude)
Package your voice as a Skill Claude reloads (Claude)
Most people never teach AI how they communicate (ChatGPT)
Don't let AI pick what you write about (Claude)
Edit in three passes: fluff, personality, facts (Claude)

Where does this come from?

Checked Oct 16, 2026.

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Last updated Oct 16, 2026