---
name: outline
description: Create a structured article outline from a research file
argument-hint: "[research-file]"
---

# Outline Skill

Transform a research file into a structured article outline ready for drafting.

## Input

**Research file path** - Path to the research file (from `/research` skill)

**Optional: `--references`** - Comma-separated list of URLs, file paths, image paths, or pasted content:
```
/outline ./1-research/content-decay.md --references="https://example.com/article, ./images/chart.png, ./0-references/notes.md"
```
- **URLs**: fetched with WebFetch
- **Image paths**: read directly — Claude interprets charts, screenshots, data visuals
- **File paths**: read as text
- **Inline content**: used as-is
- All sources combined and saved to `./0-references/[slug]-ref.md`

## Outline Structure Rules

### H2 Headers Must:
- Logically support the thesis
- Cover the topic completely
- Follow the article type structure
- Avoid passive "-ing" words (use active verbs instead)

### Under Each H2, Include:
1. **BLUF** (Bottom Line Up Front): One bullet with the section's biggest idea
2. **Sub-points**: Supporting details that expand on the BLUF
3. **Evidence**: Examples, data, expert opinions, potential objections to address

## Workflow

### Step 0: Read User References (if provided)

Extract:
- **Angles and opinions** - POVs, counterintuitive takes, experience-based claims
- **Specific examples and data** - Real numbers, company names, tools, outcomes
- **Unique insights** - Things competitors are unlikely to cover
- **Terminology and framing** - Author's language and concepts

Summarize in a **Reference Notes** block at the top of the outline output.

### Step 1: Read the research file
### Step 2: Draft the thesis statement
### Step 3: Create H2 headers
### Step 4: For each H2, add BLUF, sub-points, and evidence placeholders
### Step 5: Plan the introduction (Hook, Thesis, Preview)
### Step 6: Plan the conclusion ("Final Thoughts" + souvenir)

### Step 7: Structural Edit Review

#### MECE Check
- No overlap between H2s
- Complete coverage of the topic
- No major subtopics missing

#### Pyramid Principle Check
- One idea per section
- Evidence supports the BLUF
- Context adds depth without new main ideas

#### Section Weighting Check
- Core sections: 60-70% of total
- Support sections: 30-40% combined
- Add suggested word counts to each section

#### Title Promise Check
- Every section contributes to fulfilling the title's promise
- Remove sections that don't serve the promise

#### Header Clarity Check
- Each header signals what the reader will gain
- Specific, not vague (e.g., "Optimize Your Pin Titles" not "Titles")
- A reader skimming headers alone understands the article's value

---

## Output

Save to `./2-outlines/[keyword-slug].md` with:
- Article title, target keyword, word count, thesis
- Structural Edit Review table
- Introduction (Hook, Thesis, Preview)
- H2 sections with BLUF, sub-points, evidence, word targets
- Final Thoughts (Summary + Souvenir)

## Example Usage

```
/outline ./1-research/keyword-research.md
```