# Outline

> Use this when turning a seed, interview, or set of facts into a writing plan before drafting an article.

- Skill: `coolxeo/outline` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add coolxeo/outline`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/coolxeo/outline/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: coolxeo (https://skillmd.com/u/coolxeo)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/coolxeo/outline

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# Outline

Turn a seed, interview, or signed facts into a writing plan. Do not write the article yet.

## Arc

1. **Opening hook** — 2–3 specific options from lived detail, not “open with an anecdote.”
2. **Problem / question** — the tension. Why the reader should care.
3. **Mechanism** — the system or pattern that explains it.
4. **Evidence** — named facts, files, measurements. Flag gaps.
5. **Implications** — what the reader can actually do.
6. **Close** — how to return to the opening. No fake-profound kicker.

## Rules

- Teach test: name the one thing the reader will learn.
- Vary section length. Do not make every block the same shape.
- Present the outline for sign-off before drafting.
- Invent nothing. If a number, quote, or source is missing, mark the gap.
- After the outline is signed, draft section by section. Then run source-check, then No AI slop.

Source: adapted from [Nadiem Mahmoud, outline](https://github.com/nadiem99/claude-writing-skills/blob/5b52111e1bd30e93643929f17155e82aa26f771f/skills/pipeline/outline/SKILL.md). MIT; see [third-party notices](../../../THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md).