Substack Note

Load Context First

Before executing this skill, read the following files from the project folder if they exist:

1. USER.md — who the user is, how they think, how they work
2. BUSINESS.md — their business, products, positioning, brand voice, content strategy
3. ICP.md — their ideal customer, their language, their fears, what makes them buy
4. Voice or brand voice skill — look for any installed skill related to voice, tone, or brand voice and apply it automatically
5. Any additional context provided by the user in this session

Use all context silently. Do not reference or summarize files unless asked.

Substack Notes Generator

Overview

This skill generates high-performing Substack notes by applying proven structural patterns and psychological techniques while maintaining YOUR unique voice through context profiles.

Critical distinction: This skill uses STRUCTURAL PATTERNS and PSYCHOLOGY (not tone) that have been proven to work, expressed in YOUR authentic voice.

When to Activate

Use this skill when:

• User wants to write a Substack note
• User mentions "create a note" or "write a post"
• User asks for short-form content for Substack
• User wants to share an insight, update, or piece of advice on Substack

How It Works

Step 1: Load Context Profiles (REQUIRED)

Before generating any note, you MUST load context profiles provided in the task.

Step 2: Analyze Input & Choose Note Type

Analyze the input and select the best note type:

1. Single-Punch Wisdom — One powerful quotable statement (1-2 sentences) 2. Income Proof Story — Share results with vulnerable beginning (3-7 sentences) 3. Pattern Observation — "I've noticed..." authority-building insight (3-8 sentences) 4. Contrarian Statement — Challenge conventional wisdom (2-6 sentences) 5. Problem → Solution Insight — Identify issue + root cause + fix (3-6 sentences) 6. Build-in-Public Update — Transparent progress sharing (3-8 sentences) 7. List-Based Tactical — Actionable numbered/bulleted advice (4-12 sentences) 8. Vulnerable Personal Story — Deep connection through story (4-10 sentences) 9. Philosophical Observation — Life principle or worldview (2-5 sentences) 10. Direct Advice — Clear instruction with reasoning (2-5 sentences)

If user is unsure, recommend based on their goal:

• Teaching → List-Based Tactical or Problem → Solution
• Building Authority → Pattern Observation or Income Proof Story
• Connection → Vulnerable Story or Philosophical Observation
• Quick Value → Single-Punch Wisdom or Direct Advice
• Transparency → Build-in-Public Update
• Positioning → Contrarian Statement

Step 3: Apply Structural Formula

Formula 1: Single-Punch Wisdom

[One powerful statement that stands alone]
[Optional: Brief supporting thought]

Psychology: Screenshot-worthy, highly shareable. Length: 1-2 sentences

Formula 2: Income Proof Story

[Starting point - vulnerability or struggle]
[Turning point - what changed]
[Results - specific numbers]
[Insight or encouragement for reader]

Psychology: Builds credibility through transparency. Length: 3-7 sentences

Formula 3: Pattern Observation

[Hook: "I've noticed..." or "A pattern I see..."]
[Examples or numbered list of patterns]
[Why it matters or application]

Psychology: Creates authority through observation. Length: 3-8 sentences

Formula 4: Contrarian Statement

[Bold claim that contradicts common belief]
[Why conventional thinking is wrong]
[Better alternative or truth]

Psychology: Creates cognitive dissonance, memorable. Length: 2-6 sentences

Formula 5: Problem → Solution Insight

["You don't have X because..."]
[Root cause explanation]
[What to do instead]

Psychology: "Aha moments" through revealing hidden causes. Length: 3-6 sentences

Formula 6: Build-in-Public Update

[What you're working on]
[Specific metrics/progress]
[Learning, insight, or next step]

Psychology: Transparency builds trust and connection. Length: 3-8 sentences

Formula 7: List-Based Tactical

[Hook: "How to X:" or "If you want Y:"]
- [Specific action 1]
- [Specific action 2]
- [Specific action 3]
[Optional: Punchy closing insight]

Psychology: High perceived value, scannable, actionable. Length: 4-12 sentences

Formula 8: Vulnerable Personal Story

[Personal moment or realization]
[Emotional impact or turning point]
[Universal lesson or takeaway]

Psychology: Deep connection through humanization. Length: 4-10 sentences

Formula 9: Philosophical Observation

[Core principle or belief]
[Supporting explanation]
[Implication for reader]

Psychology: Establishes worldview, attracts aligned audience. Length: 2-5 sentences

Formula 10: Direct Advice

[Imperative: "Do this" or "Stop doing that"]
[Why it matters]
[What happens if you follow/ignore]

Psychology: Clear guidance, removes ambiguity. Length: 2-5 sentences

Step 4: Generate Note with Voice Integration

Critical Requirements:

1. Use the STRUCTURE from the formula
2. Apply USER'S VOICE from context profiles
3. Include SPECIFIC DETAILS from business profile when relevant
4. Match the PSYCHOLOGY of the note type
5. Follow the LENGTH guideline for the type

Step 5: Format for Substack

Formatting Guidelines:

• Single-line paragraphs for emphasis
• 2-3 sentence paragraphs for development
• Lots of white space
• Easy scanning
• No excessive formatting

What to Avoid:

• ALL CAPS (except rare emphasis)
• Excessive emojis
• Over-formatting
• Corporate speak

Length Guidelines

Ultra-Short (1-2 sentences): Maximum shareability, quotable wisdom Short (3-5 sentences): Quick insight with context — MOST COMMON Medium (6-10 sentences): Teaching or storytelling Long (10+ sentences): Deep dives, comprehensive frameworks — RARE

Default to 3-5 sentences unless the message demands more.

What to Avoid

1. Vague Generalities ❌ "Success takes time and hard work" ✅ "My first 6 months: $0. Month 7: $10K. Nothing happens, then everything happens."

2. Humble-Bragging ❌ "So grateful for this little win" [shows huge number] ✅ "Made $50K this month. Here's the mistake that cost me $30K of it."

3. Clickbait Without Payoff ❌ "This one thing changed everything" [no specifics] ✅ "Switched from hourly to value pricing. Doubled my income in 8 weeks."

4. Generic Advice ❌ "Work hard and believe in yourself" ✅ "Wake up at 5am. Complete your hardest task first. Ignore everything else until noon."

5. Corporate Voice ❌ "We're excited to announce our new offering" ✅ "Built something new. Tested it for 3 weeks. It works. Here's what it does."

Quality Checklist

Before delivering the note, verify:

Voice Authenticity:

• Sounds like the user would actually write this
• Uses their natural sentence rhythms
• Matches their conviction patterns

Structural Integrity:

• Follows the chosen formula
• Opens with strong hook
• Closes with impact
• Matches intended length

Value Delivery:

• Clear takeaway or insight
• Specific (not vague)
• Worth reader's time

Engagement Potential:

• First sentence grabs attention
• Would you stop scrolling?
• Shareable or quotable?