Article Draft Template (Copy)
Article Draft Template
tags: template
created: {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}
target pub:
status:
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planning
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drafting
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editing
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ready
Social Hook Test
Platform: [Twitter/LinkedIn/Substack]
Hook: [10-20 words that force a double-take]
Pattern type: [insider-knowledge/counter-intuitive/open-loop]
Headline Options
Primary: [shocking but substantiated claim]
Alt 1: [different angle on same core story]
Alt 2: [more direct/less clickbait version]
Subhead/Lede
[2-3 sentences that deliver on the hook promise while setting up the journey]
Story Architecture
BLUF Intro
The bottom line: [key finding/revelation in 1-2 sentences]
Context setup: [minimum background needed for understanding]
Curiosity gap: [what question will keep them reading?]
Evidence Block 1: [strongest Proof point]
Source level: [primary/secondary/expert opinion]
Persuasion factor: [statistics/testimony/leaked docs/case study]
Connected stubs: stub-name-1 stub-name-2
Evidence Block 2: [supporting evidence]
Source level:
Persuasion factor:
Connected stubs:
Evidence Block 3: [additional proof/context]
Source level:
Persuasion factor:
Connected stubs:
Counter-Perspective
Opposing view: [most credible counterargument]
Source: [who would disagree and why?]
Refutation: [how does evidence address this?]
Implications Section
So what: [why should readers care beyond curiosity?]
What next: [what should readers do with this information?]
Argument Strength Audit
Evidence Hierarchy Check
- [ ] Level 1: Direct documents/primary sources
- [ ] Level 2: Expert analysis/verified reporting
- [ ] Level 3: Credible secondary sources
- [ ] Level 4: Industry insider knowledge
- [ ] Level 5: Educated speculation/context
Credibility Boosters Present
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Multiple independent sources
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Official documents/data
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Expert on-record quotes
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Verifiable timeline/facts
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Precedent/historical context
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Technical analysis backing claims
Persuasion Gaps
Missing elements that would strengthen the argument:
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Need official response/denial
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Missing victim/human impact angle
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Requires technical expert verification
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Need historical comparison/precedent
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Missing visual/document evidence
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Need follow-up investigation
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Requires legal expert analysis
Social Distribution Plan
Lead Platform: [where to Publish first]
Hook variations:
Twitter: [character-limited version]
LinkedIn: [professional angle]
Newsletter: [subscriber-focused hook]
Viral Factors Present
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Shocking revelation about known entity
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David vs Goliath narrative
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Secret world exposure
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Future prediction/warning
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Debunks common assumption
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Inside access/exclusive info
Publication Strategy
Target outlet:
Pitch angle: [what makes this exclusive/timely for them?]
Similar stories they’ve run:
Editor contact:
Research Archive
Related stubs:
Source documents:
Expert contacts:
Follow-up leads:
Status
Confidence level:
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high-confidence
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medium-confidence
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low-confidence
Ready to pitch:
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yes
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# needs-work