The newsletter prompt playbook

# NEWSLETTER PROMPT PLAYBOOK
## From YouTube Transcript to Published Newsletter

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## REFERENCE FILES

Before creating the newsletter, please read these files:
1. My Knowledge Base: [YOUR-KNOWLEDGE-BASE.md]
2. My Brand Voice Guide: [YOUR-BRAND-VOICE-GUIDE.md]

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## SOURCE MATERIAL

I'm providing you with a [YouTube transcript / coaching call / video script] called:
[ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPT FILE]

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## NEWSLETTER DETAILS

**Newsletter Name:** [Your newsletter name]
**Platform:** [Substack / ConvertKit / Beehiiv / etc.]
**Target Read Time:** [2-3 minutes / 3-5 minutes / 5-7 minutes]
**Target Word Count:** [500-750 / 750-1000 / 1000-1500] words
**Publish Day:** [Day of week]

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## TARGET AUDIENCE

Write this newsletter for: [Describe your reader]

They care about: [What problems they want solved]

Their goal is to: [What transformation they want]

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## NEWSLETTER STRUCTURE

Follow this structure:

### 1. HOOK (First 2-3 sentences)
- Open with a bold claim, counterintuitive insight, or relatable problem
- Make the reader think "I need to keep reading"
- Don't start with "Hey [name]" or generic greetings

### 2. THE PROBLEM/SETUP (1-2 paragraphs)
- Describe the challenge or situation
- Make the reader feel seen ("If you've ever...")
- Create tension that the rest of the newsletter will resolve

### 3. THE FRAMEWORK/SOLUTION (Main body)
- Introduce the key concept or framework from the transcript
- Break it down into clear, digestible parts
- Use examples from the transcript where relevant
- Label any framework components clearly

### 4. APPLICATION/ACTION STEPS (1-2 paragraphs)
- Tell the reader exactly how to apply this
- Make it specific and actionable
- "Try this in your next [situation]"

### 5. CLOSE (2-3 sentences)
- Recap the main insight
- End with a memorable line or callback to the hook
- Sign off with just your first name

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## SUBJECT LINE REQUIREMENTS

Create 3 subject line options:
- Under 45 characters each
- Curiosity-driven or benefit-focused
- No clickbait - must accurately represent content

Format:
- Option 1: "[Subject]" (XX characters)
- Option 2: "[Subject]" (XX characters)
- Option 3: "[Subject]" (XX characters)

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## TONE & STYLE REQUIREMENTS

### DO:
- Write like you're talking to a smart friend
- Use short sentences and short paragraphs
- Be direct - get to the point quickly
- Use "you" language (not "one should")
- Include specific examples
- Make it scannable with clear section breaks

### DON'T:
- Use corporate jargon ("leverage," "synergy," "utilize")
- Use AI clichés ("let's dive in," "game-changer," "in today's world")
- Use excessive exclamation points
- Be vague or theoretical
- Write paragraphs longer than 3-4 sentences
- Use em-dashes (—) excessively

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## FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

- Use ## for main section headers (sparingly)
- Use **bold** for key terms or emphasis (not entire sentences)
- Use bullet points for lists of 3+ items
- Leave blank lines between paragraphs
- No images or graphics (text only)

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## CONTENT QUALITY CHECKLIST

Before finalizing, verify:

☐ **No fluff** - Every sentence adds value
☐ **No redundancy** - Don't repeat the same point in different words
☐ **Specific not vague** - Examples, numbers, details
☐ **Actionable** - Reader knows exactly what to do
☐ **Sounds like me** - Matches my voice guide
☐ **Under word count** - Tighter is better

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## CALL TO ACTION (Optional)

If you want to include a CTA, add at the end:

**Option A - Soft CTA:**
"If you found this helpful, share it with someone who needs it."

**Option B - Product CTA:**
"If you want to go deeper on [topic], check out [product/resource]."

**Option C - Engagement CTA:**
"Reply and tell me: [question related to topic]"

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## DELIVERABLES

Please provide:

1. **3 subject line options** (with character counts)
2. **The full newsletter** (formatted for [platform])
3. **A one-sentence summary** I can use for social promotion

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## EXAMPLE OF WHAT GOOD OUTPUT LOOKS LIKE

[Paste an example of a newsletter you've written that represents your ideal output. This helps AI understand the target.]

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END OF PLAYBOOK

I've created 20 newsletters with you. I'm attaching all 20 conversation histories.

Please analyze these conversations and extract:

1. What feedback did I give repeatedly?
2. What structures worked best?
3. What mistakes did you make that I corrected?
4. What patterns appear in my best newsletters?

Use this analysis to create an improved prompt playbook that captures everything I've taught you through iteration.