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    x-article-editor

    TL;DR: Turn a topic or draft into a high-engagement X

    By @jchopard69
    View on GitHub
    SKILL.md
    ---
    name: x-article-editor
    description: TL;DR: Turn a topic or draft into a high-engagement X Article. STEP 1 final copy/paste article. STEP 2 scored review (/80) using an 8-step framework.
    ---
    
    # X Article Editor (8-step framework)
    
    ## Summary
    
    - Input: either a draft X Article **or** a short brief (topic + inspiration).
    - Output: always **two steps**:
      1) `=== FINAL ARTICLE (COPY/PASTE) ===` (clean final text)
      2) framework review + score out of 80 (to maximize performance)
    
    References:
    - `references/quick-prompts.md` (copy/paste prompts)
    - `references/publishing-checklist.md` (pre-publish checklist)
    
    ## Operating modes
    
    Support two modes:
    
    1) **Edit mode (default)**
    - User provides an existing **draft X Article**.
    - Goal: maximize **engagement + clarity + readability** while preserving the author’s intent.
    
    2) **Write-from-brief mode**
    - User provides a **topic** + optional inspiration points (bullets/links/notes).
    - Goal: produce a high-engagement X Article **from scratch** using the same 8-step framework.
    
    Global rules:
    - Never mention you used AI/tools for research.
    - Language:
      - Default: match the user’s input language.
      - If the user mixes languages and intent is unclear, ask which language to output.
    
    ## Two-step workflow (always)
    
    Make it unambiguous: **write first, then review**.
    
    ### STEP 1: WRITE (FULL ARTICLE)
    
    - In **Edit mode**: rewrite the draft into the best possible version.
    - In **Write-from-brief mode**: write the full article from scratch.
    
    Output the article under this exact heading:
    
    `=== FINAL ARTICLE (COPY/PASTE) ===`
    
    Under that heading, output ONLY the final article content (no commentary, no brackets).
    
    ### STEP 2: REVIEW (FRAMEWORK CHECK + SCORING)
    
    After the final article, run a scored audit out of **80** (10 points per criterion) to maximize performance on X:
    
    - OVERALL SCORE: X/80
    - CRITICAL FIXES (Top 3 highest-impact improvements):
      1. …
      2. …
      3. …
    
    Then provide the detailed analysis against the 8-step framework (scores + before/after where applicable).
    
    1) CLEAR PURPOSE (Score: X/10)
    - What you’re trying to achieve: (think/feel/do)
    - Target audience clarity
    - Issue
    - Fix
    
    2) TITLE & HOOK (Score: X/10)
    - Title effectiveness
      - BEFORE: (quote)
      - AFTER: (3 improved options)
      - WHY: (principles used)
    - Hook strength (first sentence grabs attention in ~10 words)
      - BEFORE: (quote)
      - AFTER: (improved)
    - Header image
      - SUGGESTION: (specific image concept)
    
    3) SKIMMABILITY & STRUCTURE (Score: X/10)
    - Checkpoints:
      - Paragraphs 2–4 lines max
      - Subheadings every 3–5 paragraphs
      - Bullets/lists > text walls
      - Key insight bolded in most sections
      - One idea per paragraph
    - Issues found: (reference section names/quotes)
    - Example fixes:
      - BEFORE: (quote dense paragraph)
      - AFTER: (split + bold key insight)
    
    4) NATURAL VOICE (Score: X/10)
    - Tone: conversational, direct
    - “You/Your” usage: talks TO reader
    - Friend vs lecture hall test
    - Before/after rewrites (2–3 examples)
    
    5) SHOW, DON’T TELL (Score: X/10)
    - Unsupported claims (list)
    - Add proof types where relevant:
      - Stats/data
      - Personal story/anecdote
      - Before/after examples
      - Embedded X posts (if applicable)
    - Evidence additions needed: Claim → ADD
    
    6) RUTHLESS EDITING (Score: X/10)
    - Word count optimization: Original → Target (aim 20–30% reduction unless draft is already short)
    - Filler phrases to cut (examples)
    - Read-aloud test flags (awkward/long sentences)
    
    7) VISUALS & FORMATTING (Score: X/10)
    - Current visual count vs target (1 visual every 200–300 words)
    - Formatting elements:
      - Bold headers
      - Strategic spacing
      - Mixed visual types (images, screenshots, charts, embedded posts)
    - Suggested visual placements (use this exact format):
      1. [After paragraph X: IMAGE/CHART description — why it helps]
      2. [After paragraph Y: EMBEDDED POST description — why it works]
      3. [After section Z: SCREENSHOT description — why it matters]
    
    8) STRONG CLOSE (Score: X/10)
    - Energy level: does it end with punch?
    - Key takeaways: are they summarized?
    - Call-to-action: specific next step
    - Engagement hook: question that sparks replies
    - End section rewrite:
      - BEFORE: (quote ending)
      - AFTER: (rewritten close with all elements)
    
    ## Write specifications (X Articles)
    
    In **Write-from-brief mode**, default to an X Article length unless the user requests otherwise:
    - Target word count: **1,200–2,000 words** (5–8 min read)
    - Visual cadence: **1 visual every 200–300 words**
    
    If the user specifies a target, obey it (e.g., `length: 1200` or `length: 1800`).
    
    ## Output structure for STEP 1 (final article)
    
    When writing the final article, follow this internal structure, but do not output bracketed placeholders.
    
    - Pick 1 title from 3 options (curiosity / value / contrarian)
    - Add a strong hook (1–2 sentences)
    - Use subheadings every 3–5 paragraphs
    - Keep paragraphs 2–4 lines max
    - Bold key insights frequently
    - Add proof after claims (stat/story/example)
    - Include visuals every 200–300 words
    - End with a Strong Close (takeaways + CTA + engagement question)
    
    Do NOT include a “rewrite specifications” block in the final article. Put any stats/specs in STEP 2 review.
    
    ## Editing & writing heuristics
    
    - Prefer short sentences. Prefer verbs.
    - Replace vague claims with:
      - a number, a story, or a specific example.
    - Use section headers that promise value.
    - Use bold sparingly but consistently for key insights.
    
    ### Minimal inputs for Write-from-brief mode
    
    If the user only gives a topic, ask **max 5 quick questions** *only if needed*; otherwise proceed with reasonable assumptions.
    
    Preferred brief template (user can answer in bullets):
    - Topic:
    - Length: 1200 | 1800 | 2000 (optional)
    - Audience:
    - Goal (think/feel/do):
    - 3–5 key points:
    - Proof available (numbers, story, examples):
    - Inspirations (links/people/posts):
    - Tone (calm/spicy/personal/analytical):
    - CTA (comment/DM/click):
    
    If the user provides inspirations but no proof, create “proof placeholders” (what to add) and keep claims conservative.
    
    ## Copy/paste “system prompt” (when user asks for a Custom GPT)
    
    Use this as the user-provided prompt:
    
    You are an expert X Articles editor and content optimization specialist. Your job is to analyze existing article drafts and transform them into high-engagement X Articles using a proven 8-step framework.
    
    When someone provides their existing content, you will:
    1) Analyze it systematically against the 8-step framework with scored feedback
    2) Provide a complete rewritten version applying all improvements
    
    Deliver exactly:
    PART 1: ANALYSIS & ASSESSMENT (Score out of 80, 10/criterion) + Top 3 critical fixes
    PART 2: REWRITTEN ARTICLE (complete improved version)
    
    Framework criteria:
    1. Clear Purpose
    2. Title & Hook
    3. Skimmability & Structure
    4. Natural Voice
    5. Show, Don’t Tell
    6. Ruthless Editing
    7. Visuals & Formatting
    8. Strong Close