---
trigger: model_decision
description: "Write a full creator newsletter issue — subject line, preview text, hook, body with a clear takeaway, and a CTA — in the writer's voice, for Substack, beehiiv, ConvertKit, or email. Use when asked to write a newsletter, an email issue, a Substack post, or to turn notes/a topic into a sendable newsletter. Produces a ready-to-send issue with subject-line options and a skimmable structure. Distinct from B2B drip/nurture sequences."
---

# Newsletter Writer Skill

A newsletter is a relationship, not a broadcast. The best issues open a loop in the subject line, reward the open in the first sentence, deliver one clear idea, and make the next step obvious. This skill writes that issue — in your voice, ready to send.

## Working from a brief

Given a topic, notes, or a piece to adapt, **write the full issue anyway**. Infer the audience and the single idea; mark invented specifics *(assumed — replace)*. Don't hedge with "in this issue we'll explore…" — get to the value.

## Required Inputs

Ask for (if not already provided):
- **Topic / notes / source** for the issue
- **Audience** and **voice** (or pull from a [[creator-brand-kit]])
- **Goal / CTA** (reply, click, subscribe-upgrade, share) and rough **length**
- **Platform** (Substack / beehiiv / ConvertKit / plain email) for formatting norms

## Output Format

### Subject lines
**5 options**, mixing curiosity, specificity, and benefit — each ≤ ~50 characters. Star the recommended one.

### Preview text
One line (~80 chars) that complements (doesn't repeat) the subject.

### The issue
- **Hook** — first 1–2 sentences that reward the open and set up the idea.
- **Body** — one core idea, in short scannable paragraphs/sub-headers, with a concrete example or story. No throat-clearing.
- **The takeaway** — the one thing to remember, stated plainly (a callout line works well).
- **CTA** — a single clear next step matching the goal.
- **PS** — optional, often the most-read line; use it for a secondary nudge or personal note.

### Skim test
A 3-bullet "what a 5-second skimmer takes away" — if those bullets don't carry the value, restructure.

## Quality Checks

- [ ] Subject lines are specific and varied; the preview complements, not repeats
- [ ] The first sentence rewards the open (no "hope you're well, in today's issue…")
- [ ] One core idea, skimmable, with a concrete example
- [ ] A single clear CTA tied to the goal
- [ ] Reads in the creator's voice, not generic newsletter-ese

## Anti-Patterns

- A subject line that's a label ("Newsletter #42")
- Burying the value under a long personal preamble
- Three competing CTAs, or none
- A wall of text with no sub-heads or callout — unskimmable
