MC-Guide

Content Writing

Content Writing The Workflow: Process 1 To 11

This content writing workflow have 11 processes that going to help you in your planning, writing, pitching, and submission process.

This workflow not only shows you step by step process, but also gives you a generator – simply put your idea and copy paste the final output. Click on each card to start.

Paid Writing Workflow — Processes 1–11

Paid Writing Workflow:

Processes 1 to 11 (Pitch → Assignment → Submit → Reuse) –
Click on each cards to learn & prepare your content.

Use this same clean grid to prepare a wired.com-style, paid-writing pipeline. Each card shows what to do, what to prepare, and input your content to generate the exact output you should produce before moving forward. Click on the cards.

Strategy Brief Research Outline & System Pitch Terms Proof & Assets Draft QA & Submit

1Strategy & Goals (Strategy Brief)

Phase: Strategy

Create the 1-page brief an editor can scan in 20 seconds.

Choose one publication + one desk
Define one reader, the problem, and real stakes
Pick one angle + proof plan + scope (word count/deliverable)
Success metric: reply → assignment → fee → deadline

Owner: Writer Tools: Docs/Whiteboard Output: Strategy Brief

2Audience & Topic Research

Phase: Research

Find demand, gaps, and sources so your pitch feels “assignment-ready.”

Search intent: what people are trying to solve
What the target publication already covered (and the gaps)
Collect 5–10 credible sources (reports, docs, standards)
Make a shortlist of 3 experts to contact

Owner: Writer/Researcher Tools: SERP, Site Search, Forums Output: Research Notes

3Outline & Angle (Editor-Scannable)

Phase: Planning

Turn research into a clean H2/H3 map with proof slots and assets.

Hook + promise + “why now” in 2 lines
H2/H3 outline with bullet points (what each section delivers)
Proof slots: where data/quotes/examples will appear
Asset list: diagram/table/checklist (what you will include)

Owner: Writer Tools: Docs Output: Outline + Angle

4Pitch Email + Mini Brief

Phase: Pitch

Send a pitch that is clear, short, and easy to assign.

2–3 subject lines + one strong pitch line
Paste the mini brief: reader/problem/angle/proof/scope
“Why you” in 1–2 lines + 2–3 sample links
CTA: ask directly for assignment and timeline

Owner: Writer Tools: Email Output: Pitch Sent

5Assignment & Terms Lock

Phase: Terms

When they reply, confirm the deal in writing (no confusion later).

Fee + payment method + invoice details
Rights (first serial/online), exclusivity, embargo (if any)
Word count + deliverables + revision rounds
Deadline + kill fee (if discussed) + scope boundaries

Owner: Writer + Editor Tools: Email Output: Confirmed Assignment

6Reporting & Proof Gathering

Phase: Proof

Collect proof first so your draft is safe, credible, and fast to write.

Interview plan (questions + consent + recording notes)
Source pack: docs, data, policies, standards, reports
Quote log + fact-check notes (claim → source link)
Asset inputs: screenshots, examples, numbers (with context)

Owner: Writer Tools: Recorder/Docs/Sheets Output: Proof Pack

7Drafting (Version 1)

Phase: Draft

Write fast from the outline—clarity first, polish later.

Follow the outline; write simple, scannable paragraphs
Add examples; mark placeholders like [source needed]
Stay inside scope (word count + promised deliverables)
Close with the reader outcome + next action

Owner: Writer Tools: Docs Output: Draft 1

8Self-Edit + Fact-Check Pass

Phase: QA

Make it publish-ready before the editor sees it.

Clarity pass: tighten intro, remove fluff, improve flow
Verify every claim: link to sources in notes
Consistency: names, numbers, terms, dates, definitions
Final QA: headings, links, formatting, accessibility basics

Owner: Writer/Editor Tools: Style Guide Output: Clean Draft

9Visuals & Packaging

Phase: Assets

Deliver assets that make the story easier to publish and understand.

Build the promised assets: diagram/table/checklist
Add captions + image credits + alt text
Note placements inside the doc (“Insert Figure 1 here”)
Separate optional extras (avoid hidden scope creep)

Owner: Writer/Designer Tools: Figma/Canva Output: Asset Pack

10Final Delivery Pack

Phase: Deliver

Submit cleanly with everything an editor needs to move fast.

Final doc link + permissions + clean formatting
Source list + quote approvals (if any) + fact notes
Asset links + credits + alt text included
2-line handoff summary + what you need from editor

Owner: Writer Tools: Docs/Drive Output: Submission Package

11Submit, Follow-Up & Reuse System

Phase: Loop

Close the loop professionally and turn one story into your next pitches.

Follow-up cadence: day 2–4, then day 7–10 (then stop)
Revision reply template: confirm change + new ETA
Archive: sources, outline, learnings, assets (future speed)
Reuse: portfolio bullets + next Process 1 brief seed

Owner: Writer Tools: Tracker/Notes Output: Published Link + Pipeline