Visual Tool
Tone & Voice Decoder (Graphic)
Use these sliding markers to “score” a publication’s sound. Type your chosen value next to each scale when you save notes.
Tip: If a site talks to the reader as “you,” keep your pitch conversational. If it uses a distant, third-person voice, keep your pitch neutral and formal.
Visual Tool
Section & Series Map (Graphic)
Every site has “neighborhoods.” Put your idea in the right neighborhood and your chance goes up.
NewsUpdates, launches, quick facts
FeaturesDeep stories, profiles
GuidesHow-tos, tutorials
OpinionArguments, POVs
ReviewsScored or verdict
ExplainersBackgrounders
ColumnsRecurring series
House Rules
Guidelines & Submission Rules
Find the official page: Write for us / Submissions / Pitch.
Copy the exact subject-line format (if any).
Note what they ask for: topic, why now, sources, sample links, your bio, past clips.
Check rights & pay (if listed). Save the URL to your brief.
Common mistake: Ignoring a “no attachments” rule or missing required fields. Editors delete these fast.
Graphic: Submission Path
Guidelines
Required Fields
Submission Channel
Examples: Email to editor@… • Typeform • Submittable • Google Form
Scorecard
Pitch-Fit Score (Graphic)
Rate each area 0–5. Add them. 20+ means “go ahead and pitch.”
Your total / 25
| Area | 0 | 3 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone & Voice | Clash | Close | Spot-on |
| Section/Series | None | Related | Exact slot |
| Length | Way off | Near | Matches |
| Format Rules | Missed | Some | All |
| Timeliness | Stale | Okay | Urgent/Now |
If your score is low on just one row, fix that area and re-score.
Visual Tools
Visual Tools — see your idea clearly
Search Intent Map
Informational
Know / Learn / Explain
Commercial
Compare / Decide
Navigational
Go to a page
Transactional
Buy / Sign up
Novelty Grid
Audience
Who you target
Format
How you tell it
Evidence
What backs it
Timing / Voice
Why now / sound
Last Look
Final Checklist & Common Pitfalls
Green lights before you pitch or draft:
- Reader & outcome in one line (specific and clear).
- Headline shows benefit and names audience or result.
- Novelty lever chosen and obvious to a stranger.
- At least 5 credible evidence sources saved.
- Format matches dominant search intent.
- Idea Snapshot done (one page).
Pitfalls to avoid:
- Writing first, validating later (flips the smart order).
- Vague benefits like “insights” or “tips” with no outcome.
- Old data or broken links in your sources.
- Pitching a format readers don’t expect for that query.
- Trying to serve “everyone” instead of one clear reader.
Visual Tools
Visual Tools — see your intake at a glance
10-Minute Intake Flow
Hello & agenda (0:30) → Goal → Audience → Voice
Offer & CTA → Scope & SEO → Deadlines
Payment basics → Approvals & constraints
Recap & next step (proposal / outline / draft)
Roles & Approvals Map
Client Lead
Marketing
Legal
Final Decision Maker
Step 7 — Follow up gently (and stop on purpose)
Editors are busy, not rude. Your follow-ups are reminders, not pressure. Use a fixed schedule and short messages. If you get no reply after three nudges, make a decision: re-angle for another publication or drop the idea and move on.
| Day | Action | Line |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1st follow-up | “Bubbling this up in case it’s useful for [section]. Happy to adjust angle.” |
| 10 | 2nd follow-up | “Quick nudge — can hold or tweak for your readers if timing’s off.” |
| 21 | 3rd follow-up | “Last ping from me on this idea; if no fit, no worries.” |
Don’t: Apologize for following up or add long paragraphs. Keep it kind and brief.
Follow-up Timeline
Step 2 — Choose the right skeleton (structure)
Common Outline Skeletons
How-to
Hook → Steps → Tips → Wrap
List
Hook → Items → Wrap
Problem → Solution
Pain → Options → Plan
Case Study
Context → Actions → Results
Comparison
Criteria → A vs B → Verdict
Review
Overview → Pros/Cons → Score
Pick one pattern that fits your topic and your reader’s need. Don’t mix many patterns. A clean, familiar pattern makes your outline easy to follow.
Visual Tools (new Outline Tree + word-count bars)
Title
H2-1
H2-2
H2-3
Wrap
Tabloid-Style Note
💡 Tips & Tricks to Make Your Course Feel Alive (and Not AI-Generated)
| 🎭 Trick | 🧠 How to Use It | 💬 Why It Works (Keeps Learners Awake) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Add micro-stories “Once a freelancer forgot the About page and pitched blind…” |
Open each section with a 2-line story or real-world moment—something human or even funny. | Stories create empathy and memory hooks; readers picture themselves doing the step. |
| 2. Use the mentor voice “Alright, you’ve got 60 seconds—ready?” |
Write like you’re speaking over someone’s shoulder, coaching them with small challenges. | Adds rhythm and intimacy; feels like a real trainer, not lecture notes. |
| 3. Insert mini-quizzes e.g., “Find one mission verb on the About page—ready, go!” |
After each concept, drop a single task that takes under 60 seconds to complete in real life. | Micro-actions create active recall and break the scrolling monotony. |
| 4. Add emotion-based highlights 😮 “Surprise Fact,” ❤️ “Warm Reminder,” ⚠️ “Common Mistake.” |
Use emoji tags and pastel blocks to call attention to key lines. | Color + emotion = stronger visual anchoring. Learners skim but still absorb the key takeaway. |
| 5. Simulate dialogue Learner: “What if I can’t find the guideline page?” Mentor: “Search with site:domain + pitch — it never fails.” |
Drop in short Q&A exchanges between “You” and “Mentor.” | Breaks the wall, adds realism, keeps tone conversational and fun. |
| 6. Use countdown boxes ⏱️ “You’ve got 2 minutes—find the mission verb!” |
Create small timed boxes for each step to encourage fast, focused actions. | Gamifies the process; urgency increases attention and completion rate. |
| 7. Celebrate micro-wins “🎉 You just finished the hardest minute of this SOP!” |
Add short celebration notes at the end of each 2-minute chunk. | Positive reinforcement triggers dopamine; readers feel progress, not fatigue. |
| 8. Include reflection cues “Stop and write one line: how would you explain this to a friend?” |
Ask learners to summarize or re-phrase before moving forward. | Forces synthesis and builds long-term memory connections. |
| 9. Visual rhythm Alternate full-width cards, half-width panels, and SVG icons. |
Visually alternate colors (soft blue, lilac, mint) and card widths every 2–3 sections. | Keeps eyes moving; perceived “freshness” resets attention every few scrolls. |
| 10. Hidden rewards A tip, quote, or “Did-you-know” revealed on hover or click. |
Use HTML/CSS hover effects or small toggles to hide advanced notes. | Interactive discovery feels playful; learners associate curiosity with reward. |
Bottom line: Treat your course like a conversation, not a manual.
Every “minute” should talk, tease, or challenge the learner.
Small humor + visible progress = human warmth and retention.