Skimmability Patterns
Rule: Skeleton Before Drafting
Description: Define headline, intro, main-point pattern, and conclusion before writing full prose. Negative example: Drafting from a blank page with no section logic. Positive example: Outline with "5 mistakes" structure and one example per mistake.
Rule: Keep Pattern Consistency
Description: If the piece is structured as steps, keep all major sections as steps. Negative example: Step 1, then Lesson 2, then random story block. Positive example: Step 1-5 with consistent headers.
Rule: Use Visual Signposts
Description: Use subheads, concise lists, and occasional emphasis to reduce scanning friction. Negative example: One 500-word block with no subheads. Positive example: Three subheaded sections, each with one short list.
Rule: Start Sections With Single-Sentence Openers
Description: Open each major section with one sentence that anchors the point. Negative example: Starting sections with dense multi-clause blocks. Positive example: One declarative opener followed by supporting detail.
Rule: Convert Enumerations Into Bulleted Lists
Description: When a paragraph is listing examples, steps, or options, format it as a list. Negative example: A long sentence stacking five examples separated by commas. Positive example: A short intro line followed by a clean bullet list.
Rule: Place Subheads at Predictable Milestones
Description: Add informative subheads at regular visual intervals in longer pieces. Negative example: A 700-word article with only one heading at the top. Positive example: Subheads that split the page into clear chunks and signal transitions.
Rule: Keep Each Section Scannable
Description: Readers should understand each section by reading only its heading and first line. Negative example: Generic heading like "Thoughts" with no useful first line. Positive example: Heading "Where drafts get stuck" with first line naming the exact bottleneck.
Rule: Avoid Over-Fragmentation
Description: Too many one-line paragraphs can feel jittery and shallow. Negative example: Fifteen one-line paragraphs with no development. Positive example: Mixed rhythm: short opener, compact body, short closer.
Rule: Use Doorway Rhythm
Description: Open and close sections with short "door" sentences, with development in the middle. Negative example: Section starts and ends with long abstract paragraphs. Positive example: 1/3/1 or 1/4/1 rhythm that makes entry and exit easy for the reader.
Fast Formatting Pass
- Add a one-sentence opener to each section.
- Turn inline enumerations into bullets.
- Add subheads every major turn in the argument.
- Check paragraph rhythm for short opener, compact middle, short closer.
- Remove any block that increases friction without adding new value.