---
name: newsletter-issue-writer
description: Create any newsletter issue with proper structure, hooks, and calls to action.
---

# Skill: Newsletter Issue Writer

Create newsletter issues that readers actually open, read, and act on.

## Specifications

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Length | 500-1500 words (varies by type) |
| Structure | Hook → Value → CTA |
| Tone | Personal, direct, useful |
| Goal | Opens, clicks, replies, retention |

## Newsletter Types

### 1. Curated Newsletter
Collection of links/resources with commentary.

### 2. Essay Newsletter
Single topic, long-form thinking.

### 3. Tutorial Newsletter
Teaching something specific.

### 4. Hybrid Newsletter
Mix of personal update + curated content.

### 5. Update Newsletter
News/updates in your space.

## Issue Structure

### Universal Framework

```
[Subject line - must earn the open]

[Opening hook - 2-3 lines max]

[Main content - value delivery]

[Closing - CTA or personal note]

[Signature]
```

## Subject Line Formulas

### Curiosity
- "The [thing] I never talk about"
- "Why I stopped [doing X]"
- "This changed how I [topic]"

### Value Promise
- "[Number] [things] for [result]"
- "How to [achieve outcome]"
- "The [topic] guide I wish I had"

### Personal
- "A confession about [topic]"
- "What happened this week"
- "I made a mistake"

### Preview
- "[Topic]: [key insight]"
- "On [topic], [opinion]"
- "This week: [thing 1], [thing 2], [thing 3]"

### Pattern Interrupt
- "[One word]"
- "Don't read this if [qualifier]"
- "The opposite of what you expect"

## Opening Hooks

### The Personal Moment
```
I almost didn't send this newsletter today.

[Then explain why + transition to value]
```

### The Direct Start
```
Let's skip the small talk.

Here's the one thing that moved the needle this week:
```

### The Story Start
```
Last Tuesday, I got an email that changed my perspective on [topic].

[Continue story → lesson]
```

### The Contrarian
```
Everyone's wrong about [topic].

Here's what I mean:
```

### The Promise
```
By the end of this email, you'll know exactly how to [outcome].

Let's go.
```

## Newsletter Templates by Type

### Curated Newsletter Template

```
[Subject: This week: [theme or highlights]]

Hey [name],

[1-2 sentence personal opening or observation]

---

## 🔥 Best Thing I Found This Week

[Resource/article/tool with 2-3 sentence commentary on why it matters]

→ [Link]

---

## 📚 Worth Your Time

**[Title 1]** - [One sentence on what it is and why it's valuable]
[Link]

**[Title 2]** - [Commentary]
[Link]

**[Title 3]** - [Commentary]
[Link]

---

## 💡 Quick Thought

[2-3 sentence observation, opinion, or tip]

---

That's it for this week.

[Personal sign-off],
[Name]

P.S. [Optional: question, teaser for next week, or personal note]
```

### Essay Newsletter Template

```
[Subject: [Topic]: [Hook or angle]]

[Opening hook - story, observation, or bold statement]

[2-3 paragraphs building the context]

---

[Main argument/insight]

[Supporting point 1 with example]

[Supporting point 2 with example]

[Supporting point 3 with example]

---

[Practical takeaway or action step]

[Closing thought]

[Signature]

P.S. [Related resource or question]
```

### Tutorial Newsletter Template

```
[Subject: How to [achieve outcome]]

Today I'll show you exactly how to [outcome].

This takes about [time] and requires [prerequisites if any].

Let's dive in.

---

## Step 1: [Action]

[Explanation]
[Specific instructions]
[What to expect]

## Step 2: [Action]

[Continue pattern]

## Step 3: [Action]

[Continue pattern]

---

## Common Mistakes

[Mistake 1 and how to avoid]
[Mistake 2 and how to avoid]

---

## What's Next

Now that you've [completed tutorial], here's what to do:

1. [Next action]
2. [Related resource]

Questions? Hit reply. I read everything.

[Name]
```

### Hybrid Newsletter Template

```
[Subject: [Theme or hook]]

Hey [name],

[Personal update or observation - 2-3 sentences]

Here's what I've got for you today:

---

## 📝 What I'm Working On

[Brief update on your project/work with lesson or insight]

---

## 🛠️ Tool of the Week

**[Tool name]** - [What it does, why I use it, who it's for]

[Link]

---

## 📖 What I'm Reading/Watching

[Resource with brief commentary]

---

## 💭 Thought of the Week

[Quote, observation, or mini-essay - 3-5 sentences]

---

That's all for this week.

[Closing],
[Name]

P.S. [Question or teaser]
```

## Emotional Arc

Every issue should have emotional movement. Information alone doesn't keep subscribers.

### Build Tension, Then Release
- Present a problem or honest struggle
- Sit in the difficulty for a moment
- Offer the resolution or lesson

**Pattern:**
> [Problem/fear/frustration]
> [Acknowledge the difficulty honestly]
> [Resolution, insight, or path forward]

### The Contrarian Take
Challenge conventional wisdom with evidence:
- State what everyone believes
- Explain why you disagree (with specific experience)
- Acknowledge the tradeoff

Works best in essay and hybrid newsletter types.

### Urgency Without Hype
Create urgency through honest assessment, not manufactured scarcity:
- Real deadlines (deal expires, version EOL, event date)
- Honest stakes ("If you haven't done X yet, here's what you're risking")
- Never fake it

## Voice Guidelines

### Do:
- Write like you're emailing one person
- Use "you" and "I" constantly
- Share opinions, not just information
- Include specific examples
- Be useful above all else

### Don't:
- Sound like a marketing email
- Use "Dear subscribers"
- Hedge every statement
- Include filler content
- Make readers work to find value

## Sections That Work

### Personal Update
Brief, relevant to audience, connects to content.

### Main Content
The reason they opened. Deliver real value.

### Quick Win
Something they can use immediately.

### Behind-the-Scenes
Process, thinking, mistakes. Builds connection.

### Question/Engagement
Invite replies. Actually respond.

### Resource/Tool
Curated recommendation with context.

### P.S.
High-readership zone. Use it well.

## CTA Strategies

### Soft CTAs
- "If this was helpful, forward to someone who needs it"
- "Hit reply and let me know what you think"
- "What would you add?"

### Direct CTAs
- "Check out [resource] here: [link]"
- "Join [program/product]: [link]"
- "Book a call: [link]"

### Engagement CTAs
- "Reply with your [answer to question]"
- "What's your take on this?"
- "Am I wrong here?"

## Formatting Rules

### Length
- Shorter than you think
- White space is your friend
- Scannable sections

### Visual Breaks
- Horizontal rules between sections
- Emoji headers sparingly
- Bold for emphasis

### Mobile Optimization
- Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences)
- Clear hierarchy
- Tap-friendly links

## Metrics That Matter

| Metric | What It Tells You |
|--------|-------------------|
| Open rate | Subject line + sender reputation |
| Click rate | Content relevance + CTA clarity |
| Reply rate | Engagement + trust |
| Unsubscribe rate | Content-audience fit |
| Forward rate | Value + shareability |

## Schedule Consistency

Pick a schedule and stick to it:
- Same day each week
- Same general time
- Set expectations in welcome email

Missing sends kills momentum. Better to publish shorter than to skip.

## Output Checklist

- [ ] Subject line earns the open
- [ ] Opening hook grabs attention
- [ ] Clear value delivered
- [ ] Appropriate length for type
- [ ] Scannable format
- [ ] Personal voice throughout
- [ ] CTA included
- [ ] Mobile-friendly
- [ ] Proofread
- [ ] Would I forward this?
