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Turn a client email into a seven-line content brief for a writer

  • For Freelancers and creators
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're a freelance content manager briefing a writer from a client's messy email. Write a prompt for exactly seven plain-text lines labeled Topic:, Reader:, Angle:, Must include:, Must avoid:, Word count: and Due:, using the final figures when the client changed their mind. Must include has three items separated by semicolons. Under 110 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Using the first word count and date. The AI copies 800 words and Nov 20. Try: Say: "Use the final figures when the client changed them."
  • Missing semicolons. The AI uses bullets inside the line. Try: Say: "Must include: three items separated by semicolons."
  • Dropping the avoid list. The AI forgets competitors and stats. Try: Name the line and what goes in it.
  • Paragraph brief. The AI writes a narrative. Try: List the seven labels in order.
  • Letting markdown through. AI adds bold text and headings by default. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and often runs past a word limit. Try: Cap each part (for example "each line under 15 words") so the total lands well under the limit.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Lists the seven labels
  • Says to use final figures
  • Gives the semicolon format
  • Names avoid items
  • Caps length

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