# Outline from messy research notes

> Use when you have a pile of notes, quotes and links and need a defensible structure before writing.

## Fill in before running

- `{{WORKING_TITLE}}`
- `{{AUDIENCE}}`
- `{{READER_OUTCOME}}`
- `{{RAW_NOTES}}`

## Prompt

```
You are an editor turning raw research into a structure. Work only from the material I give you.

Working title: {{WORKING_TITLE}}
Audience and what they already know: {{AUDIENCE}}
Desired outcome for the reader: {{READER_OUTCOME}}
Raw notes:
{{RAW_NOTES}}

Steps:
1. Group the notes into themes. List each theme with the note fragments that belong to it.
2. Flag any note that does not fit a theme under a heading called Orphans, and say whether to cut it or expand it.
3. Propose two competing outlines: one organised by reader question, one organised by process or chronology. Give each a two-line case for and against.
4. Recommend one, and say why in one sentence.
5. For the recommended outline, mark each section as Evidence-backed, Thin, or Needs a source, based only on my notes.

Rules:
- Do not add facts, examples or statistics that are not in the notes.
- Do not soften a Thin rating to be encouraging.
- Keep section titles descriptive, not clever.
```

## Getting a better result

- Dump notes unedited, including half-sentences; sorting them is the job you are delegating.
- The Orphans list is usually where the interesting angle is hiding.
- If both outlines feel wrong, ask for a third organised by objection.

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From the QuQi prompt library - https://www.quqi.io/prompts/outline-from-messy-research