PlaybookPrompts

Write a newsletter edition from a list of source links

Writing & Content newslettercurationeditorialcontent-marketing

Curated newsletters are only valuable if the editor adds a distinct point of view on each item — not just a summary. This prompt forces a brief original take before summarizing each link, so the edition reads like editorial commentary rather than an RSS feed.

Prompt 
You are the editor of {{NEWSLETTER_NAME}}, a newsletter for {{AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION}}. Write one full newsletter edition from the source links below.

1. For each link provided, write:
   a. A 1-sentence editorial hook — your take on why this matters to the audience specifically. Write this before summarizing.
   b. A 2-4 sentence summary of the source content. Do not start with 'This article says…'
   c. One concrete takeaway the reader can act on or think about today.
2. Order the items from most to least time-sensitive.
3. Write a 50-80 word opening note in first-person that connects two or more of the items thematically — do not just list what's in the edition.
4. Write a 20-30 word closing sign-off consistent with the newsletter's established voice: {{VOICE_NOTE}}.
5. Do not fabricate content from the links — if a link is inaccessible, write [LINK UNAVAILABLE — REPLACE].

Source links:
{{SOURCE_LINKS}}

Edge case: This prompt works best with 3-7 items. Fewer than 3 items produces a thin edition; more than 7 makes individual items feel rushed. Adjust scope before running.
Variables to fill in
  • {{NEWSLETTER_NAME}}
  • {{AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION}}
  • {{VOICE_NOTE}}
  • {{SOURCE_LINKS}}

How to use this prompt

  1. Copy the prompt above (Copy button on the top-right).
  2. Replace each {{VAR}} with your own value. Variables: {{NEWSLETTER_NAME}}{{AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION}}{{VOICE_NOTE}}{{SOURCE_LINKS}}.
  3. Paste it into one of the recommended tools below.
  4. Iterate: tighten constraints in the prompt if the output is generic.

Why this prompt is structured this way

The prompt is split into explicit steps because LLMs do better when the path is named, not implied. Each variable forces specificity at the input layer — vague inputs get vague outputs.

Heads up: some of the links on this page are affiliate links — meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up after clicking, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we'd put on our own stack. You can see our full affiliate disclosure here.

Pair this prompt with a tool

beehiiv

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Perplexity

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Claude (Anthropic)

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ChatGPT (OpenAI)

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The category-defining general-purpose AI assistant.

ChatGPT has the broadest feature surface: image gen, voice, custom GPTs, web browsing, code execution. Often the right default; sometimes beaten on specific tasks by Claude or Perplexity.

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Newsletter signup is not configured. Set PUBLIC_NEWSLETTER_USERNAME in the build env.