Created by Alex McFarland

---
name: substack-notes
description: Generate high-performing Substack notes using proven structural patterns and psychology while maintaining your authentic voice. Use when user wants to write Substack notes, mentions "write a note", "Substack post", or needs short-form social content for Substack.
---

# Substack Notes Generator

## Overview

This skill generates high-performing Substack notes by applying proven structural patterns and psychological techniques while maintaining YOUR unique voice.

**Critical distinction:** This skill uses STRUCTURAL PATTERNS and PSYCHOLOGY (not tone) that have been proven to work, expressed in YOUR authentic voice.

## When to Activate

Use this skill when:
- User wants to write a Substack note
- User mentions "create a note" or "write a post"
- User asks for short-form content for Substack
- User wants to share an insight, update, or piece of advice on Substack

## How It Works

### Step 1: Analyze Input & Choose Note Type

Analyze the input and select the best note type:

**1. Single-Punch Wisdom** - One powerful quotable statement (1-2 sentences)
**2. Income Proof Story** - Share results with vulnerable beginning (3-7 sentences)
**3. Pattern Observation** - "I've noticed..." authority-building insight (3-8 sentences)
**4. Contrarian Statement** - Challenge conventional wisdom (2-6 sentences)
**5. Problem → Solution Insight** - Identify issue + root cause + fix (3-6 sentences)
**6. Build-in-Public Update** - Transparent progress sharing (3-8 sentences)
**7. List-Based Tactical** - Actionable numbered/bulleted advice (4-12 sentences)
**8. Vulnerable Personal Story** - Deep connection through story (4-10 sentences)
**9. Philosophical Observation** - Life principle or worldview (2-5 sentences)
**10. Direct Advice** - Clear instruction with reasoning (2-5 sentences)

If user is unsure, recommend based on their goal:
- **Teaching** → List-Based Tactical or Problem → Solution
- **Building Authority** → Pattern Observation or Income Proof Story
- **Connection** → Vulnerable Story or Philosophical Observation
- **Quick Value** → Single-Punch Wisdom or Direct Advice
- **Transparency** → Build-in-Public Update
- **Positioning** → Contrarian Statement

### Step 2: Apply Structural Formula

Each note type has a proven formula. Apply the structure while using the user's voice.

#### Formula 1: Single-Punch Wisdom

[One powerful statement that stands alone] [Optional: Brief supporting thought]

**Psychology:** Screenshot-worthy, highly shareable
**Length:** 1-2 sentences

#### Formula 2: Income Proof Story

[Starting point - vulnerability or struggle] [Turning point - what changed] [Results - specific numbers] [Insight or encouragement for reader]

**Psychology:** Builds credibility through transparency
**Length:** 3-7 sentences

#### Formula 3: Pattern Observation

[Hook: "I've noticed..." or "A pattern I see..."] [Examples or numbered list of patterns] [Why it matters or application]

**Psychology:** Creates authority through observation
**Length:** 3-8 sentences

#### Formula 4: Contrarian Statement

[Bold claim that contradicts common belief] [Why conventional thinking is wrong] [Better alternative or truth]

**Psychology:** Creates cognitive dissonance, memorable
**Length:** 2-6 sentences

#### Formula 5: Problem → Solution Insight

["You don't have X because..."] [Root cause explanation] [What to do instead]

**Psychology:** "Aha moments" through revealing hidden causes
**Length:** 3-6 sentences

#### Formula 6: Build-in-Public Update

[What you're working on] [Specific metrics/progress] [Learning, insight, or next step]

**Psychology:** Transparency builds trust and connection
**Length:** 3-8 sentences

#### Formula 7: List-Based Tactical

[Hook: "How to X:" or "If you want Y:"]

**Psychology:** High perceived value, scannable, actionable
**Length:** 4-12 sentences

#### Formula 8: Vulnerable Personal Story

[Personal moment or realization] [Emotional impact or turning point] [Universal lesson or takeaway]

**Psychology:** Deep connection through humanization
**Length:** 4-10 sentences

#### Formula 9: Philosophical Observation

[Core principle or belief] [Supporting explanation] [Implication for reader]

**Psychology:** Establishes worldview, attracts aligned audience
**Length:** 2-5 sentences

#### Formula 10: Direct Advice

[Imperative: "Do this" or "Stop doing that"] [Why it matters] [What happens if you follow/ignore]

**Psychology:** Clear guidance, removes ambiguity
**Length:** 2-5 sentences

### Step 3: Generate Note

**Critical Requirements:**
1. **Use the STRUCTURE** from the formula
2. **Apply USER'S VOICE** when available
3. **Match the PSYCHOLOGY** of the note type
4. **Follow the LENGTH** guideline for the type

**Structure Application Checklist:**
- [ ] Follows the formula for chosen note type
- [ ] Opens with appropriate hook
- [ ] Develops according to pattern
- [ ] Closes with impact
- [ ] Matches intended length

### Step 4: Format for Substack

**Formatting Guidelines:**
- Single-line paragraphs for emphasis
- 2-3 sentence paragraphs for development
- Lots of white space
- Easy scanning
- No excessive formatting

**What to Include:**
- The note text
- Clear paragraph breaks
- Natural punctuation (periods, em dashes, parentheses)

**What to Avoid:**
- ALL CAPS (except rare emphasis)
- Excessive emojis
- Over-formatting
- Corporate speak

## Universal Best Practices

### Opening Techniques (Choose One)
1. **Bold Declarative** - Strong claim that demands attention
2. **Personal Admission** - Vulnerable or honest opening
3. **Pattern Observation** - "I've noticed..." positions authority
4. **Direct Address** - "You don't need..." makes it about reader
5. **Contrarian Hook** - Challenges belief immediately

### Middle Development Techniques
1. **Numbered Lists** - Scannable, high-value
2. **Timeline Progression** - Shows transformation
3. **Contrast/Comparison** - Before/after, right/wrong
4. **Evidence Stacking** - Multiple examples
5. **Cause → Effect Logic** - Clear progression

### Closing Techniques (Choose One)
1. **Punchy Restatement** - Echo opening memorably
2. **Actionable Implication** - Clear next step
3. **Open Loop** - Hint at more
4. **Quotable Wisdom** - Screenshot-worthy ending
5. **Encouraging Push** - "You can do this" energy

### Psychological Techniques to Apply

**Authority Building:**
- Pattern recognition ("I've noticed...")
- Proof through results (specific numbers)
- Transparent journey (struggle → success)

**Connection Building:**
- Vulnerability (admit fears, failures)
- Shared frustration (acknowledge reader's experience)
- Permission giving ("You're allowed to...")

**Engagement Tactics:**
- Cognitive dissonance (contradict beliefs)
- Specificity (concrete numbers, examples)
- Future pacing (show what's possible)
- Honest tension ("It's working, but...")

## Length Guidelines

**Ultra-Short (1-2 sentences):** Maximum shareability, quotable wisdom
**Short (3-5 sentences):** Quick insight with context - MOST COMMON
**Medium (6-10 sentences):** Teaching or storytelling
**Long (10+ sentences):** Deep dives, comprehensive frameworks - RARE

**Default to 3-5 sentences unless the message demands more.**

## Examples

### Example 1: Pattern Observation (Problem-solving niche)
**User Request:** "I want to share what I've noticed about successful problem solvers"

**Generated Note:**

A pattern I've noticed in people who solve hard problems:

They don't start by googling solutions.

They sit with the problem. Write it down. Break it apart. Ask better questions.

Only then do they look for answers.

Most people skip straight to searching for solutions to problems they haven't fully understood.


### Example 2: Build-in-Public Update (Creator niche)
**User Request:** "Share progress on my new content system"

**Generated Note:**

Week 3 of building my content system:

Created 15 pieces this week. Took 6 hours total (used to take 20).

The secret: Templates + voice documentation + clear frameworks.

Still refining the process, but already seeing how this scales.

The system pays for itself in time savings.


### Example 3: Problem → Solution Insight (Generic productivity)
**User Request:** "Explain why people can't focus"

**Generated Note:**

You can't focus because you don't have a priority.

When everything feels important, nothing is important. Your brain doesn't know what to lock onto.

Solution: Pick ONE thing. Make everything else wait.

Clarity creates focus.


### Example 4: Income Proof Story (Freelancer niche)
**User Request:** "Share my freelancing journey results"

**Generated Note:**

My first 6 months freelancing: $0

Month 7: First client, $500 project

Month 12: $3K/month consistent

Month 18: $8K/month, booked out 3 months ahead

It didn't click overnight. But once it clicked, everything moved fast.


### Example 5: Contrarian Statement (Wellness niche)
**User Request:** "Challenge the 'hustle culture' mindset"

**Generated Note:**

You don't need to hustle harder.

You need to sleep better, eat cleaner, and stress less.

Everyone's optimizing for more output. Nobody's optimizing for better inputs.

Your energy determines your results more than your effort.


## What to Avoid

### Anti-Patterns (Never Do This)

**1. Vague Generalities**
❌ "Success takes time and hard work"
✅ "My first 6 months: $0. Month 7: $10K. Nothing happens, then everything happens."

**2. Humble-Bragging**
❌ "So grateful for this little win" [shows huge number]
✅ "Made $50K this month. Here's the mistake that cost me $30K of it."

**3. Clickbait Without Payoff**
❌ "This one thing changed everything" [no specifics]
✅ "Switched from hourly to value pricing. Doubled my income in 8 weeks."

**4. Generic Advice**
❌ "Work hard and believe in yourself"
✅ "Wake up at 5am. Complete your hardest task first. Ignore everything else until noon."

**5. Corporate Voice**
❌ "We're excited to announce our new offering"
✅ "Built something new. Tested it for 3 weeks. It works. Here's what it does."

## Quality Checklist

Before delivering the note, verify:

**Structural Integrity:**
- [ ] Follows the chosen formula
- [ ] Opens with strong hook
- [ ] Develops logically
- [ ] Closes with impact
- [ ] Matches intended length

**Value Delivery:**
- [ ] Clear takeaway or insight
- [ ] Specific (not vague)
- [ ] Useful or thought-provoking
- [ ] Worth reader's time

**Engagement Potential:**
- [ ] First sentence grabs attention
- [ ] Would you stop scrolling?
- [ ] Shareable or quotable?
- [ ] Invites response or reflection

**Formatting:**
- [ ] Clean paragraph breaks
- [ ] Easy to scan
- [ ] No excessive formatting
- [ ] Looks natural on Substack

## Pro Tips

### For Maximum Engagement

1. **Be specific** - Numbers, timelines, concrete examples
2. **Be personal** - Use "I" and "you" language
3. **Be bold** - Strong point of view
4. **Be useful** - Clear takeaway
5. **Be authentic** - Real > perfect

### For Building Authority

1. **Pattern observations** - "I've noticed..."
2. **Proof points** - Share real results
3. **Transparent journey** - Show the path
4. **Contrarian takes** - Challenge norms
5. **Tactical breakdowns** - Show how it's done

### For Deep Connection

1. **Vulnerability** - Share struggles honestly
2. **Shared frustration** - Acknowledge their pain
3. **Permission giving** - Release limiting beliefs
4. **Personal stories** - Humanize yourself
5. **Honest tension** - Don't pretend it's all easy

## Final Notes

**Remember:** This skill gives you proven structures and psychology that work on Substack.

**The result:** High-performing Substack notes that sound authentically like you while using patterns that drive engagement, build authority, and create connection.