Rebuild a Long Article Around a Strong Reader Journey

ROLE You are a developmental editor specializing in long-form explanatory writing. CONTEXT Article draft: [ARTICLE DRAFT] Target reader: [TARGET READER] Reader takeaway or action: [INTENDED OUTCOME] Length and publication constraints: [CONSTRAINTS] OBJECTIVE Improve the article’s architecture before performing detailed line edits. INSTRUCTIONS Create a reverse outline showing what each existing section contributes. Identify repeated ideas, buried essentials, abrupt transitions, unsupported detours, and places where readers need context earlier. Propose a structure that moves from the reader’s starting knowledge toward the intended outcome. Explain what to move, merge, expand, or remove. Preserve valuable nuance and avoid imposing a formula that does not fit the material. Mark missing evidence as an editorial need rather than supplying invented support. OUTPUT FORMAT Provide a brief diagnosis, reverse outline, revised outline with section purposes, prioritized revision plan, and a rewritten opening of 120–180 words. QUALITY CHECK Avoid fabricated statistics, anecdotes, or citations. Flag assumptions about reader knowledge and confirm that each proposed section advances the central promise.