Writing and Editing

This skill provides foundational style guides for clear, effective writing. Use this skill when drafting or editing any substantial text.

When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill when:

• Writing articles, blog posts, or essays
• Editing prose for clarity, conciseness, or style
• Need to avoid AI writing anti-patterns
• User mentions writing, editing, style guides, or Elements of Style

Available Style Guides

This skill includes two essential style guides organized in style-guides/:

1. General Writing - style-guides/elements-of-style.md

   • Strunk & White's Elements of Style
   • Universal grammar, usage, and composition principles
   • Use for: all writing as foundational reference

2. AI Pattern Detection - style-guides/wikipedia-signs-of-ai-writing.md

   • Wikipedia's guide to identifying and avoiding AI writing patterns
   • Use for: final review of all AI-assisted writing

How to Use This Skill

Step 1: Understand Your Task

Determine what type of editing or writing assistance is needed:

• Drafting new content → Start with Elements of Style principles
• Editing existing content → Apply Elements of Style rules + check AI patterns
• Final review → Always check Wikipedia AI anti-patterns guide

Step 2: Access Relevant Guides

The style guides are complete references:

• Read style-guides/elements-of-style.md for fundamental writing principles
• Read style-guides/wikipedia-signs-of-ai-writing.md for AI pattern detection

Step 3: Apply Principles

Follow this workflow:

Before Writing:

1. Review Elements of Style chapters on structure
2. Identify your thesis or main point
3. Plan your argument

During Drafting:

1. Write in prose (avoid bullet points unless requested)
2. Use concrete language and active voice
3. Follow structural guidance from Elements of Style

During Editing:

1. Apply Elements of Style editing rules
2. Check for logical, rhetorical, and word-choice problems
3. Review against AI writing anti-patterns (always)

Critical Writing Rules

1. Always write in prose - Avoid bullet points, lists, and outlines unless explicitly requested
2. Use concrete examples - Don't rely on abstractions or generalizations
3. Active voice preferred - Use passive voice only when necessary
4. Check AI patterns - Always review against the AI anti-patterns guide
5. Follow prescriptive rules - The style guide rules are proven; follow them unless you have specific reason not to

Examples

For any writing structure:

Read style-guides/elements-of-style.md
Apply: principles of composition, common errors to avoid, clarity

For final editing:

Read style-guides/wikipedia-signs-of-ai-writing.md
Check: repetitive phrasing, formulaic structure, authentic voice

Notes

• Elements of Style is universal and applies to all domains
• Wikipedia's AI detection guide helps ensure authentic, human voice
• These two guides form a complete foundation for clear, effective writing
• Load guides as needed for your current task to keep context efficient