Write a brief with explicit non-goals
State what the piece will not cover so it does not expand while being written.
What this prompt helps you do
A brief with the reader, argument, structure, evidence, and explicit exclusions.
When to use it
Pieces keep growing beyond their brief as writers add adjacent material.
What to prepare
The goal, relevant source material, constraints, examples, and the decision or action this should support.
How to get a strong result
State the exclusions and why; unexplained scope limits get reopened by the first reviewer.
How to use this prompt
Replace each placeholder with accurate context. Paste the complete prompt into Claude, review the response critically, resolve important questions, and use it as a considered input to the next decision—not as an unchecked final answer.