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How to Write an Article an Editor Will Accept

Subtitle: A Step-by-Step Algorithm for Creating Content That Won’t Need Rewriting

Ever faced "rewrite everything" edits? The problem usually isn't a lack of talent, but the absence of a system. This guide offers a clear algorithm: from structure and thesis to arguments and style. Use it to create texts that editors accept on the first try, saving you time on revisions.

Who This Guide Is For

• Copywriters and Content Marketers: to create SEO articles, blog posts, and expert materials that solve business problems.
• Experts and Bloggers: to package knowledge into clear and persuasive texts.
• Aspiring Authors: to master the basics of professional writing.

1. The Foundation: Structure and Thesis

A chaotic mess of thoughts cannot be turned into a coherent narrative. Before writing, design the "skeleton" of your text.

Formulate a thesis in the first paragraph. A thesis is the main idea of the article in 1–2 sentences. It should be clear and controversial enough to be worth proving. The rest of the text will work to support it.

Stick to a proven structure. This is your contract with the reader and the editor, ensuring logic and clarity.

Article Structure Template

• Headline: Catches attention, reflects the essence.
• Lead (Introduction): 2–3 sentences (40–60 words). Defines the problem, presents the thesis, and explains who the article is for and why it's useful.
• Body: 3–5 subheadings. Each subheading expands on one argument supporting the thesis (150–250 words per point).
• Conclusion: 2–3 sentences (40–60 words). Briefly summarizes the key points and provides the reader with a specific Call to Action (CTA).

2. Filling It Out: Arguments and Examples

Vague phrases and empty claims are the first things to get cut. To avoid this, back every statement with facts.

Use facts, statistics, case studies, or expert quotes. Linking to authoritative sources is a sign of professional work.

• Before (vague): "Many companies are now actively using neural networks."
• After (specific): "According to McKinsey’s 'The State of AI in 2023' study, one-third of organizations already regularly use generative AI in at least one business function. For example, Company X reduced content creation time by 40% using a language model (illustration)."

Note: if you use fictional statistics for illustration, always mark it: "(illustration)" or "(example)."

Where to Find Facts?

• Scientific Databases: Google Scholar, CyberLeninka, eLibrary — to find research and academic articles.
• Official Statistics: Websites of Rosstat (Russian Federal State Statistics Service), VTsIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center), Levada Center (recognized as a foreign agent in Russia), as well as industry ministries.
• Reports and Research: Analytical reports from major firms (McKinsey, Gartner, Deloitte) and reputable business media (RBK, Kommersant).

Eliminate verbal clutter. These are words and phrases that carry no meaning. A simple rule: if a sentence doesn't lose its meaning after deleting a word — the word is redundant.

• Before: "It’s no secret to anyone that in today’s world, high-quality content, undoubtedly, plays a key role in promotion."
• After: "High-quality content is a key promotion tool."

3. Style and Language: Write for People

Good text is easy to read. Complex structures and vague phrasing drive readers away.

• Simplify. Use short sentences. Break long ones into several simple ones.
• Be dynamic. Prefer verbs over nominalizations ("to analyze" instead of "conducting an analysis"). Replace passive voice with active voice ("We decided" instead of "The decision was made by us").
• Check logic. Each paragraph should develop one idea and be connected to the previous one.

Editor’s Checklist: Check Yourself Before Submitting

1. Thesis in the lead. Is the main idea formulated in the first paragraph?
2. Clear structure. Is there a lead, a body with subheadings, and a conclusion?
3. Strong arguments. Is every key statement backed by a fact, example, or statistic with a link?
4. No "fluff." Have filler words, bureaucratese, and empty phrases been removed?
5. Active voice. Are the sentences built using the active voice?
6. Simple language. Are long sentences broken into short ones?
7. Useful conclusion. Does the summary recap the main point and contain a specific CTA?

Example Case: Applying the Checklist in Practice

Imagine we are writing an article titled "How to Choose Good Coffee Beans."

1. Thesis: "Choosing good coffee depends not on the price, but on three criteria: roast freshness, region of origin, and processing method."
2. Structure: Headline, lead with thesis. Three sections in the body: "Freshness," "Region," "Processing."
3. Argument: In the "Freshness" section, we add a fact: "Coffee beans lose up to 60% of their aroma within a month after roasting (source: Coffee Chemistry Association, example)."
4. "Fluff": We remove the phrase "Many people do not know how to choose coffee."
5. Active voice: Used throughout.
6. Simplicity: We write in short sentences.
7. Conclusion with CTA: "Now you know the three main criteria. Next time you buy coffee, check the roast date on the bag — this is the simplest step toward choosing a quality drink."

Conclusion

Creating an article is a craft, not magic. To turn theory into practice, apply this algorithm to the next text you write.

Your next step: Before sending your material to an editor, go through the checklist in this article. It will take 15 minutes and help you submit a text that gets accepted on the first try.