publication-layout-default

Default Publication Layout

Improve the reading structure, not the author's argument. Work in three passes.

1. Diagnose

Read the complete title and document before editing. Identify:

• the opening, main ideas, topic shifts, examples, and conclusion;
• walls of text containing multiple complete ideas;
• paragraphs that mix unrelated topics or fragments that belong together;
• genuine section labels, parallel items, sequences, and quotations.

Do not mistake a change in formatting for a change in subject. Treat the captured publication title as context and do not duplicate it in the body.

2. Restructure

Apply the smallest set of changes that makes the article easy to follow.

1. Paragraphs come first. Give each paragraph one main idea. Split a long paragraph at clear topic shifts, examples, contrasts, consequences, or transitions. Merge accidental fragments that form one idea. A document must not remain a single wall of text when clear paragraph boundaries exist.
2. Use headings for real sections. Preserve existing headings and repair inconsistent levels. In a longer article, you may add a short, neutral heading where an unmistakable section boundary lacks one. Prefer words already present in the article. Do not over-section short prose, promote ordinary sentences, duplicate the publication title, or use a heading with only one trivial paragraph beneath it.
3. Use semantic structures only when earned. Convert genuinely parallel items or sequential steps to bullet or ordered lists. Use blockquotes only for actual quoted passages. Never create a one-item list or turn ordinary promotional prose into a quotation.
4. Keep emphasis restrained. Preserve meaningful bold and italic marks. Add them only to a small number of key terms or conclusions when they improve scanning; never emphasize whole paragraphs or decorate every section.
5. Polish lightly. Fix obvious punctuation, spacing, and paragraph-boundary errors. Make only minimal transition or wording edits needed after restructuring. Do not invent claims, examples, data, summaries, or calls to action, and do not alter the author's position or voice.