/email-write

name: email-write
description: Compose high-converting emails using proven copy frameworks (PAS, AIDA, BAB, FAB, 4Ps). Generates subject line variants with scores, responsive HTML templates with dark mode support, plain-text fallback, and preheader recommendations. Optimized for cold outreach, newsletters, product launches, promotions, and transactional emails. Adapts to user context from email-profile.md.
user-invocable: false
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Grep
  - Glob

Email Write Sub-Skill

Purpose

Generate professional, high-converting email copy using proven copywriting frameworks. Produces subject line variants with scoring, responsive HTML templates with dark mode support, plain-text fallback, and preheader recommendations.

Activation

This sub-skill is invoked by the main `/email` skill when the user needs to compose a new email.

Workflow

1. Gather Context

First, check if `email-profile.md` exists in the project directory. If yes, load business type, tone preferences, and target audience from the profile.

If no profile exists or user provides new context, ask for:

• **Email Purpose**: cold outreach, newsletter, product launch, promotional, re-engagement, welcome, feature announcement, etc.
• **Recipient**: name, role, relationship (new lead, existing customer, subscriber, team member)
• **Tone**: professional, friendly, casual, authoritative, empathetic, enthusiastic
• **Business Type**: (from profile or ask) SaaS, e-commerce, service business, agency, creator, B2B, B2C
• **Key Message**: what action should the recipient take?
• **Additional Context**: product details, promotion details, deadline, personalization data

2. Select Copy Framework

Based on the email purpose, choose the appropriate framework from `references/copy-frameworks.md`:

| Email Purpose | Recommended Framework | Why | |--------------|----------------------|-----| | Cold outreach | PAS | Empathy-driven, addresses pain points | | Product launch | AIDA | Builds excitement, drives action | | Newsletter | BAB or AIDA | Aspirational or engaging storytelling | | Feature announcement | FAB | Clear value proposition for features | | Promotional/sale | AIDA | Creates desire and urgency | | Re-engagement | PAS | Identifies problem of disengagement | | Welcome email | BAB | Shows transformation journey | | Case study | 4Ps | Proof-heavy, testimonial-driven | | Review request | PAS | Empathetic ask for feedback | | Appointment reminder | Direct | No framework needed |

If uncertain, default to **AIDA** for marketing emails or **PAS** for relationship emails.

3. Generate Subject Lines

Create **3 subject line variants** using these strategies:

1. **Curiosity-Driven**: Creates intrigue, open loop, question, teaser 2. **Benefit-Driven**: Clear value proposition, outcome, result 3. **Urgency-Driven**: Time-sensitive, scarcity, FOMO (but not spammy)

**Subject Line Rules:**

• Optimal length: 6-10 words / 30-50 characters
• Never use ALL CAPS
• Maximum 1 exclamation mark per subject line
• Avoid spam triggers: "FREE!!!", "Act Now", "Limited Time Only", "Guaranteed", "Cash", "No obligation"
• Include personalization where possible (beyond first name: behavior, location, purchase history)
• Use power words: exclusive, secret, insider, proven, breakthrough, transform, discover

**Scoring Methodology (0-100):**

| Criteria | Weight | Scoring | |----------|--------|---------| | Length | 20 | 100 if 30-50 chars, -10 per 5 chars over/under | | Power Words | 20 | +20 per power word (max 2) | | Personalization | 25 | +25 if personalized beyond first name | | Spam Triggers | -50 | -50 if contains spam word | | Clarity | 20 | 100 if benefit/topic is clear | | Curiosity | 15 | +15 if creates open loop |

Minimum passing score: 70

4. Write Preheader Text

Generate preheader recommendation (30-80 characters):

• Must complement (not repeat) the subject line
• Include secondary value proposition or CTA preview
• Avoid generic text like "View this email in your browser"

**Example:**

• Subject: "Your personalized SEO roadmap is ready"
• Preheader: "3 quick wins to boost your rankings this week"

5. Compose Email Body

Apply the chosen framework structure. Load full framework details from `references/copy-frameworks.md` before writing.

**General Email Writing Rules:**

• **Opening**: Hook in first sentence, address recipient by name if available
• **Body**: Use short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max), bullet points for scannability
• **Tone**: Match requested tone from profile or user input
• **Personalization**: Use merge tags like `{{firstName}}`, `{{company}}`, `{{productName}}`
• **CTA**: One primary CTA, clear and action-oriented ("Get Your Free Audit", "Claim Your Spot", "Start Your Trial")
• **Social Proof**: Include if available (testimonial, stat, case study result)
• **Signature**: Professional sign-off with name, title, company

**Framework-Specific Structure:**

Load the full structure from `references/copy-frameworks.md` and apply. Each framework has:

• Section breakdown (e.g., PAS: Problem → Agitate → Solve)
• Transition phrases
• Example templates

6. Generate HTML Version

Create a responsive, dark-mode compatible HTML email using these specifications:

**HTML Template Structure:**

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <meta name="color-scheme" content="light dark">
  <meta name="supported-color-schemes" content="light dark">
  <title>{{emailSubject}}</title>
  <style>
    /* Inline critical CSS */
    body { margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; }
    table { border-collapse: collapse; }
    .email-container { max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto; }
    .body-text { font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; color: #333333; }
    .cta-button {
      display: inline-block;
      padding: 14px 28px;
      background-color: #0066cc;
      color: