A stub is an article which is incomplete. While all wikiHow articles are in progress, stubs need significant help to reach their full potential. You can help to improve the quality of a stub with more useful or detailed information. You may even polish it into a Featured Article!

[edit] Steps

Review the Writer's Guide for proper format. Review the Stub Category for an article of interest.
Search for any duplicates, because wikiHow is constantly changing. Articles that have "interchangeable or synonymous titles" should be merged to condense pertinent information into a "single comprehensive article."
Write a more detailed Introduction that summarizes the content of the article. Include a question, within the opening line, to capture a reader's interest. An example of an opening line: "Have you ever wondered how to write an engaging introduction to a wikiHow article?" An example of a closing line: "Follow this procedure to learn how:" Place a brief summary, describing the content of the article, between the opening and closing lines.
Begin each step with a verb. Limit each step to one main idea. Add further explanation, if needed. Keep sentences short and simple. Use concise words to maintain this concept. This makes it easier for a reader to follow instructions.
Evaluate the article for accuracy. Click on Article Stats in the column to the left. Remove extraneous or redundant information. Retain pertinent information from another author. Post content with the understanding that it will be expanded, modified and rewritten.
Understand copyright basics:
- Research facts and techniques from a variety of sources and your own experiences. You may express ideas in your own words, but always credit your sources to avoid plagiarism. Citing sources will support and substantiate the credibility of an article.
- Make use of Public Domain Materials and Importable Content. Permission is not needed to use these materials, but credit must be given to their sources.
- Explicit permission from another author must be obtained to allow their text or photographs to be included within a wikiHow article.
Add further explanation, if needed. Example: Replace "Wash the brush in turp" with "Place the brush in a coffee can filled with one cup of mineral spirits (also called turpentine or paint thinner). Gently press the bristles of the brush against the sides and bottom of the can until the brush is clean. Replace the mineral spirits several times, if needed." Assume that the reader is unfamiliar with your subject.
Provide alternatives to supplies within the Tips section. Clarify common mistakes or misconceptions. Examples: "Use mineral spirits for oil-based paint. Use soap and warm water to clean water-based (latex) paint. Do not use mineral spirits to clean water-based paint."
Provide precautions with possible solutions in the Warnings section, such as "Keep away from children" or "Wear goggles."
Embed internal and external links and add Related wikiHow articles to provide a reader with an expansive network of information.
Add photographs or drawings to enhance step-by-step instructions. Many articles need a visual reference to clarify certain concepts. Click on Find Free Photos in the column to the left or add your own photos..
Embed a video from YouTube or another site. See our Video Curation Guidelines.
Copyedit (proofread) for errors. Review spelling, punctuation, grammar and overall style. Remove excessive whitespace (empty space) to create a simple layout for quick editing.
Click on Preview, at the bottom of the article, to review each succeeding version of your article. Submit only the final draft of your work. Any text that is red in color indicates an error that is in need of correction.
Remove the template, once the edit is complete. If in doubt, leave the template in place to be removed by another editor.
Write a note in the Edit Summary, at the bottom of the article, to clarify your improvement.
Click on Save Page, at the bottom of the article, to save your changes.
Click on Recent Changes, in the column to the left, to see if your changes have passed through the patrol.

[edit] Tips

Open the article in two different tabs on your computer screen. This will provide reference to the original text in one tab, while editing in the other tab.
Test an article by performing each step to aid with your description.
Request assistance and collaboration from other wikiHow community members.
Please assist in correcting other articles.