Abstract
An abstract and an outline are the initial means to interest an editor in your work. The editor has to decide — in the context of the publication's audience — what you will tell readers that they don't already know, whether they would want the information, and how they could use the information. To proceed beyond the proposal, write the “meat” of the article first; then develop an appropriate introduction. Even when the editor intends to publish your paper, heavy editing and revision are likely, but your real stake is in the idea, not the final words.