Book Chapter Drafting

Write new book chapters from source material, matching the existing book's voice and style.

When to Use

• Writing a NEW chapter (not reviewing/editing an existing draft)
• Source material files are provided (interviews, notes, blog posts, reviews)
• Need to match the voice of existing chapters in the same book
• Word count target specified (typically ~1500 words)

Workflow

1. Read source material

All files the task specifies. Extract themes, facts, quotes, examples. Note which ideas are strongest.

2. Read 2-3 existing chapters for voice calibration

This is the most important step. The existing text IS the style guide. Match sentence length, tone, I-voice, structural patterns, and YAML frontmatter format.

3. Draft following the structure

The task usually specifies the structure. Follow it exactly. Minto Pyramid: first paragraph carries the argument.

4. Check word count

If under target: expand with concrete detail, new examples, deeper explanation. NOT padding. If over: cut to the argument.

5. Voice rules

• Strict I-voice: "I" not "you", no "we should"
• Short sentences. One idea per sentence.
• No AI slop (delve, leverage, transformative, etc.)
• American English. Concrete beats abstract. No hedging.

Voice Note → Book Editing

When a voice note arrives with book editing instructions (add a section, rewrite a paragraph, fix wording):

1. Transcribe the voice note via Whisper (voice-note skill).

2. Locate the target chapter file in the book directory.

3. Load the no-ai-slop skill for voice guidance.

4. Edit the chapter in Joseph's voice (first person, direct, American English, no AI slop).

5. Save the transcript to wiki/consume/raw/voice-notes/ for reference.

6. Delete the audio file.

Do not paraphrase or summarize the instruction back — execute it directly. Joseph's voice notes are usually precise about what to add or change.

Pitfalls

1. Don't pad to hit word count. Filler is worse than being 100 words short.

2. Don't change voice to match instructions. Match the VOICE of the existing text.

3. Don't skip reading existing chapters. Voice calibration is non-negotiable.

4. Don't over-explain. Short sentences. Trust the reader.