Academic Paper Composer

Academic Paper Composer

Overview

This skill provides a systematic framework for writing academic papers from optimized outline to submission-ready manuscript. It implements iterative quality control at both chapter-level and paper-level, ensuring consistent high quality throughout the writing process.

Input: Detailed, optimized paper outline (from academic-paper-strategist or equivalent)

Output: Complete, submission-ready manuscript with quality validation reports

Prerequisite: Use academic-paper-strategist skill first to create optimized outline (or provide equivalent detailed outline)

When to Use This Skill

Use academic-paper-composer when you need to:

Writing Stage:

• Execute a detailed paper outline systematically
• Write a complete academic paper chapter-by-chapter
• Maintain quality control during writing process
• Ensure consistency across all sections

Quality Assurance Stage:

• Validate each chapter before proceeding
• Check cross-chapter coherence
• Perform final quality assessment
• Verify submission readiness

Submission Preparation Stage:

• Prepare manuscript for platform submission
• Complete platform-specific checklists
• Generate final submission package

Triggers:

• "Write the paper from this outline"
• "Compose the full manuscript"
• "Execute the outline systematically"
• "I have an outline, help me write the paper"
• After completing academic-paper-strategist skill

Workflow Overview

Phase 4: SYSTEMATIC WRITING (Chapter-by-Chapter + Quality Gates)
    ↓
Phase 5: QUALITY CONTROL (Final Validation + Submission Prep)
    ↓
Output: Submission-Ready Manuscript + Quality Reports

Quality Gates: After each chapter + final paper evaluation

Required Input

Before using this skill, you must provide:

1. Optimized Detailed Outline

Required structure:

## Abstract (250-300 words)
- [Key points to cover]

## 1. Introduction (1,500 words)
### 1.1 Opening Puzzle (400 words)
- [Content guidance]
### 1.2 Literature Review (600 words)
- [Theories to discuss]
### 1.3 This Paper's Contribution (500 words)
- [Specific claims]

## 2. [Main Chapter Title] (1,200 words)
### 2.1 [Section] (400 words)
- [Argument structure]
- [Key citations]
...

[Complete structure with word counts and content guidance]

Quality check: Outline should specify:

• ✓ Chapter titles and word counts
• ✓ Subsection structure (to 3rd level)
• ✓ Content guidance for each section
• ✓ Key citations to include
• ✓ Argument structure notes

If outline lacks these, consider using academic-paper-strategist first.

2. Platform Writing Standards Guide

From academic-paper-strategist Phase 1, or equivalent document specifying:

• Platform style patterns (voice, terminology, citation format)
• Structural conventions
• Example papers for reference

3. Literature Base (Optional but Recommended)

• List of core papers to cite
• Research gap analysis
• Key concepts to emphasize

Phase 4: Systematic Writing

Goal

Write complete manuscript chapter-by-chapter with iterative quality control.

Workflow

Step 4.1: Writing Environment Setup

Before writing, I will:

1. Verify outline completeness:

   • All chapters specified with word counts
   • Content guidance provided
   • Argument structure clear

2. Load reference documents:

   • Platform writing standards
   • Section writing guides (references/section_guides.md)
   • Quality standards (references/writing_standards.md)

3. Create writing tracker:

   # Writing Progress Tracker
   - [ ] Abstract (250 words)
   - [ ] Chapter 1: Introduction (1,500 words)
   - [ ] Chapter 2: [Title] (1,200 words)
   ...
   - [ ] Conclusion (1,000 words)
   - [ ] References

Decision Point 1: Confirm outline and standards loaded, ready to begin writing.

Step 4.2: Chapter-by-Chapter Writing

For each chapter, I will follow this sequence:

A. Pre-Writing Review

Before writing chapter N:

1. Review outline specification for this chapter:

   • Word count target
   • Subsection structure
   • Content guidance
   • Key arguments/citations

2. Review previous chapter (if N>1):

   • Last paragraph of chapter N-1
   • Key concepts introduced
   • Promises to fulfill

3. Check section guide:

   • Load appropriate template from references/section_guides.md
   • Review quality markers for this section type

B. Writing Execution

I will write the chapter following:

Content principles:

• Follow outline exactly: Respect structure and word counts
• Include specified citations: Use literature from outline
• Maintain platform style: Match voice and terminology
• Use section templates: Follow appropriate guide from section_guides.md

Quality targets (pre-emptive):

• Argument quality: Clear thesis, justified premises
• Citation quality: All claims supported, proper format
• Clarity: Precise prose, terms defined, good transitions
• Structure: Logical flow, proper proportions
• Style conformity: Match platform conventions

Output: Complete chapter draft

C. Post-Writing Evaluation

After completing chapter draft, I will:

1. Create evaluation document:

   python scripts/chapter_quality_check.py
   # Option 1: Create template for this chapter

2. Perform 5-dimension assessment:

   • Argument Quality (1-4): Thesis clear? Premises justified? Objections addressed?
   • Citation Quality (1-4): All claims cited? Format consistent? Key literature included?
   • Clarity & Readability (1-4): Prose clear? Terms defined? Transitions smooth?
   • Structure & Flow (1-4): Logical progression? Proper proportions? Follows outline?
   • Platform Conformity (1-4): Style match? Voice consistent? Format correct?

3. Generate quality report:

   python scripts/chapter_quality_check.py
   # Option 2: Generate report from evaluation

   This produces:

   • Total score (X/20)
   • Pass/fail (threshold: ≥16/20)
   • Weak dimensions identified
   • Specific revision recommendations

Quality Gate 4A (After Each Chapter):

• ✓ Score ≥16/20 (80%)
• ✓ All dimensions ≥3/4 (or revisions implemented)
• ✓ Word count within ±10% of target

If Failed: Implement revisions before proceeding to next chapter

D. Iteration (If Needed)

If chapter scores <16/20:

1. Identify weak dimension(s): Which scored <3/4?

2. Implement targeted revisions:

   • Argument quality issue → Add justifications, address objections
   • Citation quality issue → Add supporting citations, fix format
   • Clarity issue → Simplify prose, add definitions, improve transitions
   • Structure issue → Reorganize paragraphs, adjust proportions
   • Style issue → Adjust voice, terminology, format

3. Re-evaluate: Generate new quality report

4. Repeat until passing (typically 1-2 iterations)

Important: Do not proceed to next chapter until current chapter passes quality gate.

E. Chapter Completion

Once chapter passes quality gate:

1. Mark chapter complete in writing tracker
2. Save chapter with quality report
3. Note key concepts introduced (for coherence check later)
4. Preview next chapter requirements

Decision Point 2 (After Major Chapters): After completing each main body chapter, I will:

• Present completed chapter summary
• Show quality score
• Ask: Proceed to next chapter or revise further?

Step 4.3: Writing Sequence

Recommended order:

1. Introduction (write first)

   • Establishes thesis and roadmap
   • Use introduction guide from section_guides.md
   • Quality check: Abstract promises, literature coverage, clear contribution

2. Main Body Chapters (in outline order)

   • Follow outline sequence
   • Quality check after each
   • Build on previous chapters

3. Conclusion (write after main body)

   • Synthesizes findings
   • Addresses introduction promises
   • Use conclusion guide from section_guides.md

4. Abstract (write last)

   • Summarizes complete paper
   • Use abstract guide from section_guides.md
   • Quality check: Standalone, accurate, compelling

5. References (compile throughout)

   • Format according to platform standards
   • Verify all citations present

Step 4.4: Cross-Chapter Coherence Check

After all chapters written, before final evaluation:

1. Terminology consistency:

   • Extract key terms from each chapter
   • Verify consistent usage throughout
   • Check definitions consistent

2. Argument flow:

   • Verify chapter N+1 builds on chapter N
   • Check roadmap (intro) matches execution
   • Ensure conclusion addresses introduction promises

3. Citation patterns:

   • Check for uneven citation distribution
   • Verify key works cited where relevant
   • Ensure bibliography complete

Output: Cross-chapter coherence report identifying any inconsistencies

Phase 5: Quality Control

Goal

Perform comprehensive final evaluation and prepare submission-ready manuscript.

Workflow

Step 5.1: Content Completeness Check

Using structured checklist, verify:

Structural Completeness:

• Abstract (250-300 words)
• Introduction with all required elements
• All outlined main chapters present
• Conclusion with all required elements
• References section formatted correctly

Content Completeness:

• All introduction promises fulfilled
• All claims supported by evidence or argument
• All technical terms defined
• All objections addressed
• All limitations acknowledged

Citation Completeness:

• Every citation in text has bibliography entry
• Every bibliography entry cited in text
• Citation format consistent throughout
• All citations include necessary information

Format Completeness:

• Title page (if required)
• Section numbering consistent
• Heading hierarchy logical
• Figure/table captions (if applicable)

Output: Completeness checklist report

Step 5.2: Final 7-Dimension Evaluation

I will perform comprehensive evaluation using:

python scripts/final_evaluation.py
# Create evaluation template

7 Dimensions (10 points each, 70 total):

1. Overall Argument Quality (1-10)

   • Thesis clarity throughout
   • Chapter integration
   • Logical completeness
   • Objections addressed

2. Literature Integration (1-10)

   • Citation count (40-60 typical for philosophy)
   • Key literature covered
   • Citations well-integrated
   • Critical engagement present

3. Clarity & Accessibility (1-10)

   • Prose clarity
   • Complex ideas explained
   • Appropriate for audience
   • Technical terms defined

4. Originality & Contribution (1-10)

   • Clear original contribution
   • Advance over literature
   • Significance established
   • Innovation present

5. Methodological Rigor (1-10)

   • Method explicit and justified
   • Consistently applied
   • Appropriate for question
   • Limitations acknowledged

6. Structure & Organization (1-10)

   • Logical flow
   • Optimal organization
   • Proportions balanced
   • Transitions seamless

7. Platform & Style Conformity (1-10)

   • Style matches platform
   • Format correct
   • Voice consistent
   • Citation format perfect

Scoring Process:

1. Evaluate each dimension (1-10)
2. Provide detailed notes for each
3. Complete completeness checklist
4. List any specific issues

Generate report:

python scripts/final_evaluation.py
# Generate final report

This produces:

• Total score (X/70)
• Pass/fail (threshold: ≥56/70)
• Weak dimensions identified
• Completeness assessment
• Prioritized revision recommendations
• Submission readiness decision

Quality Gate 5 (Final):

• ✓ Score ≥56/70 (80%)
• ✓ All completeness checklist items complete
• ✓ All high-priority issues addressed

If Failed: Implement revisions and re-evaluate

Step 5.3: Revision Implementation (If Needed)

If final score <56/70 or completeness incomplete:

1. Prioritize revisions:

   • HIGH priority: All issues affecting score or completeness
   • MEDIUM priority: Issues improving quality
   • LOW priority: Optional enhancements

2. Implement systematically:

   • Address high-priority first
   • Document changes
   • Maintain style consistency

3. Re-evaluate:

   • Generate new final report
   • Verify score ≥56/70
   • Check completeness 100%

4. Iterate until passing

Decision Point 3: After final evaluation, I will:

• Present final score and assessment
• Show submission readiness status
• Recommend: Submit immediately / Implement optional improvements / Required revisions
• Ask: Proceed with submission or implement further improvements?

Step 5.4: Submission Package Preparation

Once final evaluation passes:

1. Platform-specific checklist:

   • PhilArchive/PhilPapers:

     • PDF format
     • Abstract <500 words
     • Metadata (title, keywords, classification)
     • Author information complete

   • arXiv:

     • LaTeX or PDF format
     • Abstract <1920 characters
     • Category selection correct
     • No font embedding issues

   • PhilSci-Archive:

     • PDF format
     • Subject classification
     • Keywords (3-5)
     • No copyright issues

2. Generate final outputs:

   • Formatted manuscript (PDF or LaTeX)
   • Abstract (separate file if needed)
   • Metadata file
   • Cover letter (if applicable)

3. Pre-submission verification:

   • Re-read complete paper
   • Check all formatting
   • Verify all links/citations work
   • Proofread for typos

Output: Complete submission package ready for platform upload

Complete Output Package

Upon completion of both phases, you receive:

Quality Reports

1. Chapter Quality Reports (one per chapter)

   • 5-dimension scores
   • Pass/fail status
   • Revision recommendations implemented

2. Cross-Chapter Coherence Report

   • Terminology consistency check
   • Argument flow verification
   • Citation pattern analysis

3. Final Evaluation Report ⭐ Key Document

   • 7-dimension comprehensive assessment
   • Completeness checklist (100%)
   • Submission readiness decision
   • Platform-specific checklist

Manuscript Files

1. Complete Manuscript ⭐ Main Deliverable

   • All chapters integrated
   • Properly formatted
   • Citations complete
   • Submission-ready

2. Abstract (separate file)

   • Standalone 250-300 words
   • Platform-formatted

3. Metadata Document

   • Title, keywords, classification
   • Author information
   • Platform-specific requirements

Supporting Documentation

1. Writing Progress Tracker

   • All chapters completed
   • Quality scores logged
   • Revision history

2. Citation List

   • All references used
   • Formatted for platform
   • Verified complete

Quality Assurance System

Quality Standards Reference

For detailed evaluation criteria, all standards are defined in:

references/writing_standards.md

This document provides:

• Chapter-level quality standards (5 dimensions)
• Final quality standards (7 dimensions)
• Section-specific quality criteria
• Scoring rubrics
• Issue identification and fixes