git clone https://github.com/brycewang-stanford/Awesome-Agent-Skills-for-Empirical-Research
T=$(mktemp -d) && git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/brycewang-stanford/Awesome-Agent-Skills-for-Empirical-Research "$T" && mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && cp -r "$T/skills/01-lishix520-academic-paper-skills/composer" ~/.claude/skills/brycewang-stanford-awesome-agent-skills-for-empirical-research-composer && rm -rf "$T"
skills/01-lishix520-academic-paper-skills/composer/SKILL.mdname: academic-paper-composer description: Systematic writing framework for philosophy and interdisciplinary academic papers from optimized outline to submission-ready manuscript. Use when users want to: (1) write a paper from a detailed outline, (2) ensure quality control during writing, (3) maintain consistency across chapters, (4) prepare a submission-ready manuscript, or (5) systematically execute a planned paper. Triggered by phrases like 'write the paper from this outline,' 'compose the full manuscript,' 'execute the outline,' or when users have completed strategic planning (academic-paper-strategist skill) and are ready to write. Takes optimized outline as input; outputs complete manuscript with iterative quality checks.
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:
-
Verify outline completeness:
- All chapters specified with word counts
- Content guidance provided
- Argument structure clear
-
Load reference documents:
- Platform writing standards
- Section writing guides (
)references/section_guides.md - Quality standards (
)references/writing_standards.md
-
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:
-
Review outline specification for this chapter:
- Word count target
- Subsection structure
- Content guidance
- Key arguments/citations
-
Review previous chapter (if N>1):
- Last paragraph of chapter N-1
- Key concepts introduced
- Promises to fulfill
-
Check section guide:
- Load appropriate template from
references/section_guides.md - Review quality markers for this section type
- Load appropriate template from
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:
-
Create evaluation document:
python scripts/chapter_quality_check.py # Option 1: Create template for this chapter -
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?
-
Generate quality report:
python scripts/chapter_quality_check.py # Option 2: Generate report from evaluationThis 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:
-
Identify weak dimension(s): Which scored <3/4?
-
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
-
Re-evaluate: Generate new quality report
-
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:
- Mark chapter complete in writing tracker
- Save chapter with quality report
- Note key concepts introduced (for coherence check later)
- 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:
-
Introduction (write first)
- Establishes thesis and roadmap
- Use introduction guide from
section_guides.md - Quality check: Abstract promises, literature coverage, clear contribution
-
Main Body Chapters (in outline order)
- Follow outline sequence
- Quality check after each
- Build on previous chapters
-
Conclusion (write after main body)
- Synthesizes findings
- Addresses introduction promises
- Use conclusion guide from
section_guides.md
-
Abstract (write last)
- Summarizes complete paper
- Use abstract guide from
section_guides.md - Quality check: Standalone, accurate, compelling
-
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:
-
Terminology consistency:
- Extract key terms from each chapter
- Verify consistent usage throughout
- Check definitions consistent
-
Argument flow:
- Verify chapter N+1 builds on chapter N
- Check roadmap (intro) matches execution
- Ensure conclusion addresses introduction promises
-
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):
-
Overall Argument Quality (1-10)
- Thesis clarity throughout
- Chapter integration
- Logical completeness
- Objections addressed
-
Literature Integration (1-10)
- Citation count (40-60 typical for philosophy)
- Key literature covered
- Citations well-integrated
- Critical engagement present
-
Clarity & Accessibility (1-10)
- Prose clarity
- Complex ideas explained
- Appropriate for audience
- Technical terms defined
-
Originality & Contribution (1-10)
- Clear original contribution
- Advance over literature
- Significance established
- Innovation present
-
Methodological Rigor (1-10)
- Method explicit and justified
- Consistently applied
- Appropriate for question
- Limitations acknowledged
-
Structure & Organization (1-10)
- Logical flow
- Optimal organization
- Proportions balanced
- Transitions seamless
-
Platform & Style Conformity (1-10)
- Style matches platform
- Format correct
- Voice consistent
- Citation format perfect
Scoring Process:
- Evaluate each dimension (1-10)
- Provide detailed notes for each
- Complete completeness checklist
- 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:
-
Prioritize revisions:
- HIGH priority: All issues affecting score or completeness
- MEDIUM priority: Issues improving quality
- LOW priority: Optional enhancements
-
Implement systematically:
- Address high-priority first
- Document changes
- Maintain style consistency
-
Re-evaluate:
- Generate new final report
- Verify score ≥56/70
- Check completeness 100%
-
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:
-
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
-
-
Generate final outputs:
- Formatted manuscript (PDF or LaTeX)
- Abstract (separate file if needed)
- Metadata file
- Cover letter (if applicable)
-
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
-
Chapter Quality Reports (one per chapter)
- 5-dimension scores
- Pass/fail status
- Revision recommendations implemented
-
Cross-Chapter Coherence Report
- Terminology consistency check
- Argument flow verification
- Citation pattern analysis
-
Final Evaluation Report ⭐ Key Document
- 7-dimension comprehensive assessment
- Completeness checklist (100%)
- Submission readiness decision
- Platform-specific checklist
Manuscript Files
-
Complete Manuscript ⭐ Main Deliverable
- All chapters integrated
- Properly formatted
- Citations complete
- Submission-ready
-
Abstract (separate file)
- Standalone 250-300 words
- Platform-formatted
-
Metadata Document
- Title, keywords, classification
- Author information
- Platform-specific requirements
Supporting Documentation
-
Writing Progress Tracker
- All chapters completed
- Quality scores logged
- Revision history
-
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
Section Writing Guides
For guidance on writing each section type:
references/section_guides.md
This provides:
- Abstract writing template and checklist
- Introduction structure (6 subsections)
- Main body chapter templates (4 types)
- Conclusion structure
- Transition strategies
- Platform-specific style guidance
- Common mistakes and fixes
Evaluation Scripts
Two Python scripts support quality validation:
1. Chapter Quality Check
python scripts/chapter_quality_check.py
Function: Evaluates individual chapters against 5-dimension standards
- Creates evaluation templates
- Calculates scores and pass/fail
- Identifies weak dimensions
- Generates revision recommendations
- Supports multi-chapter comparison
When to Use: After writing each chapter (Step 4.2.C)
2. Final Paper Evaluation
python scripts/final_evaluation.py
Function: Evaluates complete paper against 7-dimension standards
- Comprehensive quality assessment
- Completeness checklist validation
- Submission readiness determination
- Platform-specific preparation
- Generates final report with recommendations
When to Use: After all chapters complete (Step 5.2)
Decision Points (Interactive)
This skill has 3 key decision points where I pause for your input:
Decision Point 1: Writing Commencement (Step 4.1)
I provide: Loaded outline, standards, and writing plan You confirm: Ready to begin writing / Need adjustments
Decision Point 2: Chapter Completion (Step 4.2.E)
I provide: Completed chapter with quality score You decide: Proceed to next / Revise further / Adjust approach
Frequency: After each main body chapter (3-5 times typically)
Decision Point 3: Final Submission (Step 5.3)
I provide: Final evaluation report with score and readiness assessment You decide: Submit immediately / Implement optional improvements / Additional revisions
Example Usage
User Request
"I have the optimized outline from the strategist skill. Please write the complete paper on self-continuity during sleep."
Skill Response
Phase 4: Systematic Writing
-
Setup: Outline loaded (6 chapters, 9,600 words total). Platform: PhilArchive. Standards loaded. ✓
-
Chapter 1 - Introduction (1,500 words):
- Writing... [follows outline structure]
- Self-evaluation: Argument 4/4, Citation 3/4, Clarity 4/4, Structure 3/4, Style 4/4
- Score: 18/20 ✓ PASS
- Decision Point 2: Proceed to Chapter 2?
-
Chapter 2 - Narrative Compression Framework (1,200 words):
- Writing... [develops theoretical framework]
- Self-evaluation: All dimensions 3-4
- Score: 17/20 ✓ PASS
- Decision Point 2: Proceed to Chapter 3?
-
Chapter 3-5: [Similar process for each chapter]
-
Chapter 6 - Conclusion (1,000 words):
- Writing... [synthesizes findings]
- Score: 18/20 ✓ PASS
-
Abstract (280 words):
- Writing... [summarizes complete paper]
- Score: 19/20 ✓ PASS
-
Cross-Chapter Coherence: Terminology consistent ✓, Argument flow verified ✓, Citations complete ✓
Phase 5: Quality Control
-
Completeness Check: All items complete ✓ (18/18)
-
Final Evaluation:
- Overall Argument: 9/10
- Literature Integration: 8/10 (48 citations)
- Clarity: 9/10
- Originality: 8/10
- Methodology: 8/10
- Structure: 9/10
- Platform Fit: 9/10
- Total: 60/70 (85.7%) ✓ PASS
-
Decision Point 3: Paper scored 60/70 (Good quality, ready for submission). Submit now or implement optional improvements?
-
Submission Package: PDF generated, metadata prepared, PhilArchive checklist complete ✓
Output: Submission-ready manuscript + comprehensive quality reports
Tips for Best Results
Provide Complete Outline
- The more detailed your outline, the better the writing quality
- Include content guidance for each section
- Specify key citations and argument structure
- Indicate expected word counts
Trust the Iterative Process
- Chapter-level quality gates ensure each section is solid
- Don't skip quality checks (they prevent cascading problems)
- Revisions at chapter-level are easier than whole-paper revisions
Engage at Decision Points
- Your input at decision points shapes the final manuscript
- Feel free to request additional revisions even if chapter passes
- Provide feedback on style or emphasis
Use Quality Reports
- Chapter reports show specific weaknesses
- Final report provides objective submission readiness assessment
- Use reports to track improvement across chapters
Leverage Section Guides
- I reference
for each section typesection_guides.md - You can review these guides directly if you want to understand the approach
- Guides include templates, examples, and common mistakes
Integration with Academic-Paper-Strategist
This skill is designed to work seamlessly with academic-paper-strategist:
Ideal workflow:
-
Use academic-paper-strategist to:
- Identify optimal platform
- Conduct literature search
- Identify research gaps
- Assess originality
- Generate optimized detailed outline
-
Use academic-paper-composer (this skill) to:
- Execute the outline systematically
- Maintain quality control during writing
- Produce submission-ready manuscript
Can be used standalone: If you already have a detailed outline from another source, you can use this skill directly (skip strategist).
Limitations and Notes
- Requires detailed outline: Vague outlines produce lower-quality output; specificity is key
- Iterative process takes time: Quality writing with validation requires patience; typical timeline: 1-2 days for 10,000-word paper
- Quality checks are systematic, not perfect: Final human review recommended before submission
- Platform-specific formatting: I adapt to platform standards, but you should verify final format
- Complementary to strategist skill: Best results come from using both skills in sequence
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue 1: Chapter Fails Quality Gate
Symptom: Score <16/20 after writing chapter
Solution:
- Review weak dimension(s) from report
- Implement specific recommendations
- Re-evaluate chapter
- Typical fix time: 30-60 minutes
Prevention: Follow section guides closely during initial writing
Issue 2: Inconsistent Style Across Chapters
Symptom: Some chapters feel different in tone or voice
Solution:
- Run cross-chapter coherence check (Step 4.4)
- Identify inconsistent terminology or voice
- Revise to match dominant style
- Re-run check to verify
Prevention: Reference platform standards before writing each chapter
Issue 3: Low Final Score (<56/70)
Symptom: Paper fails final quality gate
Solution:
- Identify weak dimensions from final report
- Focus on dimensions scoring <7/10
- Implement high-priority revisions systematically
- Re-evaluate after revisions
Common causes: Insufficient literature integration, unclear contribution, poor coherence
Issue 4: Completeness Checklist Incomplete
Symptom: Missing required elements
Solution:
- Review which category has incomplete items
- Add missing elements (e.g., missing objections section, incomplete references)
- Re-run completeness check
Prevention: Use writing tracker throughout; check outline completeness before starting
Platform-Specific Notes
PhilArchive / PhilPapers
- Style: First-person acceptable ("I argue")
- Length: 5,000-12,000 words typical
- Citations: APA or Chicago author-year
- Quality focus: Philosophical rigor, argument clarity
arXiv (Philosophy-adjacent)
- Style: More formal, passive voice common
- Length: Varies widely (3,000-20,000)
- Citations: Varies by subcategory
- Quality focus: Interdisciplinary clarity, technical precision
PhilSci-Archive
- Style: Bridges philosophical and scientific
- Length: 6,000-15,000 words typical
- Citations: Author-year typical
- Quality focus: Integration of philosophy + science
Summary
academic-paper-composer transforms an optimized outline into a submission-ready manuscript through:
- Systematic Writing (Phase 4): Chapter-by-chapter execution with 5-dimension quality checks after each (≥16/20 threshold)
- Quality Control (Phase 5): Final 7-dimension assessment (≥56/70 threshold) + completeness validation + submission preparation
Quality Assurance: Iterative evaluation at chapter and paper levels ensures consistent quality throughout.
Output: Submission-ready manuscript with comprehensive quality reports documenting systematic validation.
Estimated Time: 1-2 days for systematic writing and validation of 8,000-12,000 word paper (varies with outline detail and revision needs).
Related Skills
Prerequisite: academic-paper-strategist
- Produces the optimized outline that this skill executes
- Highly recommended to use first for best results
This skill can be used standalone: If you have a detailed outline from another source, you can proceed directly with this skill.