shapeshifter-surgical-revision-architect

name: shapeshifter-surgical-revision-architect description: Merge critique findings into an executable chapter-by-chapter surgical revision plan for the Shapeshifter manuscript. Use when the user asks for ruthless critique synthesis, revision blueprints, exact cut/add/rewrite directives, agency restoration, continuity fixes, and target word deltas across Chapters 1-24.

Shapeshifter Surgical Revision Architect

Purpose

Turn broad critique into a precise execution plan: chapter-by-chapter cuts, additions, rewrites, continuity fixes, and word-delta targets.

Use This Skill When

• The user asks for a surgical revision plan for Ch. 1-24.
• The user asks to merge multiple audits into one blueprint.
• The user wants direct, operational rewriting instructions instead of high-level feedback.
• The user asks for exact chapter targets and revision order.

Inputs

• Chapter directory (default: manuscripts/shapeshifter/02-DRAFTS)
• Blueprint file (default: manuscripts/shapeshifter/03-PUBLISHING/19-merged-surgical-revision-blueprint.md)
• Mode:
  • novella for compact high-intensity route
  • novel for expanded commercial route

Workflow

1. Load baseline context.

• Read timeline, character bible, continuity QA, and merged blueprint.
• Compute current chapter word counts.

2. Enforce non-negotiables.

• No passivity without counter-move.
• No chronology regressions.
• No unresolved high-impact threat threads by finale.
• Cairo unrest must change operational outcomes, not only atmosphere.

3. Generate surgical matrix.

• Run scripts/build_surgical_revision_plan.py to output a chapter plan scaffold with current words + target deltas + seeded directives.

4. Refine directives.

• Add project-current details from latest draft.
• Keep directives concrete and testable.
• Mark each chapter with one dominant objective and one failure risk.

5. Output plan.

• Save a single markdown plan in publishing folder.
• Include execution order and dependency notes.

Hard Rules

• Always separate Cut, Add, and Rewrite directives.
• Always provide target word deltas by chapter.
• Always include at least one continuity/logic checkpoint per chapter.
• If an instruction is not executable, rewrite it until it is.

Safety Rules

• Do not alter canon anchors unless the user explicitly approves canon changes.
• Do not issue rewrite directives without chapter-level evidence.
• Keep timeline corrections explicit with concrete dates/timestamps.
• Preserve prior approved constraints (POV, setting era, key subtext motifs) unless user requests changes.

Resources

• Strategic blueprint: references/blueprint-merge.md
• Directive seeds: references/chapter-directives-seed.json
• Plan generator: scripts/build_surgical_revision_plan.py

Output Contract

1. One merged revision blueprint.
2. One chapter-by-chapter surgical plan (Ch1-Ch24).
3. Explicit word-delta targets and execution sequence.
4. Clear list of P0 blockers before prose polish.