# book-architect

Builds chapter blueprints and maps reader journeys for nonfiction books before drafting begins. Requires a validated book concept document.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · ★ 132
- Author: robertguss
- License: LicenseRef-Proprietary · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/robertguss/claude-code-toolkit/tree/HEAD/skills/non-fiction-book-factory/book-architect/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-09-16
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/book-architect

## What it does

This skill structures nonfiction manuscripts around reader transformation rather than simple topical folders. It pairs structural layout with emotional pacing. Every chapter receives entry and exit states, a core insight, and hook transitions that pull into the next section.

Sessions kick off with an intake check that yields a traffic-light readiness score and flags foundational gaps. Output deliverables include a master blueprint, section-level chapter outlines, a pacing map, and a decision log. Without an upstream Book Concept Document, the process stops immediately at intake.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill book-architect -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/book-architect/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/book-architect/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill book-architect -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/book-architect/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill book-architect -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/book-architect/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install robertguss/claude-code-toolkit book-architect
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/book-architect/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill book-architect -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --path skills/non-fiction-book-factory/book-architect
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/book-architect/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill book-architect -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/robertguss/claude-code-toolkit/tree/HEAD/skills/non-fiction-book-factory/book-architect/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- Design an end-to-end nonfiction book blueprint before drafting
- Map chapter transitions and emotional pacing for the reader
- Spot weak book concepts and logical gaps before outlining
- Track structural decisions and open research questions

## Example prompts
- Review my book concept document and draft the overall chapter outline.
- Build a section blueprint with reader transitions for chapter four.
- Audit the table of contents pacing and log open research gaps.

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From the same set: [robertguss/claude-code-toolkit](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/robertguss/claude-code-toolkit.md) — 20 cards

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md