# chapter-architect

This skill turns a high-level chapter brief into a beat-level outline. It helps shape the reader’s journey before drafting while leaving room for author decisions.

- 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/chapter-architect/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-09-16
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/chapter-architect

## What it does

chapter-architect takes a chapter specification from an Architecture Document and develops it into a sequence of beats. It tracks the chapter’s job, the reader’s starting and ending states, key concepts, links to nearby chapters, and the emotional movement through the material. Each beat records its purpose, suggested material, reader destination, and whether it carries the structure.

The workflow gathers an Architecture Document, Research Dossier, Book Concept Document, and author notes, then moves through orientation, beat brainstorming, sequencing, detailed review, and final approval. Reference files cover chapter types, emotional arcs, opening and closing strategies, beat vocabulary, and common chapter problems; the result follows `assets/templates/chapter-outline-template.md`. The Architecture Document is required because it supplies the chapter’s purpose and boundaries.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

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

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

### Codex

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

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

### Cursor

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

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

### GitHub Copilot

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

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

### Gemini CLI

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

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

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

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

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add robertguss/claude-code-toolkit --skill chapter-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/chapter-architect/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- turn a chapter brief into beat-level structure
- sequence ideas around the reader’s changing state
- track intellectual and emotional movement
- connect one chapter to the next
- prepare a handoff for draft-coach or ghostwriter

## Example prompts
- Turn the chapter specification in the Architecture Document into a Chapter Outline Document.
- Generate candidate beats, debate their order, and mark which beats are load-bearing.
- Review this outline against the reader’s entry and exit states, then prepare it for the ghostwriter.

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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