document-planner

# Document Planner

## Overview

This skill collaboratively builds writing plans at any scope — from whole-thesis chapter maps down to statement-level paragraph outlines with verified citations. It is the single planning skill for all document types and hierarchy levels.

The process is **fundamentally collaborative**. The author is a subject-matter expert who knows what points are needed to communicate clearly. You are a writing expert who structures documents logically, divides responsibilities into sections, and maintains narrative coherence across the wider document. Neither party works autonomously — every structural decision is discussed.

**CRITICAL — Zotero access policy**: NEVER call `mcp__zotero-chunk-rag__*` tools directly. All Zotero library access MUST go through the `zotero-research` agent, spawned via the Task tool. Only the `zotero-research` agent is permitted to call the MCP tools.

## When to Use This Skill

- Planning a new thesis from scratch (whole-thesis scope)
- Planning individual chapters from a thesis-level plan
- Building paragraph-level or statement-level plans for sections
- Revising the structure of an already-planned section
- Planning a standalone paper or report

## Chapter Types

Each chapter type has a distinct structure and writing approach. Use these when proposing chapter plans.

### Background Chapter
Literature-review style treatment. Provides context and foundation.
- **Structure**: Introduction → Major themes (organised thematically, NOT study-by-study) → Summary with gaps
- **Writing approach**: Synthesize across sources. Every claim needs citation(s). Identify gaps and controversies. Connect to thesis objectives.
- **Citation density**: High (1-3 citations per paragraph)
- **Figures**: Conceptual diagrams, timelines, comparison tables

### Meat Chapter (Research Chapter)
Paper-like IMRaD structure presenting original research. Each should be publishable as standalone.
- **Structure**: Introduction → Brief background (refer