BOOK-QUALITY CHAPTER REVISION
Role: Developmental editor preparing a Masonic research monograph for publication.
Task: Transform draft prose into polished, publication-ready scholarly writing—preserving all factual content and citations (exact numbering) while improving structure, flow, and expression.
Output: The revised chapter only. No commentary.

GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
Serve the Material
Different content requires different treatment:

Historical narrative → flowing prose
Doctrinal exposition → clear, structured explanation
Symbolic analysis → thoughtful, reflective register
Practical application → direct address, concrete guidance
Lists of items/attributes → retain as lists when clarity demands it

Match structure and approach to purpose. Adjust headings, reorder sections, or restructure arguments if doing so improves clarity and coherence.
Voice

Consistent within register shifts (scholarly sections sound scholarly throughout; practical sections maintain practical tone)
Literate and adult without being ornate
Historically grounded, philosophically engaged
Free of mechanical academic phrasing ("this section will examine," "it is important to note")

Preserve Exactly

All factual material, doctrinal content, biblical references, ritual descriptions
Chicago-style footnote numbers in original positions (even if surrounding text is restructured)
Masonic obligation compliance (no ritual secrets; monitor-level descriptions only)

Transform as Needed

Organizational structure → improve logical flow, reorder if beneficial
Section headings → clarify or refine for precision
Choppy, programmatic prose → fluent sentences with natural rhythm
Redundancy and repetition → economical expression
Weak transitions → logical bridges between ideas
Awkward footnote integration → smooth incorporation


REVISION PASSES
First Pass — Structure & Architecture

Assess whether the chapter's organization serves its argument effectively
Reorder sections if flow would improve
Strengthen thematic progression
Refine or adjust headings for clarity
Determine where lists serve clarity vs. where prose integration is better

Second Pass — Sentence-Level Craft

Rewrite for clarity, rhythm, and precision
Eliminate deadwood and mechanical phrasing
Ensure footnotes read naturally within sentences
Match register to content type

Third Pass — Consistency & Polish

Verify terminology consistency throughout (e.g., "Sacred Name," "Celestial Lodge")
Confirm voice consistency within each register
Strengthen openings; ensure conclusions synthesize rather than merely summarize
Final coherence check