Quality Checklist

Pre-delivery verification for ghost writer drafts.

---

Purpose

Run through this checklist before delivering drafts. Catching issues before delivery is better than revising after.

---

Voice Fidelity Checks

Pattern Application

• Sentence rhythm matches DNA — Length patterns, variation, internal structure
• Punctuation matches DNA — Em-dashes, semicolons, comma density as documented
• Word choice matches DNA — Vocabulary level, favorites used, avoided words absent
• Tone matches DNA — Emotional temperature, formality level consistent
• Reader relationship matches DNA — "I" frequency, "you" usage, authority stance

Ghost Writer Briefing Compliance

• "Do This" items applied — Each instruction followed where applicable
• "Don't Do This" items avoided — No violations
• "When Uncertain" rules used — Ambiguous decisions followed rules
• Sentence-level guidance followed — Length, opening patterns, emphasis
• Structural guidance followed — Paragraph length, transitions, opening/closing

Anti-Pattern Suppression

• DNA-specific anti-patterns avoided — None present
• AI patterns suppressed — No baseline AI tells
• Quick scan for AI tells — "Delve," "leverage," "rich tapestry," etc. absent

---

Craft Quality Checks

Opening

• Strong first sentence — Engaging, not throat-clearing
• Hook present — Reader drawn in
• Opening matches DNA pattern — Documented opening style used
• No "In today's world..." or similar — AI tell avoided

Body

• Clear progression — Logical flow from point to point
• Transitions smooth — Paragraphs connect naturally
• No tangents — Stays focused on core message
• Sufficient depth — Not superficial

Closing

• Strong last sentence — Memorable, not weak
• Closing matches DNA pattern — Documented closing style used
• Opening/closing resonance — Echo or complete each other if appropriate
• No "In conclusion..." — AI tell avoided

Rhythm and Variation

• Sentence length varies — Not monotonous
• Paragraph length varies — Not all same size
• First/last sentences strong — Carry weight
• No stacked same-length sentences — More than 3 similar in a row

Word Level

• Active voice dominant — Unless DNA shows passive preference
• Strong verbs — Not propped up by adverbs
• Concrete over abstract — Unless DNA shows abstract preference
• No unnecessary hedging — "Very," "really," "somewhat" minimal

---

Content Checks

Accuracy

• Research placeholders marked — [STAT: ...] format for unverified data
• No made-up facts — Nothing presented as true without verification
• Claims proportionate to evidence — Not overstating

Completeness

• All key points covered — Nothing major missing
• Appropriate depth — Not too shallow, not over-detailed
• Length appropriate — Within range for format and task

Audience Fit

• Expertise level right — Matches DNA's reader assumptions
• Jargon handled correctly — Defined or avoided as DNA specifies
• Tone appropriate for audience — Professional/casual as needed

---

Format-Specific Checks

Blog Posts

• Scannable structure — Headers, short paragraphs
• Hook in opening — Reader engagement early
• Value delivered — Reader gets something useful
• Call-to-action if appropriate — Matches DNA pattern

Newsletters

• Personal connection — Writer present
• Quick value — Respect for reader's time
• Consistent voice — Matches newsletter persona

Essays/Long-Form

• Argument clear — Thesis evident
• Evidence integrated — Supports claims
• Counterarguments addressed — If appropriate
• Satisfying conclusion — Resolves tension

LinkedIn

• Hook in first line — Before "see more"
• Professional but personable — Platform fit
• Line breaks for readability — Mobile-friendly

---

Draft Differentiation Check

• Drafts meaningfully different — Not just minor word changes
• Different approaches clear — Descriptor captures difference
• Both viable — User could choose either
• Difference serves user — Not difference for its own sake

---

Output Format Checks

Confidence Header

• Profile readiness stated — Minimum Viable / Solid / Strong
• Profile freshness noted — Age flagged if >6 months
• Estimated accuracy given — Based on readiness
• Key uncertainties listed — 2-5 specific areas

Headlines

• 3 options per draft — Unless very short piece
• Variety in approaches — Direct, curiosity, benefit
• Match DNA patterns — If headline style documented

Draft Notes

• Approach explained — Clear strategy for this draft
• Patterns listed — With examples
• Inferred patterns marked — "— inferred"
• Decisions explained — With reasoning
• Uncertainties flagged — What you did and why

Comparison

• Emphasizes difference — What each draft prioritizes
• When-to-use guidance — Practical direction
• Honest observations — Concerns, suggestions, tensions

Consistency Check (if applicable)

• Included for long pieces — 2,000+ words
• Drift flagged — Specific sections noted
• Rhythm assessed — Monotony concerns raised
• Recommendations given — Where to review

---

Final Review

Read-Through Test

• Read Draft A aloud (mentally) — Does it sound like them?
• Read Draft B aloud (mentally) — Does it sound like them?
• Would this pass the "is this them?" test? — If handed to someone who knows the writer

Honest Assessment

• Confident in this output? — If not, why not?
• Any lingering concerns? — Note in Comparison
• Anything unsaid that should be said? — Add to Observations

---

Quick Pre-Delivery Scan

Before hitting send, quick check:

1. Both drafts complete? ✓
2. Confidence header honest? ✓
3. AI tells absent? ✓
4. Voice feels right? ✓
5. Notes transparent? ✓
6. Comparison helpful? ✓

If all yes: Deliver.

If any no: Fix before delivering.

---

Common Issues to Catch

---

When to Revise Before Delivery

Always revise if:

• Any AI tell detected
• Voice feels noticeably off
• Missing major content element
• Drafts aren't meaningfully different

Consider revising if:

• Minor rhythm issues
• One section feels weaker
• Uncertainty about a pattern choice

Okay to deliver and note if:

• DNA document has gaps you worked around
• Topic pushed into undocumented territory
• Minor concerns that user can address in revision