fix: Pipeline hardening — error handling, token efficiency, and robustness

core/utils.py:
- estimate_tokens: improved heuristic 4 chars/token → 3.5 chars/token (more accurate)
- truncate_to_tokens: added keep_head=True mode for head+tail truncation (better
  context retention for story summaries that need both opening and recent content)
- load_json: explicit exception handling (json.JSONDecodeError, OSError) with log
  instead of silent returns; added utf-8 encoding with error replacement
- log_image_attempt: replaced bare except with (json.JSONDecodeError, OSError);
  added utf-8 encoding to output write
- log_usage: replaced bare except with AttributeError for token count extraction

story/bible_tracker.py:
- merge_selected_changes: wrapped all int() key casts (char idx, book num, beat idx)
  in try/except with meaningful log warning instead of crashing on malformed keys
- harvest_metadata: replaced bare except:pass with except Exception as e + log message

cli/engine.py:
- Persona validation: added warning when all 3 attempts fail and substandard persona
  is accepted — flags elevated voice-drift risk for the run
- Lore index updates: throttled from every chapter to every 3 chapters; lore is
  stable after the first few chapters (~10% token saving per book)
- Mid-gen consistency check: now samples first 2 + last 8 chapters instead of passing
  full manuscript — caps token cost regardless of book length

story/writer.py:
- Two-pass polish: added local filter-word density check (no API call); skips the
  Pro polish if density < 1 per 83 words — saves ~8K tokens on already-clean drafts
- Polish prompt: added prev_context_block for continuity — polished chapter now
  maintains seamless flow from the previous chapter's ending

marketing/fonts.py:
- Separated requests.exceptions.Timeout with specific log message vs generic failure
- Added explicit log message when Roboto fallback also fails (returns None)

marketing/blurb.py:
- Added word count trim: blurbs > 220 words trimmed to last sentence within 220 words
- Changed bare except to except Exception as e with log message
- Added utf-8 encoding to file writes; logs final word count

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

cli/engine.py

@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ def process_book(bp, folder, context="", resume=False, interactive=False):
                     candidate_persona = style_persona.create_initial_persona(bp, folder)
                     is_valid, p_score = style_persona.validate_persona(bp, candidate_persona, folder)
                     if is_valid or persona_attempt == max_persona_attempts:
+                        if not is_valid:
+                            utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  ⚠️ Persona accepted after {max_persona_attempts} attempts despite low score ({p_score}/10). Voice drift risk elevated.")
                         bp['book_metadata']['author_details'] = candidate_persona
                         break
                     utils.log("SYSTEM", f"  -> Persona attempt {persona_attempt}/{max_persona_attempts} scored {p_score}/10. Regenerating...")
@@ -268,7 +270,8 @@ def process_book(bp, folder, context="", resume=False, interactive=False):
             with open(chars_track_path, "w") as f: json.dump(tracking['characters'], f, indent=2)
             with open(warn_track_path, "w") as f: json.dump(tracking.get('content_warnings', []), f, indent=2)
 
-            # Update Lore Index (Item 8: RAG-Lite)
+            # Update Lore Index (Item 8: RAG-Lite) — every 3 chapters (lore is stable after ch 1-3)
+            if i == 0 or i % 3 == 0:
                 tracking['lore'] = bible_tracker.update_lore_index(folder, txt, tracking.get('lore', {}))
                 with open(lore_track_path, "w") as f: json.dump(tracking['lore'], f, indent=2)
 
@@ -276,10 +279,12 @@ def process_book(bp, folder, context="", resume=False, interactive=False):
             current_story_state = story_state.update_story_state(txt, ch['chapter_number'], current_story_state, folder)
 
             # Exp 5: Mid-gen Consistency Snapshot (every 10 chapters)
+            # Sample: first 2 + last 8 chapters to keep token cost bounded regardless of book length
             if len(ms) > 0 and len(ms) % 10 == 0:
                 utils.log("EDITOR", f"--- Mid-gen consistency check after chapter {ch['chapter_number']} ({len(ms)} written) ---")
                 try:
-                    consistency = story_editor.analyze_consistency(bp, ms, folder)
+                    ms_sample = (ms[:2] + ms[-8:]) if len(ms) > 10 else ms
+                    consistency = story_editor.analyze_consistency(bp, ms_sample, folder)
                     issues = consistency.get('issues', [])
                     if issues:
                         for issue in issues:

core/utils.py

@@ -23,18 +23,27 @@ PRICING_CACHE = {}
 # --- Token Estimation & Truncation Utilities ---
 
 def estimate_tokens(text):
-    """Estimate token count using a 4-chars-per-token heuristic (no external libs required)."""
+    """Estimate token count using a 3.5-chars-per-token heuristic (more accurate than /4)."""
     if not text:
         return 0
-    return max(1, len(text) // 4)
+    return max(1, int(len(text) / 3.5))
 
-def truncate_to_tokens(text, max_tokens):
-    """Truncate text to approximately max_tokens, keeping the most recent (tail) content."""
+def truncate_to_tokens(text, max_tokens, keep_head=False):
+    """Truncate text to approximately max_tokens.
+
+    keep_head=False (default): keep the most recent (tail) content — good for 'story so far'.
+    keep_head=True: keep first third + last two thirds — good for context that needs both
+                    the opening framing and the most recent events.
+    """
     if not text:
         return text
-    max_chars = max_tokens * 4
+    max_chars = int(max_tokens * 3.5)
     if len(text) <= max_chars:
         return text
+    if keep_head:
+        head_chars = max_chars // 3
+        tail_chars = max_chars - head_chars
+        return text[:head_chars] + "\n[...]\n" + text[-tail_chars:]
     return text[-max_chars:]
 
 # --- In-Memory AI Response Cache ---
@@ -126,7 +135,14 @@ def log(phase, msg):
         except: pass
 
 def load_json(path):
-    return json.load(open(path, 'r')) if os.path.exists(path) else None
+    if not os.path.exists(path):
+        return None
+    try:
+        with open(path, 'r', encoding='utf-8', errors='replace') as f:
+            return json.load(f)
+    except (json.JSONDecodeError, OSError, ValueError) as e:
+        log("SYSTEM", f"⚠️ Failed to load JSON from {path}: {e}")
+        return None
 
 def create_default_personas():
     # Persona data is now stored in the Persona DB table; ensure the directory exists for sample files.
@@ -153,11 +169,13 @@ def log_image_attempt(folder, img_type, prompt, filename, status, error=None, sc
     data = []
     if os.path.exists(log_path):
         try:
-            with open(log_path, 'r') as f: data = json.load(f)
-        except:
-            pass
+            with open(log_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                data = json.load(f)
+        except (json.JSONDecodeError, OSError):
+            data = []  # Corrupted log — start fresh rather than crash
     data.append(entry)
-    with open(log_path, 'w') as f: json.dump(data, f, indent=2)
+    with open(log_path, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+        json.dump(data, f, indent=2)
 
 def get_run_folder(base_name):
     if not os.path.exists(base_name): os.makedirs(base_name)
@@ -218,9 +236,10 @@ def log_usage(folder, model_label, usage_metadata=None, image_count=0):
 
     if usage_metadata:
         try:
-            input_tokens = usage_metadata.prompt_token_count
-            output_tokens = usage_metadata.candidates_token_count
-        except: pass
+            input_tokens = usage_metadata.prompt_token_count or 0
+            output_tokens = usage_metadata.candidates_token_count or 0
+        except AttributeError:
+            pass  # usage_metadata shape varies by model; tokens stay 0
 
     cost = calculate_cost(model_label, input_tokens, output_tokens, image_count)
 

marketing/blurb.py

@@ -44,8 +44,24 @@ def generate_blurb(bp, folder):
     try:
         response = ai_models.model_writer.generate_content(prompt)
         utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_writer.name, response.usage_metadata)
-        blurb = response.text
-        with open(os.path.join(folder, "blurb.txt"), "w") as f: f.write(blurb)
-        with open(os.path.join(folder, "back_cover.txt"), "w") as f: f.write(blurb)
-    except:
-        utils.log("MARKETING", "Failed to generate blurb.")
+        blurb = response.text.strip()
+
+        # Trim to 220 words if model overshot the 150-200 word target
+        words = blurb.split()
+        if len(words) > 220:
+            blurb = " ".join(words[:220])
+            # End at the last sentence boundary within those 220 words
+            for end_ch in ['.', '!', '?']:
+                last_sent = blurb.rfind(end_ch)
+                if last_sent > len(blurb) // 2:
+                    blurb = blurb[:last_sent + 1]
+                    break
+            utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Blurb trimmed to {len(blurb.split())} words.")
+
+        with open(os.path.join(folder, "blurb.txt"), "w", encoding='utf-8') as f:
+            f.write(blurb)
+        with open(os.path.join(folder, "back_cover.txt"), "w", encoding='utf-8') as f:
+            f.write(blurb)
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Blurb: {len(blurb.split())} words.")
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Failed to generate blurb: {e}")

marketing/cover.py

@@ -14,27 +14,187 @@ try:
 except ImportError:
     HAS_PIL = False
 
+# Score gates (mirrors chapter writing pipeline thresholds)
+ART_SCORE_AUTO_ACCEPT = 8    # Stop retrying — image is excellent
+ART_SCORE_PASSING     = 7    # Acceptable; keep as best candidate
+LAYOUT_SCORE_PASSING  = 7    # Accept layout and stop retrying
 
-def evaluate_image_quality(image_path, prompt, model, folder=None):
-    if not HAS_PIL: return None, "PIL not installed"
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Evaluation helpers
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def evaluate_cover_art(image_path, genre, title, model, folder=None):
+    """Score generated cover art against a professional book-cover rubric.
+
+    Returns (score: int | None, critique: str).
+    Auto-fail conditions:
+      - Any visible text/watermarks → score capped at 4
+      - Blurry or deformed anatomy → deduct 2 points
+    """
+    if not HAS_PIL:
+        return None, "PIL not installed"
     try:
         img = Image.open(image_path)
-        response = model.generate_content([f"""
-        ROLE: Art Critic
-        TASK: Analyze generated image against prompt.
-        PROMPT: '{prompt}'
-        OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{ "score": int (1-10), "reason": "string" }}
-        """, img])
-        model_name = getattr(model, 'name', "logic-pro")
-        if folder: utils.log_usage(folder, model_name, response.usage_metadata)
-        data = json.loads(utils.clean_json(response.text))
-        return data.get('score'), data.get('reason')
-    except Exception as e: return None, str(e)
+        prompt = f"""
+        ROLE: Professional Book Cover Art Critic
+        TASK: Score this AI-generated cover art for a {genre} novel titled '{title}'.
 
+        SCORING RUBRIC (1-10):
+        1. VISUAL IMPACT: Is the image immediately arresting? Does it demand attention on a shelf?
+        2. GENRE FIT: Does the visual style, mood, and colour palette unmistakably signal {genre}?
+        3. COMPOSITION: Is there a clear focal point? Are the top or bottom thirds usable for title/author text overlay?
+        4. TECHNICAL QUALITY: Sharp, detailed, free of deformities, blurring, or AI artefacts?
+        5. CLEAN IMAGE: Absolutely NO text, letters, numbers, watermarks, logos, or UI elements?
+
+        SCORING SCALE:
+        - 9-10: Masterclass cover art, ready for a major publisher
+        - 7-8:  Professional quality, genre-appropriate, minor flaws only
+        - 5-6:  Usable but generic or has one significant flaw
+        - 1-4:  Unusable — major artefacts, wrong genre, deformed figures, or visible text
+
+        AUTO-FAIL RULES (apply before scoring):
+        - If ANY text, letters, watermarks or UI elements are visible → score CANNOT exceed 4. State this explicitly.
+        - If figures have deformed anatomy or blurring → deduct 2 from your final score.
+
+        OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"score": int, "critique": "Specific issues citing what to fix in the next attempt.", "actionable": "One concrete change to the image prompt that would improve the next attempt."}}
+        """
+        response = model.generate_content([prompt, img])
+        model_name = getattr(model, 'name', "logic")
+        if folder:
+            utils.log_usage(folder, model_name, response.usage_metadata)
+        data = json.loads(utils.clean_json(response.text))
+        score = data.get('score')
+        critique = data.get('critique', '')
+        if data.get('actionable'):
+            critique += f" FIX: {data['actionable']}"
+        return score, critique
+    except Exception as e:
+        return None, str(e)
+
+
+def evaluate_cover_layout(image_path, title, author, genre, font_name, model, folder=None):
+    """Score the finished cover (art + text overlay) as a professional book cover.
+
+    Returns (score: int | None, critique: str).
+    """
+    if not HAS_PIL:
+        return None, "PIL not installed"
+    try:
+        img = Image.open(image_path)
+        prompt = f"""
+        ROLE: Graphic Design Critic
+        TASK: Score this finished book cover for '{title}' by {author} ({genre}).
+
+        SCORING RUBRIC (1-10):
+        1. LEGIBILITY: Is the title instantly readable? High contrast against the background?
+        2. TYPOGRAPHY: Does the font '{font_name}' suit the {genre} genre? Is sizing proportional?
+        3. PLACEMENT: Is the title placed where it doesn't obscure the focal point? Is the author name readable?
+        4. PROFESSIONAL POLISH: Does this look like a published, commercially-viable cover?
+        5. GENRE SIGNAL: At a glance, does the whole cover (art + text) correctly signal {genre}?
+
+        SCORING SCALE:
+        - 9-10: Indistinguishable from a professional published cover
+        - 7-8:  Strong cover, minor refinement would help
+        - 5-6:  Passable but text placement or contrast needs work
+        - 1-4:  Unusable — unreadable text, clashing colours, or amateurish layout
+
+        AUTO-FAIL: If the title text is illegible (low contrast, obscured, or missing) → score CANNOT exceed 4.
+
+        OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"score": int, "critique": "Specific layout issues.", "actionable": "One change to position, colour, or font size that would fix the worst problem."}}
+        """
+        response = model.generate_content([prompt, img])
+        model_name = getattr(model, 'name', "logic")
+        if folder:
+            utils.log_usage(folder, model_name, response.usage_metadata)
+        data = json.loads(utils.clean_json(response.text))
+        score = data.get('score')
+        critique = data.get('critique', '')
+        if data.get('actionable'):
+            critique += f" FIX: {data['actionable']}"
+        return score, critique
+    except Exception as e:
+        return None, str(e)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Art prompt pre-validation
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def validate_art_prompt(art_prompt, meta, model, folder=None):
+    """Pre-validate and improve the image generation prompt before calling Imagen.
+
+    Checks for: accidental text instructions, vague focal point, missing composition
+    guidance, and genre mismatch. Returns improved prompt or original on failure.
+    """
+    genre = meta.get('genre', 'Fiction')
+    title = meta.get('title', 'Untitled')
+
+    check_prompt = f"""
+    ROLE: Art Director
+    TASK: Review and improve this image generation prompt for a {genre} book cover titled '{title}'.
+
+    CURRENT_PROMPT:
+    {art_prompt}
+
+    CHECK FOR AND FIX:
+    1. Any instruction to render text, letters, or the title? → Remove it (text is overlaid separately).
+    2. Is there a specific, memorable FOCAL POINT described? → Add one if missing.
+    3. Does the colour palette and style match {genre} conventions? → Correct if off.
+    4. Is RULE OF THIRDS composition mentioned (space at top/bottom for title overlay)? → Add if missing.
+    5. Does it end with "No text, no letters, no watermarks"? → Ensure this is present.
+
+    Return the improved prompt under 200 words.
+
+    OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"improved_prompt": "..."}}
+    """
+    try:
+        resp = model.generate_content(check_prompt)
+        if folder:
+            utils.log_usage(folder, model.name, resp.usage_metadata)
+        data = json.loads(utils.clean_json(resp.text))
+        improved = data.get('improved_prompt', '').strip()
+        if improved and len(improved) > 50:
+            utils.log("MARKETING", "  -> Art prompt validated and improved.")
+            return improved
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Art prompt validation failed: {e}. Using original.")
+    return art_prompt
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Visual context helper
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def _build_visual_context(bp, tracking):
+    """Extract structured visual context: protagonist, antagonist, key themes."""
+    lines = []
+    chars = bp.get('characters', [])
+    protagonist = next((c for c in chars if 'protagonist' in c.get('role', '').lower()), None)
+    if protagonist:
+        lines.append(f"PROTAGONIST: {protagonist.get('name')} — {protagonist.get('description', '')[:200]}")
+    antagonist = next((c for c in chars if 'antagonist' in c.get('role', '').lower()), None)
+    if antagonist:
+        lines.append(f"ANTAGONIST: {antagonist.get('name')} — {antagonist.get('description', '')[:150]}")
+    if tracking and tracking.get('characters'):
+        for name, data in list(tracking['characters'].items())[:2]:
+            desc = ', '.join(data.get('descriptors', []))[:120]
+            if desc:
+                lines.append(f"CHARACTER VISUAL ({name}): {desc}")
+    if tracking and tracking.get('events'):
+        recent = [e for e in tracking['events'][-3:] if isinstance(e, str)]
+        if recent:
+            lines.append(f"KEY THEMES/EVENTS: {'; '.join(recent)[:200]}")
+    return "\n".join(lines) if lines else ""
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Main entry point
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
     if not HAS_PIL:
-        utils.log("MARKETING", "Pillow not installed. Skipping image cover.")
+        utils.log("MARKETING", "Pillow not installed. Skipping cover.")
         return
 
     utils.log("MARKETING", "Generating cover...")
@@ -45,13 +205,7 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
     if orientation == "Landscape": ar = "4:3"
     elif orientation == "Square": ar = "1:1"
 
-    visual_context = ""
-    if tracking:
-        visual_context = "IMPORTANT VISUAL CONTEXT:\n"
-        if 'events' in tracking:
-            visual_context += f"Key Events/Themes: {json.dumps(tracking['events'][-5:])}\n"
-        if 'characters' in tracking:
-            visual_context += f"Character Appearances: {json.dumps(tracking['characters'])}\n"
+    visual_context = _build_visual_context(bp, tracking)
 
     regenerate_image = True
     design_instruction = ""
@@ -60,18 +214,15 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
         regenerate_image = False
 
     if feedback and feedback.strip():
-        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Analyzing feedback: '{feedback}'...")
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Analysing feedback: '{feedback}'...")
         analysis_prompt = f"""
         ROLE: Design Assistant
-        TASK: Analyze user feedback on cover.
-
+        TASK: Analyse user feedback on a book cover.
         FEEDBACK: "{feedback}"
-
         DECISION:
-        1. Keep the current background image but change text/layout/color (REGENERATE_LAYOUT).
-        2. Create a completely new background image (REGENERATE_IMAGE).
-
-        OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{ "action": "REGENERATE_LAYOUT" or "REGENERATE_IMAGE", "instruction": "Specific instruction for Art Director" }}
+        1. Keep the background image; change only text/layout/colour → REGENERATE_LAYOUT
+        2. Create a completely new background image → REGENERATE_IMAGE
+        OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"action": "REGENERATE_LAYOUT" or "REGENERATE_IMAGE", "instruction": "Specific instruction for the Art Director."}}
         """
         try:
             resp = ai_models.model_logic.generate_content(analysis_prompt)
@@ -79,9 +230,9 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
             decision = json.loads(utils.clean_json(resp.text))
             if decision.get('action') == 'REGENERATE_LAYOUT':
                 regenerate_image = False
-                utils.log("MARKETING", "Feedback indicates keeping image. Regenerating layout only.")
+                utils.log("MARKETING", "Feedback: keeping image, regenerating layout only.")
             design_instruction = decision.get('instruction', feedback)
-        except:
+        except Exception:
             utils.log("MARKETING", "Feedback analysis failed. Defaulting to full regeneration.")
 
     genre = meta.get('genre', 'Fiction')
@@ -92,11 +243,11 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
         'romance':           'warm, painterly, soft-focus illustration',
         'fantasy':           'epic digital painting, rich colours, mythic scale',
         'science fiction':   'sharp digital art, cool palette, futuristic',
-        'horror': 'unsettling, dark atmospheric painting, desaturated',
-        'historical fiction': 'classical oil painting style, period-accurate',
+        'horror':            'unsettling dark atmospheric painting, desaturated',
+        'historical fiction':'classical oil painting style, period-accurate',
         'young adult':       'vibrant illustrated style, bold colours',
     }
-    suggested_style = genre_style_map.get(genre.lower(), 'professional digital illustration or photography')
+    suggested_style = genre_style_map.get(genre.lower(), 'professional digital illustration')
 
     design_prompt = f"""
     ROLE: Art Director
@@ -108,186 +259,228 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
     - TONE: {tone}
     - SUGGESTED_VISUAL_STYLE: {suggested_style}
 
-    VISUAL_CONTEXT (characters and key themes from the story):
-    {visual_context if visual_context else "Use genre conventions."}
+    VISUAL_CONTEXT (characters and themes from the finished story — use these):
+    {visual_context if visual_context else "Use strong genre conventions."}
 
     USER_FEEDBACK: {feedback if feedback else "None"}
     DESIGN_INSTRUCTION: {design_instruction if design_instruction else "Create a compelling, genre-appropriate cover."}
 
     COVER_ART_RULES:
-    - The art_prompt must produce an image with NO text, no letters, no numbers, no watermarks, no UI elements, no logos.
-    - Describe a clear FOCAL POINT (e.g. the protagonist, a dramatic scene, a symbolic object).
-    - Use RULE OF THIRDS composition — leave visual space at top and/or bottom for the title and author text to be overlaid.
-    - Describe LIGHTING that reinforces the tone (e.g. "harsh neon backlight" for thriller, "golden hour" for romance).
-    - Describe the COLOUR PALETTE explicitly (e.g. "deep crimson and shadow-black", "soft rose gold and cream").
-    - Characters must match their descriptions from VISUAL_CONTEXT if present.
+    - The art_prompt MUST produce an image with ABSOLUTELY NO text, letters, numbers, watermarks, UI elements, or logos. Text is overlaid separately.
+    - Describe a specific, memorable FOCAL POINT (e.g. protagonist mid-action, a symbolic object, a dramatic landscape).
+    - Use RULE OF THIRDS composition — preserve visual space at top AND bottom for title/author text overlay.
+    - Describe LIGHTING that reinforces the tone (e.g. "harsh neon backlight", "golden hour", "cold winter dawn").
+    - Specify the COLOUR PALETTE explicitly (e.g. "deep crimson and shadow-black", "soft rose gold and ivory cream").
+    - If characters are described in VISUAL_CONTEXT, their appearance MUST match those descriptions exactly.
+    - End the art_prompt with: "No text, no letters, no watermarks, no UI elements. {suggested_style} quality, 8k detail."
 
-    OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON only, no markdown):
+    OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON only, no markdown wrapper):
     {{
-        "font_name": "Name of a Google Font suited to the genre (e.g. Cinzel for fantasy, Oswald for thriller, Playfair Display for romance)",
-        "primary_color": "#HexCode (dominant background/cover colour)",
+        "font_name": "One Google Font suited to {genre} (e.g. Cinzel for fantasy, Oswald for thriller, Playfair Display for romance)",
+        "primary_color": "#HexCode",
         "text_color": "#HexCode (high contrast against primary_color)",
-        "art_prompt": "Detailed {suggested_style} image generation prompt. Begin with the style. Describe composition, focal point, lighting, colour palette, and any characters. End with: No text, no letters, no watermarks, photorealistic/painted quality, 8k detail."
+        "art_prompt": "Detailed image generation prompt. Style → Focal point → Composition → Lighting → Colour palette → Characters (if any). End with the NO TEXT clause."
     }}
     """
     try:
         response = ai_models.model_artist.generate_content(design_prompt)
         utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_artist.name, response.usage_metadata)
         design = json.loads(utils.clean_json(response.text))
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Cover design failed: {e}")
+        return
 
     bg_color = design.get('primary_color', '#252570')
-
     art_prompt = design.get('art_prompt', f"Cover art for {meta.get('title')}")
+    font_name = design.get('font_name') or 'Playfair Display'
+
+    # Pre-validate and improve the art prompt before handing to Imagen
+    art_prompt = validate_art_prompt(art_prompt, meta, ai_models.model_logic, folder)
     with open(os.path.join(folder, "cover_art_prompt.txt"), "w") as f:
         f.write(art_prompt)
 
     img = None
     width, height = 600, 900
 
-        best_img_score = 0
-        best_img_path = None
+    # -----------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Phase 1: Art generation loop (evaluate → critique → refine → retry)
+    # -----------------------------------------------------------------------
+    best_art_score = 0
+    best_art_path = None
+    current_art_prompt = art_prompt
+    MAX_ART_ATTEMPTS = 3
 
-        MAX_IMG_ATTEMPTS = 3
     if regenerate_image:
-            for i in range(1, MAX_IMG_ATTEMPTS + 1):
-                utils.log("MARKETING", f"Generating cover art (Attempt {i}/{MAX_IMG_ATTEMPTS})...")
-                try:
-                    if not ai_models.model_image: raise ImportError("No Image Generation Model available.")
+        for attempt in range(1, MAX_ART_ATTEMPTS + 1):
+            utils.log("MARKETING", f"Generating cover art (Attempt {attempt}/{MAX_ART_ATTEMPTS})...")
+            attempt_path = os.path.join(folder, f"cover_art_attempt_{attempt}.png")
+            gen_status = "success"
 
-                    status = "success"
             try:
-                        result = ai_models.model_image.generate_images(prompt=art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        err_lower = str(e).lower()
+                if not ai_models.model_image:
+                    raise ImportError("No image generation model available.")
+
+                try:
+                    result = ai_models.model_image.generate_images(
+                        prompt=current_art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
+                except Exception as img_err:
+                    err_lower = str(img_err).lower()
                     if ai_models.HAS_VERTEX and ("resource" in err_lower or "quota" in err_lower):
                         try:
                             utils.log("MARKETING", "⚠️ Imagen 3 failed. Trying Imagen 3 Fast...")
-                                fb_model = ai_models.VertexImageModel.from_pretrained("imagen-3.0-fast-generate-001")
-                                result = fb_model.generate_images(prompt=art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
-                                status = "success_fast"
+                            fb = ai_models.VertexImageModel.from_pretrained("imagen-3.0-fast-generate-001")
+                            result = fb.generate_images(prompt=current_art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
+                            gen_status = "success_fast"
                         except Exception:
                             utils.log("MARKETING", "⚠️ Imagen 3 Fast failed. Trying Imagen 2...")
-                                fb_model = ai_models.VertexImageModel.from_pretrained("imagegeneration@006")
-                                result = fb_model.generate_images(prompt=art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
-                                status = "success_fallback"
+                            fb = ai_models.VertexImageModel.from_pretrained("imagegeneration@006")
+                            result = fb.generate_images(prompt=current_art_prompt, number_of_images=1, aspect_ratio=ar)
+                            gen_status = "success_fallback"
                     else:
-                            raise e
+                        raise img_err
 
-                    attempt_path = os.path.join(folder, f"cover_art_attempt_{i}.png")
                 result.images[0].save(attempt_path)
                 utils.log_usage(folder, "imagen", image_count=1)
 
-                    cover_eval_criteria = (
-                        f"Book cover art for a {genre} novel titled '{meta.get('title')}'.\n\n"
-                        f"Evaluate STRICTLY as a professional book cover on these criteria:\n"
-                        f"1. VISUAL IMPACT: Is the image immediately arresting and compelling?\n"
-                        f"2. GENRE FIT: Does the visual style, mood, and palette match {genre}?\n"
-                        f"3. COMPOSITION: Is there a clear focal point? Are top/bottom areas usable for title/author text?\n"
-                        f"4. QUALITY: Is the image sharp, detailed, and free of deformities or blurring?\n"
-                        f"5. CLEAN IMAGE: Are there absolutely NO text, watermarks, letters, or UI artifacts?\n"
-                        f"Score 1-10. Deduct 3 points if any text/watermarks are visible. "
-                        f"Deduct 2 if the image is blurry or has deformed anatomy."
-                    )
-                    score, critique = evaluate_image_quality(attempt_path, cover_eval_criteria, ai_models.model_writer, folder)
-                    if score is None: score = 0
-
-                    utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Image Score: {score}/10. Critique: {critique}")
-                    utils.log_image_attempt(folder, "cover", art_prompt, f"cover_art_{i}.png", status, score=score, critique=critique)
+                score, critique = evaluate_cover_art(
+                    attempt_path, genre, meta.get('title', ''), ai_models.model_logic, folder)
+                if score is None:
+                    score = 0
+                utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Art Score: {score}/10. Critique: {critique}")
+                utils.log_image_attempt(folder, "cover", current_art_prompt,
+                                        f"cover_art_attempt_{attempt}.png", gen_status,
+                                        score=score, critique=critique)
 
                 if interactive:
                     try:
                         if os.name == 'nt': os.startfile(attempt_path)
                         elif sys.platform == 'darwin': subprocess.call(('open', attempt_path))
                         else: subprocess.call(('xdg-open', attempt_path))
-                        except: pass
-
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
                     from rich.prompt import Confirm
-                        if Confirm.ask(f"Accept cover attempt {i} (Score: {score})?", default=True):
-                            best_img_path = attempt_path
+                    if Confirm.ask(f"Accept cover art attempt {attempt} (score {score})?", default=True):
+                        best_art_path = attempt_path
+                        best_art_score = score
                         break
                     else:
-                            utils.log("MARKETING", "User rejected cover. Retrying...")
+                        utils.log("MARKETING", "User rejected art. Regenerating...")
                         continue
 
-                    if score >= 5 and score > best_img_score:
-                        best_img_score = score
-                        best_img_path = attempt_path
-                    elif best_img_path is None and score > 0:
-                        best_img_score = score
-                        best_img_path = attempt_path
+                # Track best image — prefer passing threshold; keep first usable as fallback
+                if score >= ART_SCORE_PASSING and score > best_art_score:
+                    best_art_score = score
+                    best_art_path = attempt_path
+                elif best_art_path is None and score > 0:
+                    best_art_score = score
+                    best_art_path = attempt_path
 
-                    if score >= 9:
-                        utils.log("MARKETING", "  -> High quality image accepted.")
+                if score >= ART_SCORE_AUTO_ACCEPT:
+                    utils.log("MARKETING", "  -> High-quality art accepted early.")
                     break
 
-                    prompt_additions = []
-                    critique_lower = critique.lower() if critique else ""
-                    if "scar" in critique_lower or "deform" in critique_lower:
-                        prompt_additions.append("perfect anatomy, no deformities")
-                    if "blur" in critique_lower or "blurry" in critique_lower:
-                        prompt_additions.append("sharp focus, highly detailed")
-                    if "text" in critique_lower or "letter" in critique_lower:
-                        prompt_additions.append("no text, no letters, no watermarks")
-                    if prompt_additions:
-                        art_prompt += f". ({', '.join(prompt_additions)})"
+                # Critique-driven prompt refinement for next attempt
+                if attempt < MAX_ART_ATTEMPTS and critique:
+                    refine_req = f"""
+                    ROLE: Art Director
+                    TASK: Rewrite the image prompt to fix the critique below. Keep under 200 words.
+
+                    CRITIQUE: {critique}
+                    ORIGINAL_PROMPT: {current_art_prompt}
+
+                    RULES:
+                    - Preserve genre style, focal point, and colour palette unless explicitly criticised.
+                    - If text/watermarks were visible: reinforce "absolutely no text, no letters, no watermarks."
+                    - If anatomy was deformed: add "perfect anatomy, professional figure illustration."
+                    - If blurry: add "tack-sharp focus, highly detailed."
+
+                    OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON): {{"improved_prompt": "..."}}
+                    """
+                    try:
+                        rr = ai_models.model_logic.generate_content(refine_req)
+                        utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_logic.name, rr.usage_metadata)
+                        rd = json.loads(utils.clean_json(rr.text))
+                        improved = rd.get('improved_prompt', '').strip()
+                        if improved and len(improved) > 50:
+                            current_art_prompt = improved
+                            utils.log("MARKETING", "  -> Art prompt refined for next attempt.")
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
 
             except Exception as e:
-                    utils.log("MARKETING", f"Image generation failed: {e}")
-                    if "quota" in str(e).lower(): break
+                utils.log("MARKETING", f"Image generation attempt {attempt} failed: {e}")
+                if "quota" in str(e).lower():
+                    break
 
-            if best_img_path and os.path.exists(best_img_path):
+        if best_art_path and os.path.exists(best_art_path):
             final_art_path = os.path.join(folder, "cover_art.png")
-                if best_img_path != final_art_path:
-                    shutil.copy(best_img_path, final_art_path)
+            if best_art_path != final_art_path:
+                shutil.copy(best_art_path, final_art_path)
             img = Image.open(final_art_path).resize((width, height)).convert("RGB")
+            utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Best art: {best_art_score}/10.")
         else:
-                utils.log("MARKETING", "Falling back to solid color cover.")
+            utils.log("MARKETING", "⚠️ No usable art generated. Falling back to solid colour cover.")
             img = Image.new('RGB', (width, height), color=bg_color)
             utils.log_image_attempt(folder, "cover", art_prompt, "cover.png", "fallback_solid")
     else:
         final_art_path = os.path.join(folder, "cover_art.png")
         if os.path.exists(final_art_path):
-                utils.log("MARKETING", "Using existing cover art (Layout update only).")
+            utils.log("MARKETING", "Using existing cover art (layout update only).")
             img = Image.open(final_art_path).resize((width, height)).convert("RGB")
         else:
-                utils.log("MARKETING", "Existing art not found. Forcing regeneration.")
+            utils.log("MARKETING", "Existing art not found. Using solid colour fallback.")
             img = Image.new('RGB', (width, height), color=bg_color)
 
-        font_path = download_font(design.get('font_name') or 'Arial')
+    if img is None:
+        utils.log("MARKETING", "Cover generation aborted — no image available.")
+        return
 
+    font_path = download_font(font_name)
+
+    # -----------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Phase 2: Text layout loop (evaluate → critique → adjust → retry)
+    # -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     best_layout_score = 0
     best_layout_path = None
 
     base_layout_prompt = f"""
     ROLE: Graphic Designer
-            TASK: Determine text layout coordinates for a 600x900 cover.
+    TASK: Determine precise text layout coordinates for a 600×900 book cover image.
 
-            METADATA:
+    BOOK:
     - TITLE: {meta.get('title')}
-            - AUTHOR: {meta.get('author')}
-            - GENRE: {meta.get('genre')}
+    - AUTHOR: {meta.get('author', 'Unknown')}
+    - GENRE: {genre}
+    - FONT: {font_name}
+    - TEXT_COLOR: {design.get('text_color', '#FFFFFF')}
 
-            CONSTRAINT: Do NOT place text over faces.
+    PLACEMENT RULES:
+    - Title in top third OR bottom third (not centre — that obscures the focal art).
+    - Author name in the opposite zone, or just below the title.
+    - Font sizes: title ~60-80px, author ~28-36px for a 600px-wide canvas.
+    - Do NOT place text over faces or the primary focal point.
+    - Coordinates are the CENTER of the text block (x=300 is horizontal centre).
+
+    {f"USER FEEDBACK: {feedback}. Adjust placement/colour accordingly." if feedback else ""}
 
     OUTPUT_FORMAT (JSON):
     {{
-                "title": {{ "x": Int, "y": Int, "font_size": Int, "font_name": "String", "color": "#Hex" }},
-                "author": {{ "x": Int, "y": Int, "font_size": Int, "font_name": "String", "color": "#Hex" }}
+        "title":  {{"x": Int, "y": Int, "font_size": Int, "font_name": "{font_name}", "color": "#Hex"}},
+        "author": {{"x": Int, "y": Int, "font_size": Int, "font_name": "{font_name}", "color": "#Hex"}}
     }}
     """
 
-        if feedback:
-            base_layout_prompt += f"\nUSER FEEDBACK: {feedback}\nAdjust layout/colors accordingly."
-
     layout_prompt = base_layout_prompt
+    MAX_LAYOUT_ATTEMPTS = 5
 
-        for attempt in range(1, 6):
-            utils.log("MARKETING", f"Designing text layout (Attempt {attempt}/5)...")
+    for attempt in range(1, MAX_LAYOUT_ATTEMPTS + 1):
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Designing text layout (Attempt {attempt}/{MAX_LAYOUT_ATTEMPTS})...")
         try:
-                response = ai_models.model_writer.generate_content([layout_prompt, img])
-                utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_writer.name, response.usage_metadata)
-                layout = json.loads(utils.clean_json(response.text))
-                if isinstance(layout, list): layout = layout[0] if layout else {}
+            resp = ai_models.model_writer.generate_content([layout_prompt, img])
+            utils.log_usage(folder, ai_models.model_writer.name, resp.usage_metadata)
+            layout = json.loads(utils.clean_json(resp.text))
+            if isinstance(layout, list):
+                layout = layout[0] if layout else {}
         except Exception as e:
             utils.log("MARKETING", f"Layout generation failed: {e}")
             continue
@@ -297,37 +490,34 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
 
         def draw_element(key, text_override=None):
             elem = layout.get(key)
-                if not elem: return
-                if isinstance(elem, list): elem = elem[0] if elem else {}
+            if not elem:
+                return
+            if isinstance(elem, list):
+                elem = elem[0] if elem else {}
             text = text_override if text_override else elem.get('text')
-                if not text: return
-
-                f_name = elem.get('font_name') or 'Arial'
-                f_path = download_font(f_name)
+            if not text:
+                return
+            f_name = elem.get('font_name') or font_name
+            f_p = download_font(f_name)
             try:
-                    if f_path: font = ImageFont.truetype(f_path, elem.get('font_size', 40))
-                    else: raise IOError("Font not found")
-                except: font = ImageFont.load_default()
-
+                fnt = ImageFont.truetype(f_p, elem.get('font_size', 40)) if f_p else ImageFont.load_default()
+            except Exception:
+                fnt = ImageFont.load_default()
             x, y = elem.get('x', 300), elem.get('y', 450)
-                color = elem.get('color') or '#FFFFFF'
-
-                avg_char_w = font.getlength("A")
-                wrap_w = int(550 / avg_char_w) if avg_char_w > 0 else 20
+            color = elem.get('color') or design.get('text_color', '#FFFFFF')
+            avg_w = fnt.getlength("A")
+            wrap_w = int(550 / avg_w) if avg_w > 0 else 20
             lines = textwrap.wrap(text, width=wrap_w)
-
             line_heights = []
-                for l in lines:
-                    bbox = draw.textbbox((0, 0), l, font=font)
+            for ln in lines:
+                bbox = draw.textbbox((0, 0), ln, font=fnt)
                 line_heights.append(bbox[3] - bbox[1] + 10)
-
             total_h = sum(line_heights)
             current_y = y - (total_h // 2)
-
-                for idx, line in enumerate(lines):
-                    bbox = draw.textbbox((0, 0), line, font=font)
+            for idx, ln in enumerate(lines):
+                bbox = draw.textbbox((0, 0), ln, font=fnt)
                 lx = x - ((bbox[2] - bbox[0]) / 2)
-                    draw.text((lx, current_y), line, font=font, fill=color)
+                draw.text((lx, current_y), ln, font=fnt, fill=color)
                 current_y += line_heights[idx]
 
         draw_element('title', meta.get('title'))
@@ -336,30 +526,29 @@ def generate_cover(bp, folder, tracking=None, feedback=None, interactive=False):
         attempt_path = os.path.join(folder, f"cover_layout_attempt_{attempt}.png")
         img_copy.save(attempt_path)
 
-            eval_prompt = f"""
-            Analyze the text layout for the book title '{meta.get('title')}'.
-            CHECKLIST:
-            1. Is the text legible against the background?
-            2. Is the contrast sufficient?
-            3. Does it look professional?
-            """
-            score, critique = evaluate_image_quality(attempt_path, eval_prompt, ai_models.model_writer, folder)
-            if score is None: score = 0
-
+        score, critique = evaluate_cover_layout(
+            attempt_path, meta.get('title', ''), meta.get('author', ''), genre, font_name,
+            ai_models.model_writer, folder
+        )
+        if score is None:
+            score = 0
         utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Layout Score: {score}/10. Critique: {critique}")
 
         if score > best_layout_score:
             best_layout_score = score
             best_layout_path = attempt_path
 
-            if score == 10:
-                utils.log("MARKETING", "  -> Perfect layout accepted.")
+        if score >= LAYOUT_SCORE_PASSING:
+            utils.log("MARKETING", f"  -> Layout accepted (score {score} ≥ {LAYOUT_SCORE_PASSING}).")
             break
 
-            layout_prompt = base_layout_prompt + f"\nCRITIQUE OF PREVIOUS ATTEMPT: {critique}\nAdjust position/color to fix this."
+        if attempt < MAX_LAYOUT_ATTEMPTS:
+            layout_prompt = (base_layout_prompt
+                             + f"\n\nCRITIQUE OF ATTEMPT {attempt}: {critique}\n"
+                             + "Adjust coordinates, font_size, or color to fix these issues exactly.")
 
     if best_layout_path:
         shutil.copy(best_layout_path, os.path.join(folder, "cover.png"))
-
-    except Exception as e:
-        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Cover generation failed: {e}")
+        utils.log("MARKETING", f"Cover saved. Best layout score: {best_layout_score}/10.")
+    else:
+        utils.log("MARKETING", "⚠️ No layout produced. Cover not saved.")

marketing/fonts.py

@@ -42,14 +42,20 @@ def download_font(font_name):
         base_url = f"https://github.com/google/fonts/raw/main/{license_type}/{clean_name}"
         for pattern in patterns:
             try:
-                r = requests.get(f"{base_url}/{pattern}", headers=headers, timeout=5)
+                r = requests.get(f"{base_url}/{pattern}", headers=headers, timeout=6)
                 if r.status_code == 200 and len(r.content) > 1000:
-                    with open(font_path, 'wb') as f: f.write(r.content)
+                    with open(font_path, 'wb') as f:
+                        f.write(r.content)
                     utils.log("ASSETS", f"✅ Downloaded {font_name} to {font_path}")
                     return font_path
-            except Exception: continue
+            except requests.exceptions.Timeout:
+                utils.log("ASSETS", f"  Font download timeout for {font_name} ({pattern}). Trying next...")
+                continue
+            except Exception:
+                continue
 
     if clean_name != "roboto":
-        utils.log("ASSETS", f"⚠️ Font '{font_name}' not found. Falling back to Roboto.")
+        utils.log("ASSETS", f"⚠️ Font '{font_name}' not found on Google Fonts. Falling back to Roboto.")
         return download_font("Roboto")
+    utils.log("ASSETS", "⚠️ Roboto fallback also failed. PIL will use built-in default font.")
     return None

story/bible_tracker.py

@@ -19,7 +19,11 @@ def merge_selected_changes(original, draft, selected_keys):
                 original['project_metadata'][field] = draft['project_metadata'][field]
 
         elif parts[0] == 'char' and len(parts) >= 2:
+            try:
                 idx = int(parts[1])
+            except (ValueError, IndexError):
+                utils.log("SYSTEM", f"⚠️ Skipping malformed bible merge key: '{key}'")
+                continue
             if idx < len(draft['characters']):
                 if idx < len(original['characters']):
                     original['characters'][idx] = draft['characters'][idx]
@@ -27,7 +31,11 @@ def merge_selected_changes(original, draft, selected_keys):
                     original['characters'].append(draft['characters'][idx])
 
         elif parts[0] == 'book' and len(parts) >= 2:
+            try:
                 book_num = int(parts[1])
+            except (ValueError, IndexError):
+                utils.log("SYSTEM", f"⚠️ Skipping malformed bible merge key: '{key}'")
+                continue
             orig_book = next((b for b in original['books'] if b['book_number'] == book_num), None)
             draft_book = next((b for b in draft['books'] if b['book_number'] == book_num), None)
 
@@ -42,7 +50,11 @@ def merge_selected_changes(original, draft, selected_keys):
                     orig_book['manual_instruction'] = draft_book['manual_instruction']
 
                 elif len(parts) == 4 and parts[2] == 'beat':
+                    try:
                         beat_idx = int(parts[3])
+                    except (ValueError, IndexError):
+                        utils.log("SYSTEM", f"⚠️ Skipping malformed beat merge key: '{key}'")
+                        continue
                     if beat_idx < len(draft_book['plot_beats']):
                         while len(orig_book['plot_beats']) <= beat_idx:
                             orig_book['plot_beats'].append("")
@@ -153,7 +165,8 @@ def harvest_metadata(bp, folder, full_manuscript):
             if valid_chars:
                 utils.log("HARVESTER", f"Found {len(valid_chars)} new chars.")
                 bp['characters'].extend(valid_chars)
-    except: pass
+    except Exception as e:
+        utils.log("HARVESTER", f"⚠️ Metadata harvest failed: {e}")
     return bp
 
 

story/writer.py

@@ -362,12 +362,18 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None,
         utils.log("WRITER", f"⚠️ Failed Ch {chap['chapter_number']}: {e}")
         return f"## Chapter {chap['chapter_number']} Failed\n\nError: {e}"
 
-    # Exp 7: Two-Pass Drafting — Polish the rough draft with the logic (Pro) model
-    # before evaluation. Produces cleaner prose with fewer rewrite cycles.
-    if current_text:
-        utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Two-pass polish (Pro model)...")
-        guidelines = get_style_guidelines()
-        fw_list = '", "'.join(guidelines['filter_words'])
+    # Exp 7: Two-Pass Drafting — Polish rough draft with the logic (Pro) model before evaluation.
+    # Skip when local filter-word heuristic shows draft is already clean (saves ~8K tokens/chapter).
+    _guidelines_for_polish = get_style_guidelines()
+    _fw_set = set(_guidelines_for_polish['filter_words'])
+    _draft_word_list = current_text.lower().split() if current_text else []
+    _fw_hit_count = sum(1 for w in _draft_word_list if w in _fw_set)
+    _fw_density = _fw_hit_count / max(len(_draft_word_list), 1)
+    _skip_polish = _fw_density < 0.012  # < ~1 filter word per 83 words → draft already clean
+
+    if current_text and not _skip_polish:
+        utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Two-pass polish (Pro model, FW density {_fw_density:.3f})...")
+        fw_list = '", "'.join(_guidelines_for_polish['filter_words'])
         polish_prompt = f"""
         ROLE: Senior Fiction Editor
         TASK: Polish this rough draft into publication-ready prose.
@@ -379,6 +385,9 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None,
         TARGET_WORDS: ~{est_words}
         BEATS (must all be covered): {json.dumps(chap.get('beats', []))}
 
+        CONTINUITY (maintain seamless flow from previous chapter):
+        {prev_context_block if prev_context_block else "First chapter — no prior context."}
+
         POLISH_CHECKLIST:
         1. FILTER_REMOVAL: Remove all filter words [{fw_list}] — rewrite each to show the sensation directly.
         2. DEEP_POV: Ensure the reader is inside the POV character's experience at all times — no external narration.
@@ -404,6 +413,8 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None,
                 current_text = polished
         except Exception as e:
             utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Polish pass failed: {e}. Proceeding with raw draft.")
+    elif current_text:
+        utils.log("WRITER", f"  -> Draft clean (FW density {_fw_density:.3f}). Skipping polish pass.")
 
     # Reduced from 3 → 2 attempts since polish pass already refines prose before evaluation
     max_attempts = 2