# Paper Writing > Draft economics papers with proper structure and academic style - Skill: `zhouziyue233/paper-writing` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add zhouziyue233/paper-writing` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/zhouziyue233/paper-writing/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: zhouziyue233 (https://skillmd.com/u/zhouziyue233) - Updated: 2026-08-19 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/zhouziyue233/paper-writing --- # Paper Writing Skill ## Role in Workflow **This skill is the authoritative LaTeX template library and writing convention reference for the econometrics plugin.** It is designed to be called by the `/write` command (Phase 9) rather than invoked independently. **Division of labor with `/write` command:** | Responsibility | Owner | |---------------|-------| | Read upstream files (model-spec.md, results-memo.md, etc.) | `/write` command | | Extract research context and build writing brief | `/write` command | | Confirm writing scope, language, and target journal with user | `/write` command | | Provide section-by-section content rules tied to upstream data | `/write` command | | Provide LaTeX templates (preamble, section skeletons) | **This skill** | | Provide causal language calibration rules | **This skill** | | Provide writing conventions, common pitfalls, compile workflow | **This skill** | | Assemble paper.tex, compile to PDF, export DOCX | `/write` command | --- ## Narrative Writing Principles **An empirical economics paper is a causal story.** Every section must advance the narrative; no section should be a standalone island of results. ### The Narrative Arc ``` Introduction → Literature → Data → Strategy → Results ↑ ↓ (question) (answer) ↑ ↓ Conclusion ← Discussion ← Mechanisms ← Robustness (so what) (credibility) ``` **Each section must:** 1. **Open** with one sentence bridging from the previous section 2. **Close** with one sentence previewing the next section (except Conclusion) ### Figure and Table Integration Rule Every figure or table reference in the text must accomplish three things in the same paragraph: | Step | What to do | Example | |------|-----------|---------| | **① Preview** | Tell the reader what they're about to see | *"Table 2 presents estimates of equation (1)."* | | **② Extract** | Give the key number from the table/figure | *"The coefficient on D is 0.12 (s.e. = 0.04)..."* | | **③ Interpret** | State what this means for the narrative | *"...implying a 15% increase relative to the mean."* | **Never write**: "See Table X." or "Figure Y presents the results." without extracting and interpreting the number. ### Main Text vs. Appendix — Placement Decision **Keep in main text** (direct support for the main causal story): - Summary statistics table (Table 1) - Main regression table (Table 2) - Core identification figure (event study, RDD binscatter, IV first-stage) - Primary heterogeneity table (if it is a core contribution) **Move to appendix** (supporting/supplementary material): - Full robustness table (multiple specification columns) - Balance/pre-treatment tests (DiD, IV) - Variable definitions table - Additional heterogeneity subgroups - Sample construction flowchart - Supplementary mechanism figures When referencing appendix items in the main text, use: *"Appendix Table A1 reports..."* or *"(see Appendix Figure A1)"*. --- ## LaTeX Preamble (Authoritative) This is the canonical preamble for economics journal submissions. The `/write` command uses this directly — there is no separate preamble in the command file. ```latex \documentclass[12pt]{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amssymb} \usepackage[margin=1.25in]{geometry} \usepackage{setspace} \usepackage{booktabs,caption,threeparttable,makecell} \usepackage{pdflscape} % landscape pages for wide tables (\begin{landscape}) \usepackage{graphicx} \usepackage{hyperref} \usepackage{natbib} \usepackage[title,titletoc]{appendix} % appendix environment with lettered sections \usepackage{subcaption} % \usepackage{microtype} % enable if TeX distribution supports it \setstretch{1.5} % 1.5x body spacing -- standard for journal submissions \captionsetup{labelfont=bf, labelsep=period, font=small} \hypersetup{colorlinks=true, linkcolor=black, citecolor=black, urlcolor=blue} \graphicspath{{../figures/}} % relative to paper/ -- one level up to reach figures/ \bibliographystyle{aer} % AER author-year; use chicago for other journals ``` ### Front Matter (First Page) The global `\setstretch{1.5}` inflates the title block unless overridden. Wrap front matter in `\begin{spacing}{1.0}`. ```latex \begin{document} \thispagestyle{empty} \begin{spacing}{1.0} \begin{center} {\large\bfseries [PAPER TITLE]}\par \vspace{0.7em} {\normalsize\bfseries [AUTHOR NAME]}\par {\small\textit{[AFFILIATION]} \quad \href{mailto:[EMAIL]}{[EMAIL]}}\par {\small [MONTH YEAR]}\par \end{center} \vspace{0.5em} \input{sections/abstract} \vspace{0.4em} \noindent\textbf{JEL Codes:} [J23, J31, O33] \quad\textbf{Keywords:} [keyword1, keyword2, keyword3] \vspace{0.3em} \noindent\footnotesize\textit{I thank [acknowledgements]. All errors are my own.} \normalsize \end{spacing} \clearpage % NO \tableofcontents -- not standard in economics journal submissions \input{sections/introduction} \input{sections/literature} \input{sections/data} \input{sections/strategy} \input{sections/results} \input{sections/robustness} \input{sections/heterogeneity} \input{sections/discussion} \input{sections/conclusion} \bibliography{references} % ── Appendix ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── \begin{appendices} % Reset counters for appendix tables and figures \renewcommand{\thetable}{A\arabic{table}} \renewcommand{\thefigure}{A\arabic{figure}} \setcounter{table}{0} \setcounter{figure}{0} \input{sections/appendix} % contains all supplementary tables and figures \end{appendices} \end{document} ``` ### Key Front-Matter Conventions - **No `\titlepage` environment** -- forces abstract to a separate page - **No `\tableofcontents`** -- not standard in economics submissions - **`\begin{spacing}{1.0}` for title block** -- prevents 1.5x stretch from inflating spacing - **`\thispagestyle{empty}`** -- suppresses page number on cover page - **Title font: `\large\bfseries`** -- `\LARGE` combined with 1.5x stretch uses too much vertical space - **`\citet{}` vs `\citep{}`**: use `\citet{Author2020}` for "Author (2020) show that..." and `\citep{Author2020}` for parenthetical "(Author 2020)" --- ## Causal Language Calibration **This table governs language intensity across ALL sections.** The causal language level is determined by `/write` from `results-memo.md §4` and passed to this skill. Apply consistently throughout the paper -- do not mix levels within a single draft. | Identification credibility | Assumption framing | Verb choices | |---------------------------|--------------------|--------------| | **High** -- all key assumptions pass empirical tests | "The causal effect of D on Y..." | "causes", "increases", "reduces", "leads to" | | **Medium** -- some assumptions not fully testable or show mild violations | "The effect of D on Y, as estimated by [strategy]..." | "is associated with", "predicts", "is related to" | | **Low** -- identification assumptions not plausibly satisfied | "We document a correlation between D and Y..." | "is correlated with", "co-moves with", "we observe" | **Cross-section enforcement**: once the level is set, apply it uniformly in the Abstract, Introduction, Results, and Conclusion. The Empirical Strategy section always describes assumptions in the formal/neutral register regardless of the level. --- ## Section Templates ### 1. Abstract **Format**: 150-200 words, 5-6 sentences, fixed structure. ```latex \begin{abstract} \noindent [RESEARCH QUESTION IN ONE SENTENCE]. Using [DATA SOURCE] covering [N] [UNITS] over [PERIOD], we exploit [IDENTIFICATION STRATEGY] to identify the [causal/estimated] effect of [D] on [Y]. We find that [D] [CAUSAL VERB] [Y] by [MAGNITUDE] [UNITS/PERCENT/SD] ([SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT, e.g., significant at the 1\% level]). [HETEROGENEITY OR ROBUSTNESS SENTENCE -- "This effect is concentrated among [SUBGROUP] and robust to [CHECKS]."] Our results [CONTRIBUTION VERB: inform/challenge/extend] [POLICY/THEORY IMPLICATION]. \end{abstract} ``` **Checklist**: - Contains the main coefficient magnitude (not just direction) - Names the identification strategy explicitly - Causal verb consistent with the calibration table above - Does NOT merely report statistical significance without magnitude --- ### 2. Introduction Top-5 journal introductions are typically 4-6 pages (approx. 1,500-2,000 words). Follow the five-paragraph structure. ```latex \section{Introduction} \label{sec:introduction} % -- Paragraph 1: Hook + Research Question + Main Finding (numbers required) -- % Rule: by the end of paragraph 1, the reader must know (1) what question, % (2) what finding, (3) the magnitude. Never open with "This paper examines..." [HOOK SENTENCE -- a striking fact, statistic, or policy puzzle]. This paper [provides causal evidence / documents] that [D] [CAUSAL VERB] [Y]: a [UNIT CHANGE] in [D] [CAUSAL VERB] [Y] by [MAGNITUDE] ([SIGNIFICANCE]; s.e.\ = [SE]). % -- Paragraph 2: Why is this hard to estimate? (endogeneity threats) -- Estimating the [causal / true] effect of [D] on [Y] is challenging for [two/three] reasons. First, [OVB THREAT -- name the omitted variable and its bias direction]. Second, [REVERSE CAUSALITY THREAT]. [Third, [MEASUREMENT ERROR / SELECTION CONCERN].] Prior work using [OLS / cross-sectional comparisons] is likely to [overstate/understate] the effect because [DIRECTION AND SOURCE OF BIAS]. % -- Paragraph 3: Identification strategy and data -- We address these challenges by exploiting [SOURCE OF EXOGENOUS VARIATION]. [EXPLAIN WHY THIS VARIATION IS PLAUSIBLY EXOGENOUS -- one to two sentences]. Our data come from [DATA SOURCE], covering [N UNITS] over [PERIOD], yielding [OBS] observations. % -- Paragraph 4: Summary of findings (magnitudes + heterogeneity + robustness) -- Our main finding is that [RESTATE MAIN RESULT WITH COEFFICIENT]. [ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE -- relative to mean or SD]. [HETEROGENEITY -- one sentence if applicable]. The results are robust to [ROBUSTNESS SUMMARY -- one sentence]. % -- Paragraph 5: Contribution + Roadmap -- % Rule: no more than 3 contribution statements; roadmap no more than 5 sentences. This paper contributes to [STRAND 1] by [CONTRIBUTION 1]. [It also contributes to [STRAND 2] by [CONTRIBUTION 2].] Unlike \citet{CLOSEST PAPER}, we [KEY DISTINCTION]. The remainder of the paper proceeds as follows. Section~\ref{sec:literature} reviews related literature. Section~\ref{sec:data} describes the data. Section~\ref{sec:strategy} presents the empirical strategy. Section~\ref{sec:results} reports main results. Section~\ref{sec:robustness} presents robustness checks. Section~\ref{sec:conclusion} concludes. ``` **Introduction prohibitions**: - "This paper examines..." as the opening sentence - Reporting significance only, no magnitude - More than 3 contribution statements - Roadmap paragraph longer than 5 sentences - Any equation or technical notation in the introduction --- ### 3. Literature Review ```latex \section{Related Literature} \label{sec:literature} % Organize by research STRAND (thematic), NOT chronologically. % Typical: 2-4 strands, 1-3 paragraphs each. % -- Strand 1: Core empirical literature -- This paper builds on [NUMBER] strands of literature. The first strand examines [BROAD TOPIC]. \citet{Seminal1} and \citet{Seminal2} established [FOUNDATIONAL FINDING]. More recently, \citet{Recent1} show [KEY FINDING] using [DATA/METHOD], and \citet{Recent2} document [COMPLEMENTARY RESULT] in [CONTEXT]. Unlike these papers, we [KEY DISTINCTION -- method, context, or mechanism]. % -- Strand 2: Identification approach -- The second strand uses [SIMILAR IDENTIFICATION STRATEGY] to study related questions. \citet{Author3} exploit [INSTRUMENT/EVENT] to identify [EFFECT], finding [RESULT]. Our approach is closest to \citet{Author4}, who [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEIR DESIGN]. We extend their work by [HOW WE DIFFER]. % -- Strand 3: Mechanism or theoretical background (if applicable) -- % -- Explicit contribution positioning -- This paper contributes to these literatures in two ways. First, [CONTRIBUTION 1: the new empirical evidence you provide]. Second, [CONTRIBUTION 2: new context, method, or mechanism]. ``` --- ### 4. Data ```latex \section{Data} \label{sec:data} \subsection{Data Sources and Sample Construction} Our primary data come from [DATA SOURCE], which covers [UNIT OF OBSERVATION] over the period [START YEAR]--[END YEAR]. [ONE TO TWO SENTENCES describing the data content and collection method]. We construct our analysis sample by [SAMPLE SELECTION STEPS]. We exclude [EXCLUSION CRITERIA AND REASON], resulting in a final sample of [N] [UNITS] and [OBS] observations. \subsection{Variable Definitions} Our main outcome variable is [Y], defined as [PRECISE DEFINITION]. [TREATMENT VARIABLE D] takes value one if [CONDITION] and zero otherwise. [INSTRUMENT Z] measures [DEFINITION -- for IV papers]. Variable definitions follow [REFERENCE IF STANDARD DEFINITION]. \subsection{Descriptive Statistics} Table~\ref{tab:sumstats} reports summary statistics for the main analysis sample. The average [Y] is [MEAN] (standard deviation [SD]). [D PERCENT]\% of [UNITS] are [TREATED / ABOVE THRESHOLD]. [KEY OBSERVATION ABOUT DATA DISTRIBUTION OR NOTABLE PATTERN]. [IF DiD/IV: Table~\ref{tab:balance} reports pre-treatment balance. The treatment and control groups are similar on [KEY COVARIATES], consistent with [PARALLEL TRENDS / EXCLUSION RESTRICTION].] ``` --- ### 5. Empirical Strategy **This section receives the most scrutiny from referees.** Draw directly from `model-spec.md` and `identification-memo.md`; do not re-derive the model. ```latex \section{Empirical Strategy} \label{sec:strategy} \subsection{Baseline Specification} % Use the equation exactly as specified in model-spec.md Section 2 Our baseline specification is: \begin{equation} [MAIN EQUATION FROM model-spec.md] \label{eq:baseline} \end{equation} \noindent where $[Y_{it}]$ is [OUTCOME DEFINITION], $[D_{it}]$ is [TREATMENT DEFINITION], $\mathbf{X}_{it}$ is a vector of controls including [CONTROL LIST], $[FE NOTATION]$ are [ENTITY/TIME] fixed effects, and $\varepsilon_{it}$ is the error term. $[PARAMETER]$ is the coefficient of interest; it measures [WHAT THE PARAMETER IDENTIFIES -- ATE/ATT/LATE and the population it applies to]. Standard errors are clustered at the [LEVEL] level to account for [SERIAL/SPATIAL CORRELATION -- state the economic reason explicitly]. \subsection{Identification} % State each assumption formally and in plain language. % Always preview where you test it. The key identifying assumption is [ASSUMPTION IN PLAIN LANGUAGE]. Formally: \begin{equation*} [FORMAL STATEMENT -- e.g., parallel trends, relevance, exclusion restriction] \end{equation*} This assumption would be violated if [SPECIFIC, CONCRETE THREAT]. We provide evidence supporting this assumption in Section~\ref{sec:robustness}, where we show [BRIEF PREVIEW OF TEST RESULT]. % FOR IV -- add exclusion restriction paragraph: % The exclusion restriction requires that [Z] affects [Y] only through [D]. % This could be violated if [SPECIFIC VIOLATION SCENARIO]. % We argue this is unlikely because [ECONOMIC ARGUMENT]. % FOR RDD -- add continuity / no-manipulation paragraph % FOR DiD -- add parallel trends + no-anticipation paragraph ``` --- ### 6. Results ```latex \section{Results} \label{sec:results} % Rule: Lead with the number. Never open with "Table X shows our results." \subsection{Main Results} [MAIN COEFFICIENT AS FIRST CLAUSE -- e.g., "A one-unit increase in D [CAUSAL VERB] Y by [VALUE] (s.e.\ = [SE], [SIGNIFICANCE])."] Table~\ref{tab:main} reports estimates of equation~\eqref{eq:baseline}. Column~(1) presents the baseline specification without controls. Adding [CONTROL SET] in column~(2) [leaves the estimate stable at / reduces it to] [VALUE], [INTERPRETATION OF CHANGE]. Our preferred specification in column~([N]) includes [FULL CONTROLS AND FE] and yields [FINAL ESTIMATE] ([SE], [SIGNIFICANCE]). % Economic significance -- mandatory To assess economic significance, note that the sample mean of [Y] is [MEAN]. Our estimate implies that [D] [CAUSAL VERB] [Y] by [MAGNITUDE PERCENT]\% relative to the mean, or approximately [SD-UNITS] standard deviations. [COMPARISON: This is [larger/comparable/smaller] than \citet{CLOSEST PAPER}'s estimate of [THEIR VALUE] using [THEIR METHOD].] % Event study / dynamic effects (DiD papers) [Figure~\ref{fig:eventstudy} plots event-study coefficients $\hat{\beta}_k$ for $k \in [-K, K]$ relative to the treatment date. Pre-treatment coefficients are small and indistinguishable from zero (joint $F$-test: $p = $ [P-VALUE]), supporting parallel trends. Post-treatment coefficients are [positive/negative] and [growing/stable/declining], consistent with [INTERPRETATION].] % IMPORTANT: Tables are always in separate files under tables/ % The paper.tex structure handles \input{../tables/table_main.tex} % Never write \begin{tabular}...\end{tabular} inline in section files ``` --- ### 7. Robustness ```latex \section{Robustness} \label{sec:robustness} % Open with the conclusion, then present evidence Table~\ref{tab:robustness} presents a battery of robustness checks. Our main finding is stable: the coefficient on [D] ranges from [MIN] to [MAX] across all specifications, remaining statistically significant at the [\%] level in [N of M] cases. \subsection{Inference Robustness} [Column~(1) replicates the preferred specification with [ALTERNATIVE SE TYPE]. The coefficient is [VALUE] ([SE]), nearly identical to the baseline.] \subsection{Sample Robustness} [Column~(2) excludes [GROUP / OUTLIER CRITERION]. Column~(3) restricts the sample to [SUBSAMPLE]. Estimates range from [MIN] to [MAX], consistent with the baseline.] \subsection{Specification Robustness} [Column~([N]) uses [ALTERNATIVE FUNCTIONAL FORM / CONTROL SET / BANDWIDTH]. The coefficient is [VALUE], [MAGNITUDE CHANGE AND INTERPRETATION].] \subsection{Identification Checks} % DiD: Pre-trend test [Figure~\ref{fig:eventstudy} shows no differential pre-trends (joint $F$-test: $p = $ [P]).] % DiD/IV: Placebo [Assigning treatment [one year earlier / to untreated units] yields $\hat{\beta} = $ [NEAR-ZERO VALUE] ([SE]), confirming our result is not driven by pre-existing trends.] % RDD: McCrary density test [The density of [RUNNING VARIABLE] is continuous at the threshold ($p = $ [P]), ruling out sorting around the cutoff.] % IV: First-stage strength [The first-stage $F$-statistic on [Z] is [F], well above the Stock-Yogo critical value of 10, ruling out weak-instrument concerns.] % Template for any coefficient that moves materially: % In column ([N]), [WHAT CHANGES]. The estimate [increases/decreases] to [VALUE], % reflecting [ECONOMIC REASON]. This does not challenge the main conclusion % because [ARGUMENT]. ``` --- ### 8. Heterogeneity and Mechanisms ```latex \section{Heterogeneity and Mechanisms} \label{sec:heterogeneity} \subsection{Heterogeneous Treatment Effects} % Always: state the theory first, then show the data [THEORETICAL REASON why heterogeneity is expected along [DIMENSION]]. If [MECHANISM], we would expect the effect to be larger among [SUBGROUP]. Table~\ref{tab:heterogeneity} reports treatment effects by [DIMENSION]. The effect is [X times larger / present only / absent] for [SUBGROUP 1] (column~([A]): $\hat{\beta} = $ [VALUE], s.e.\ = [SE]) relative to [SUBGROUP 2] (column~([B]): $\hat{\beta} = $ [VALUE], s.e.\ = [SE]). [The interaction term is statistically significant ($p = $ [P]).] [SUBGROUP 1] may respond more because [ECONOMIC REASON]. \subsection{Mechanisms} % Language intensity follows the causal calibration table: % Direct mechanism evidence (externally identified) -> "provides direct evidence for" % Suggestive / descriptive test -> "is consistent with" % Ruling out alternatives -> "rules out" / "cannot be explained by" Our results [ARE CONSISTENT WITH / PROVIDE DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR] [MAIN MECHANISM]. [We examine [INTERMEDIATE OUTCOME Z], which should [INCREASE/DECREASE] if [MECHANISM] is operative. Table~\ref{tab:mechanisms} shows that [D] [VERB] [Z] by [MAGNITUDE] ([SIGNIFICANCE]), consistent with [MECHANISM].] An alternative explanation is [COMPETING MECHANISM]. However, this predicts [TESTABLE IMPLICATION], which we do not observe in [EVIDENCE]. [We therefore rule out / cannot rule out] [ALTERNATIVE]. ``` --- ### 9. Discussion ```latex \section{Discussion} \label{sec:discussion} \subsection{External Validity} Our estimates apply most directly to [POPULATION / CONTEXT / TIME PERIOD]. Several factors may limit generalizability. First, [LIMITATION 1 -- e.g., single country, specific sector]. Whether these findings generalize to [OTHER CONTEXT] is an open question. Second, [LIMITATION 2 -- e.g., identification relies on a particular event]. Third, [LIMITATION 3 -- data quality, partial compliance, SUTVA]. \subsection{Policy Implications} Our findings suggest that [POLICY INTERVENTION] could [EFFECT ON OUTCOME]. [BACK-OF-ENVELOPE: scaling up by [FACTOR] implies [AGGREGATE EFFECT].] Policymakers should be cautious because [CAVEAT -- general equilibrium effects, targeting, political economy, compliance]. ``` --- ### 10. Conclusion **Top-5 conclusions: 1-2 pages maximum. Do not introduce new results.** ```latex \section{Conclusion} \label{sec:conclusion} % 6 elements, approx. 6-8 sentences total % (1) Question + method (1 sentence) This paper examined [RESEARCH QUESTION] using [IDENTIFICATION STRATEGY] and [DATA SOURCE]. % (2) Main findings with magnitudes (2-3 sentences) We find that [D] [CAUSAL VERB] [Y] by [MAGNITUDE] ([SIGNIFICANCE]). [HETEROGENEITY FINDING IF APPLICABLE]. [MECHANISM FINDING IF APPLICABLE]. % (3) Robustness summary (1 sentence) These results are robust to [ROBUSTNESS CHECKS SUMMARY]. % (4) Policy / theory implications (2-3 sentences) For policy, our findings suggest [IMPLICATION]. For theory, they [SUPPORT / CHALLENGE / EXTEND] [THEORETICAL MECHANISM/VIEW]. % (5) Limitations (1-2 sentences) Our analysis has limitations. [MOST IMPORTANT LIMITATION -- honest but brief]. % (6) Future directions (1-2 sentences) Future work could [DIRECTION 1 -- natural next step]. [DIRECTION 2 -- broader question opened by this paper]. ``` **Conclusion prohibitions**: - Any result not already presented in the body of the paper - Section-by-section recap ("In Section 2 we showed...") - "More research is needed" without specifics - Exceeding 2 pages --- ## Compile Workflow (Authoritative) ### Step 1 — LaTeX → PDF Always run **four commands** in this exact sequence. Skipping BibTeX leaves all `\cite{}` commands as `[?]` in the final PDF. ```bash cd [workspace]/paper/ pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex # pass 1: build .aux file bibtex paper # resolve citations -- produces .bbl pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex # pass 2: embed bibliography pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex # pass 3: fix all cross-references # Inspect the log grep -i "overfull\|undefined\|missing\|error" paper.log grep "Overfull .hbox" paper.log # >10pt = visible overflow, fix it grep "File.*not found" paper.log # missing package grep "Citation.*undefined" paper.log # missing .bib entry ``` **Auto-fix for the four most common errors:** | Error | Cause | Fix | |-------|-------|-----| | `File 'siunitx.sty' not found` | Table used `S` columns | Switch to `c` or `D{.}{.}{-1}` (dcolumn) | | `Unicode character U+XXXX` | Python wrote symbols directly into .tex | Replace with LaTeX macros: `$\geq$`, `$\rightarrow$` | | `Overfull \hbox (>10pt)` | Table or text overflows margin | Wrap in `\begin{landscape}...\end{landscape}` + `\footnotesize` | | `Citation 'key' undefined` | Entry missing from references.bib | Add BibTeX entry and rerun bibtex | ### Step 2 — LaTeX → DOCX (via pandoc) After a successful PDF compile, export DOCX for co-author review and journal submission systems that require Word format. ```bash cd [workspace]/paper/ # Preferred: pandoc with citeproc (preserves math, citations, cross-refs) pandoc paper.tex \ --bibliography=references.bib \ --citeproc \ -o paper.docx # Verify the output exists and has non-trivial size ls -lh paper.docx ``` If pandoc is not installed: ```bash # Ubuntu/Debian apt-get install -y pandoc 2>/dev/null || true # macOS brew install pandoc 2>/dev/null || true # Check version pandoc --version | head -1 ``` Fallback (lower fidelity, no pandoc needed): ```bash libreoffice --headless --convert-to docx paper.pdf --outdir . ``` **Pandoc known limitations** — inform the user if these apply: - Complex LaTeX tables may render as plain text in DOCX; the PDF remains the authoritative version - `\begin{landscape}` pages convert to normal portrait pages in DOCX (landscape formatting is PDF-only) - `\citet{}`/`\citep{}` resolve correctly only when `--citeproc` and `--bibliography` are passed ### Compile Confirmation ``` ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── ✅ pdflatex pass 1-3 + bibtex: no errors ✅ No undefined references ✅ No missing citations ⚠️ Overfull \hbox (2.3pt) — minor, acceptable ✅ DOCX exported via pandoc ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── Output: paper/paper.pdf ([N] pages) paper/paper.docx ``` --- ## Version Management Every time a draft is created or revised, the `/write` command saves a versioned copy. This skill does not write files directly -- it provides templates; the command handles file output. ``` paper_v1.0_YYYYMMDD.tex # initial draft paper_v1.1_YYYYMMDD.tex # first revision paper_v2.0_YYYYMMDD.tex # major rewrite ``` If called in Mode B (standalone) to revise a single section, always confirm: "Should I overwrite the existing file or save as a new version?" Default to saving a new version. --- ## Writing Tips **Introductions** - First sentence must contain a substantive claim or striking fact -- never "This paper examines..." - State the main result with a number by the end of paragraph 1 - Limit contribution statements to 3 or fewer; more signals overselling to reviewers **Results** - Lead every results paragraph with the coefficient value, not "Table X shows..." - Economic significance is mandatory: interpret magnitude relative to mean or SD - Guide the reader column by column; explain why estimates move across specifications **Conclusions** - Synthesize, do not summarize -- add interpretive value, not repetition - Be honest about limitations; reviewers will find them regardless - End on the contribution, not a hedge --- ## Landscape Table Template (Wide Regression Tables) Use this template whenever a table has **more than 5 columns** or produces `Overfull \hbox > 5pt` at standard page width. The table occupies its own portrait-to-landscape page and is placed in a float page (`[p]`). ```latex % ── Wide regression table on a dedicated landscape page ────────────────────── \begin{landscape} \begin{table}[p] \caption{[Table Title — e.g., Robustness Checks]} \label{tab:robustness} \footnotesize % slightly smaller font to fit more columns \begin{threeparttable} \begin{tabular}{l *{6}{c}} % 1 label col + 6 numeric cols (adjust as needed) \toprule & (1) & (2) & (3) & (4) & (5) & (6) \\ & Baseline & Alt. SE & Excl. Outliers & Log Y & Alt. Controls & Preferred \\ \midrule [D var] & [β₁]*** & [β₂]*** & [β₃]*** & [β₄]** & [β₅]*** & \textbf{[β₆]***} \\ & ([SE₁]) & ([SE₂]) & ([SE₃]) & ([SE₄]) & ([SE₅]) & \textbf{([SE₆])} \\ \addlinespace Controls & No & No & Yes & Yes & Alt & Yes \\ FE & No & Yes & Yes & Yes & Yes & Yes \\ $N$ & [N] & [N] & [N] & [N] & [N] & [N] \\ $R^2$ & [r] & [r] & [r] & [r] & [r] & [r] \\ \bottomrule \end{tabular} \begin{tablenotes}[flushleft] \footnotesize \item \textit{Notes:} [Standard error clustering. Significance: *\,p$<$0.1, **\,p$<$0.05, ***\,p$<$0.01.] \end{tablenotes} \end{threeparttable} \end{table} \end{landscape} % ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ``` **Rules for landscape tables:** - Always use `[p]` float specifier (dedicated page, no surrounding text) - Use `\footnotesize` (10pt) inside the table body; `\normalsize` resumes automatically after `\end{landscape}` - `\begin{landscape}` requires `pdflscape` (already in the authoritative preamble) - In the main text, reference the table normally: *"Table~\ref{tab:robustness} presents..."* - DOCX export: landscape formatting is PDF-only; inform the user the DOCX version will show the table in portrait --- ## Appendix Template ```latex % sections/appendix.tex % Called via \input{sections/appendix} inside \begin{appendices}...\end{appendices} % Counter resets (A1, A2, ...) are handled in paper.tex \section{Additional Robustness Checks} \label{sec:appendix_robustness} [Brief narrative sentence explaining what each appendix table shows and why it belongs in the appendix rather than the main text.] % Wide robustness table — also use landscape here if > 5 cols \input{../tables/table_robustness_appendix} \section{Pre-Treatment Balance} \label{sec:appendix_balance} Table~\ref{tab:balance} reports balance statistics for the treatment and control groups prior to the policy change. [One sentence summarizing the balance result.] \input{../tables/table_balance} \section{Variable Definitions} \label{sec:appendix_variables} \input{../tables/table_variable_definitions} \section{Supplementary Figures} \label{sec:appendix_figures} [Brief sentence describing each supplementary figure.] \begin{figure}[htbp] \centering \includegraphics[width=0.85\textwidth]{figA1_supplementary} \caption{[Caption]} \label{fig:appendix_A1} \end{figure} ``` --- ## Common Pitfalls - Burying the main result in the middle of the paper - Using "significant" without specifying statistical vs. economic - Over-claiming causality when identification is weak (see Causal Language Calibration above) - Literature review organized chronologically rather than by research strand - Conclusion that recaps the paper section by section - Inline `\begin{tabular}` in section .tex files -- tables go in `tables/`, referenced via `\input` - `\graphicspath` pointing to wrong directory (must be `../figures/` relative to `paper/`) - Compiling without bibtex (produces `[?]` for all citations)