# UCD Writer

## Plain English, enforced. Every edit explained.

UCD Writer rewrites interface copy to GOV.UK style and your chosen reading level, then shows you each change, the rule behind it, and why.

[Get this on Gumroad](https://2111537314989.gumroad.com/l/ucd-writer) · [See the design](./anatomy)

## The problem
- Style guides are long. Deadlines are short.
- Readability tools flag problems but do not fix them.
- Rewrites change meaning in legal and eligibility text.

## What it does
- Scores every sentence for reading level
- Flags long sentences, complex words, passive voice, jargon and idioms
- Rewrites to grade 8, grade 9 or reading age 9
- Protects legal, policy and money text from rewording
- Explains every edit in one plain sentence

## How it works
1. Get this on Gumroad and download the zip.
2. Unzip it into a project folder and open it in your AI tool.
3. Say `check this against GOV.UK style: <file or text>`.
4. It works one stage at a time and stops for your yes.

| Stage | You get, then approve |
|---|---|
| 1. Analyse | Reading-level check, Style and inclusion check |
| 2. Rewrite | Rewrite to standard, Explain the edit |
| 3. Finalise | Final copy |

## Built to a standard
GOV.UK style guide and a grade 8, grade 9 or reading age 9 ceiling. Every claim cites its source. Nothing is written to your tools without your approval.

## Who it is for
Product owners, delivery managers and writers on UK public sector services.

## What you need
- An AI tool that reads project instructions: Claude Code, Cursor, or a tool that reads AGENTS.md. Claude Projects and custom bots work too, with copy-and-paste outputs.
- Your own AI subscription or API key. Nothing to host.
- Optional connections: Reading-age script.

## What is in the zip
| File | What it does |
|---|---|
| `00-root-instructions.md` | Who the agent is, the rules, the gates |
| `01-analyse.md` | Stage 1: Analyse |
| `02-rewrite.md` | Stage 2: Rewrite |
| `03-finalise.md` | Stage 3: Finalise |
| `04-tools.md` | Connections and permissions |
| `05-manifest.md` | Which skill uses which tool |
| `06-adapters.md` | How to load it in your tool |
| `LICENCE.md` | What you may and may not do |
| `README.md` | Start here: set-up in two minutes |
| `guardrails.md` | Risks, controls and sign-off |
| `memory.md` | What is kept and where |
| `adapters/AGENTS.md` | Adapter for your AI tool |
| `adapters/CLAUDE.md` | Adapter for your AI tool |
| `adapters/ucd-writer.mdc` | Adapter for your AI tool |
| `adapters/chat-system-prompt.md` | Adapter for your AI tool |
| `evals/eval-suite.md` | Tests and pass marks |
| `rules/gov-uk-style.md` | Standard the agent checks against |
| `rules/inclusive-language.md` | Standard the agent checks against |
| `rules/words-to-avoid.md` | Standard the agent checks against |
| `samples/01-poor-eligibility.md` | Synthetic sample input |
| `samples/02-error-messages.md` | Synthetic sample input |
| `samples/03-start-page.md` | Synthetic sample input |
| `tools/readability.py` | Local helper script |

## Questions
**Does it replace content designers?**
No. It enforces the standard. Content designers still own meaning and policy accuracy.

**Do I need any tools?**
No. It includes a small readability script and the rule files.

**Which reading level should I choose?**
GOV.UK aims for a reading age of 9 for general audiences. Grade 8 or 9 suits professional users.

**Can I change the files?**
Yes. They are plain markdown. The licence lets you adapt them for your own work.

## Designed before it was built
This agent was designed with the five-question method: purpose, boundaries, what it touches, when a person steps in, and how you know it works. [Read the design](./anatomy).

[Get this on Gumroad](https://2111537314989.gumroad.com/l/ucd-writer)