diff --git a/templates/author_bio.yml b/templates/author_bio.yml
index 9b89dec..cbc70f4 100644
--- a/templates/author_bio.yml
+++ b/templates/author_bio.yml
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ steps:
 
       ## SHORT BIO (50 words)
       For jacket copy, social profiles, and press mentions.
-      Third person. Hook first — lead with what makes this author distinct, not where they grew up.
+      Third person. Hook first -- lead with what makes this author distinct, not where they grew up.
       End with one memorable detail or current project.
 
       ## MEDIUM BIO (150 words)
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ steps:
       ## FIRST-PERSON "ABOUT ME" (100 words)
       For author website "About" page.
       Conversational, warm, direct address ("I write...").
-      Show personality — not a CV recitation.
+      Show personality -- not a CV recitation.
 
       ## SOCIAL HANDLE BIOS
       - Twitter/X (160 chars): punchy, personality-first, include main genre + book
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ steps:
       - The author is a person, not a brand. Write with warmth and specificity.
       - Avoid: "award-winning", "debut novelist", "passionate about", "journey"
       - Every bio must mention the book title and one concrete detail about its content.
-      - Read the RAG context for actual book/author details — do NOT invent credentials.
+      - Read the RAG context for actual book/author details -- do NOT invent credentials.
 
   - type: document
     filename: "{{task_name_slug}}-author-bio"
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ adjudication:
   criteria:
     voice_authenticity:
       weight: 30
-      description: "Bio reads like a real person, not a press release — specific details, no generic praise"
+      description: "Bio reads like a real person, not a press release -- specific details, no generic praise"
     length_variants:
       weight: 25
       description: "All four bio lengths are present and appropriately sized for their use case"