diff --git a/templates/book_chapter.yml b/templates/book_chapter.yml
index b7fa62c..575238f 100644
--- a/templates/book_chapter.yml
+++ b/templates/book_chapter.yml
@@ -95,7 +95,10 @@ steps:
         - Every scene beat moves the story forward OR reveals character (no filler)
         - End with the CLOSING HOOK you planned
         - Match the prose style guide: {prose_style}
-        - Target length: {chapter_target_words} words — write the full chapter, not a summary
+        - Target length: {chapter_target_words} words — write the FULL chapter, not a summary
+        - ⚠️ DO NOT stop early. If you have not reached {chapter_target_words} words, continue
+          writing — add interiority, sensory detail, extended dialogue beats, and scene transitions
+          until you hit the target. Short chapters will be REJECTED in adjudication.
 
       Output ONLY the polished chapter text.
       Start directly with the chapter title (e.g., "Chapter N: [Title]") and opening line.
@@ -176,15 +179,18 @@ adjudication:
   pass_threshold: 80
   deliverable_type: consumer
   criteria:
-    narrative_flow:
+    word_count:
       weight: 30
+      description: "Chapter meets the {chapter_target_words}-word minimum; under-length chapters fail"
+    narrative_flow:
+      weight: 25
       description: "Story progresses naturally with good pacing"
     character_voice:
-      weight: 25
+      weight: 20
       description: "Characters are distinct and consistent"
     prose_quality:
-      weight: 25
+      weight: 15
       description: "Writing is polished and engaging"
     continuity:
-      weight: 20
+      weight: 10
       description: "Consistent with prior chapters and canon"
diff --git a/templates/chapter_polish.yml b/templates/chapter_polish.yml
index 54bfaec..aeeed9a 100644
--- a/templates/chapter_polish.yml
+++ b/templates/chapter_polish.yml
@@ -29,6 +29,14 @@ steps:
       Genre: {genre_name}  |  Audience: {genre_audience}
       Chapter: {task.message}
 
+      TARGET LENGTH: {chapter_target_words} words minimum.
+      ⚠️ CRITICAL — LENGTH REQUIREMENT:
+        - The polished chapter MUST be at least {chapter_target_words} words.
+        - DO NOT shorten the chapter. Expand scenes, deepen emotional beats, and add sensory
+          detail as needed to reach the word count target.
+        - If the original chapter is under target, the polish is your opportunity to bring it up.
+        - Under-length chapters will be REJECTED by the editorial board regardless of prose quality.
+
       You have received a full editorial review from three editors.
 
       EDITORIAL CONSENSUS:
@@ -48,6 +56,7 @@ steps:
       Preserve everything the editors marked as STRENGTHS.
       Do not add new plot elements not already present.
       Match the genre tone and audience level throughout.
+      Expand scenes with sensory detail, interiority, and dialogue to reach {chapter_target_words} words.
       Output ONLY the fully rewritten chapter text.
 
   - type: document
@@ -61,15 +70,18 @@ adjudication:
   pass_threshold: 90
   deliverable_type: consumer
   criteria:
+    word_count:
+      weight: 30
+      description: "Chapter meets the {chapter_target_words}-word minimum; longer is better, shorter fails"
     prose_quality:
-      weight: 35
+      weight: 25
       description: "Language is refined, no awkward phrasing"
     consistency:
-      weight: 25
+      weight: 20
       description: "Style and tone uniform throughout"
     engagement:
-      weight: 25
+      weight: 20
       description: "Text is compelling and polished"
     formatting:
-      weight: 15
+      weight: 5
       description: "Proper formatting, no artifacts"