diff --git a/templates/book_chapter.yml b/templates/book_chapter.yml
index 1d25c86..4067d32 100644
--- a/templates/book_chapter.yml
+++ b/templates/book_chapter.yml
@@ -100,6 +100,15 @@ steps:
             containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. PASS 1 must write every
             character to their profile.
 
+      EDITORIAL OVERRIDES — apply these BEFORE writing any KEY BEATS:
+        {author_intent}
+        ↑ If this line is not blank, it is a BINDING creative directive from the editor.
+          Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "AUTHOR'S INTENT: [text]"
+          PASS 1 must satisfy this intent completely.
+        {closing_hook}
+        ↑ If this line is not blank, use it as the CLOSING HOOK instead of any outline hook.
+          Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "LOCKED CLOSING HOOK: [text]"
+
       STEP 5 — CHECK LIVE CHARACTER STATE (if available):
         Look in your RAG context for an asset called [character-state].
         If it exists — this is WHERE and WHO each character is RIGHT NOW.
@@ -216,6 +225,10 @@ steps:
         7. AUTHOR'S INTENT: Check the PASS 0 draft prompt ({steps[0].text}) for a line
            starting with "AUTHOR'S INTENT:". If present, confirm the completed chapter
            satisfies that intent — note whether it was honored or partially missed.
+        8. CLOSING HOOK LOCK: Check the PASS 0 draft prompt ({steps[0].text}) for a line
+           starting with "LOCKED CLOSING HOOK:". If present, verify the last paragraph of
+           the chapter uses that exact hook wording. If it's missing or paraphrased, add a
+           final paragraph that delivers the locked hook precisely.
 
       ALLOWED CORRECTIONS:
         - Fix a wrong character name to match the canon name
@@ -243,6 +256,7 @@ steps:
           5. WORD FLOOR: [check pass/fail — include word count]
           6. OPENING HOOK: [check pass/fail or N/A]
           7. AUTHOR'S INTENT: [honored / partially missed — note / N/A if no intent set]
+          8. CLOSING HOOK LOCK: [locked hook delivered / missing / N/A if not locked]
 
         Then output the separator on its own line:
           ---BEGIN CHAPTER---