/cf-template

name: cf-template
description: "Create and manage custom content-type templates beyond the 8 built-ins (article, blog, whitepaper, faq, research-paper, video-script, case-study, newsletter) — defining section structure, word-count allocations, readability targets, citation minimums, and quality standards, then validating the template against every pipeline phase. Saves to ~/.claude-marketing/_templates/ so plugin updates never wipe it. Triggers on \"/contentforge:cf-template\", \"create a template for press releases\", \"add a custom content type\", \"list available templates\", \"import a structure from this example doc\". Deterministic, no agent; produces the template file consumed by /contentforge:create-content --type=custom:name, and /contentforge:cf-brief can target its section structure."
argument-hint: "[content-type]"
effort: high

Custom Content Template Manager

Create and manage custom content type templates beyond the 8 built-in types (article, blog, whitepaper, faq, research-paper, video-script, case-study, newsletter). Define section structure, word count ranges, readability targets, citation requirements, and quality standards — then use the template with `/contentforge:create-content` for consistent, repeatable content production.

Where templates live

• **Built-in templates (read-only):** `templates/content-types/` inside the installed plugin — article, blog, whitepaper, faq, research-paper, video-script, case-study, newsletter.
• **Custom templates (user-created):** `~/.claude-marketing/_templates/` — **never** write into the installed plugin directory. Plugin updates and reinstalls wipe the plugin folder; anything saved there is lost. `~/.claude-marketing/_templates/` survives updates.

When to Use

Use `/contentforge:cf-template` when:

• You need a **content type not covered** by the 8 built-in templates (product comparison, landing page copy, press release, webinar outline, etc.)
• You want to **standardize a content format** your team produces regularly
• You need to **modify an existing template** (e.g., add a section to the article template)
• You're onboarding a client who has **specific content format requirements**
• You want to **import a content structure** from an example file

**For producing content using a template**, use `/contentforge:create-content --type=custom:template-name`. **For the 8 built-in templates**, see `templates/content-types/` (these ship with the plugin and cannot be deleted).

What This Command Does

1. **Define Template** — Specify content type name, base type (or custom), word count range, readability target, and citation requirements 2. **Create Section Structure** — Define sections with names, descriptions, word count allocations, and ordering 3. **Set Quality Standards** — Readability target (grade level), citation density, keyword placement rules, and custom quality criteria 4. **Generate Template File** — Create the template .md file in `~/.claude-marketing/_templates/` 5. **Validate Pipeline Compatibility** — Test that the template works with all ContentForge pipeline phases

Required Inputs

**Minimum Required:**

• **Template Name** — Name for the custom template (e.g., "case-study", "product-comparison", "email-newsletter")

**Optional:**

• **Base Type** — Start from an existing template and modify: article, blog, whitepaper, faq, research-paper, video-script, case-study, newsletter, or `custom` (blank slate)
• **Word Count Range** — Minimum and maximum word count (e.g., 1500-2500)
• **Readability Target** — Flesch-Kincaid grade level target (e.g., 8-10 for general, 12-14 for professional)
• **Citation Minimum** — Minimum number of citations required (e.g., 5)
• **Section Structure** — Array of section names with descriptions and word count allocations

How to Use

Interactive Mode (Recommended)

/contentforge:cf-template

**Prompts you for:** 1. Template name 2. Base type (or custom) 3. Word count range 4. Readability target 5. Citation minimum 6. Sections (add one at a time, or import from example)

Quick Mode

/contentforge:cf-template case-study --base=article --words=1500-2500 --readability=10-12 --citations=8

Import from Example File

/contentforge:cf-template product-comparison --from-example=./example-product-comparison.docx

Analyzes the example file's structure (headings, sections, word count) and creates a template matching that format.

Modify Existing Template

/contentforge:cf-template article --modify --add-section="Expert Quotes:Include 3-5 expert quotes with attribution:200-300"

List All Templates

/contentforge:cf-template --list

Shows built-in and custom templates with key specifications.

What Happens

Step 1: Template Definition (1-2 minutes)

Define the template's core specifications.

**From Base Type:**

• Load the base template's structure and specifications
• Allow modifications (add/remove/reorder sections, change word counts, adjust quality standards)

**From Example File:**

• Parse the example document's heading structure (H1/H2/H3)
• Measure word counts per section
• Identify citation patterns
• Generate a template matching the observed structure

**From Custom (Blank Slate):**

• Start with no predefined structure
• User defines every section from scratch

**Example:**

Template Definition
================================================================

Name: case-study
Base: article (modified)
Word Count Range: 1,500 - 2,500 words
Readability Target: Grade 10-12 (professional audience)
Citation Minimum: 8 sources
Keyword Strategy: 1 primary + 2 secondary keywords
Production Time Estimate: 25-35 minutes

Modifications from Base (article):
  + Added "Client Challenge" section
  + Added "Solution Implementation" section
  + Added "Results & Metrics" section
  + Added "Client Quote" section
  - Removed generic "Background" section
  * Changed conclusion to "Key Takeaways + CTA"
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