diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 1e12041..ea7e0d9 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -122,3 +122,9 @@ Follow the `verify-before-mutate` protocol:
 ```bash
 safe-mutate --verify "CMD" [--expect "PATTERN"] --mutate "CMD" [--reason "WHY"]
 ```
+
+## Writing New Contracts
+
+Read the [Authoring Guide](docs/AUTHORING-GUIDE.md) before writing any new contract.
+It covers the full process: verify → draft → lint → review → ship, with templates
+and style rules.