goodreads_author_quotes

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full transparency burden. It discloses pagination, the exact return fields (quote text, tags, like count, and conditional book title/id/work id), and the credential-free nature of the data. This goes beyond the minimum but stops short of discussing error behavior or rate limits.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three sentences with no waste. It front-loads the core action, then provides return-field details, and ends with the credential-free note. Every sentence earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite having no output schema and no annotations, the description covers the essential points: what is listed, the pagination behavior, the structure of returned items, and the fact that no credentials are needed. This is nearly complete for a simple list-oriented tool, though it could mention how to get the author id.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the `id` and `page` parameters are already well documented in the input schema. The description reinforces pagination and the author context but does not add substantial new meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with 'List a Goodreads author's attributed quotes', a specific verb+resource+scope that clearly distinguishes it from siblings like goodreads_author_books and goodreads_author. The additional detail about paginated return fields reinforces its unique purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies its use case ('List a Goodreads author's attributed quotes') and notes 'Credential-free public Goodreads data', but it does not explicitly state when to use this vs. alternatives like goodreads_author_books or how to obtain the required author id. No exclusions or alternative tools are mentioned.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.