get_author_by_id

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of conveying behavior. 'Get' implies a read operation, but the description does not mention not-found behavior, response shape, or whether the profile is complete. For a simple getter this is a moderate gap rather than a serious one.

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 a single concise, front-loaded sentence. It states the action, target, and identifier type with no filler or repetition.

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?

For a tool with one integer parameter and no nested structures, the description is nearly complete. It states what is fetched and what must be passed; only minor behavioral details like error handling are absent.

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 baseline is 3. The description adds a useful semantic distinction by calling it a 'Hardcover author ID', helping the agent recognize the ID namespace and distinguish this from slug-based sibling lookups.

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 uses a specific verb ('Get'), a concrete resource ('an author's profile'), and a precise identifier ('Hardcover author ID'). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools such as get_author_by_slug and get_author_books.

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 phrase 'by Hardcover author ID' provides clear context for when to use the tool: when the agent has an author ID available. It does not explicitly name alternatives like get_author_by_slug, but the key distinction is obvious enough.

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