diff --git a/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_ASKING_FOR_REVIEW.md b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_ASKING_FOR_REVIEW.md
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+++ b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_ASKING_FOR_REVIEW.md
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+# Contributor Runbook: Asking for Review
+
+1. Before requesting review:
+   - Run `python3 -m pytest -q` — all tests must pass.
+   - Run `python scripts/check_doc_links.py` — no broken links.
+   - Run `python scripts/safety/check_claims.py` — no overclaiming language.
+2. Request review from the relevant maintainer.
+3. In your review request, note:
+   - What the change does
+   - What testing you've done
+   - Any areas you're unsure about
+4. Respond to review comments promptly.
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_BLOCKED_WORK.md b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_BLOCKED_WORK.md
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+++ b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_BLOCKED_WORK.md
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# Contributor Runbook: Blocked Work
+
+1. Document what's blocking you in the issue or PR comments.
+2. Tag the relevant maintainer or area expert.
+3. Suggest a path forward if you have one.
+4. If the block cannot be resolved in 48 hours, consider:
+   - Picking up a different issue
+   - Reducing the scope of your current change
+   - Asking in a project discussion
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_HANDLING_REVIEW.md b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_HANDLING_REVIEW.md
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+++ b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_HANDLING_REVIEW.md
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# Contributor Runbook: Handling Review Feedback
+
+1. Read all feedback before responding.
+2. Separate into:
+   - **Required changes** — must be addressed before merge.
+   - **Suggestions** — optional improvements.
+   - **Questions** — need clarification.
+3. Make required changes, push to the same branch.
+4. Reply to each comment indicating what you changed.
+5. If you disagree with feedback, explain your reasoning respectfully.
+6. After addressing all feedback, re-request review.
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PAUSING_WORK.md b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PAUSING_WORK.md
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+++ b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PAUSING_WORK.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# Contributor Runbook: Pausing Work
+
+1. If you have uncommitted changes, stash or commit them on a branch.
+2. Comment on the issue that you're pausing and why.
+3. If you expect to resume within a week, leave the branch.
+4. If you won't resume, unassign yourself and mark the issue as available.
+5. Document any context that will help the next person continue.
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PICKING_UP_ISSUE.md b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PICKING_UP_ISSUE.md
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+++ b/docs/getting-started/RUNBOOK_PICKING_UP_ISSUE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+# Contributor Runbook: Picking Up an Issue
+
+1. Find an open issue labelled `good-first-issue` or `help-wanted`.
+2. Comment on the issue that you're working on it.
+3. Ask clarifying questions if the scope is unclear.
+4. Create a branch from `main`.
+5. Make your change, add tests, verify nothing is broken.
+6. Create a PR that references the issue number.
diff --git a/tests/test_contributor_runbooks.py b/tests/test_contributor_runbooks.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b4b2c961
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+++ b/tests/test_contributor_runbooks.py
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+"""Tests for contributor runbooks."""
+from pathlib import Path
+
+RUNBOOKS = [
+    "RUNBOOK_PICKING_UP_ISSUE.md",
+    "RUNBOOK_BLOCKED_WORK.md",
+    "RUNBOOK_PAUSING_WORK.md",
+    "RUNBOOK_ASKING_FOR_REVIEW.md",
+    "RUNBOOK_HANDLING_REVIEW.md",
+]
+
+
+def test_all_exist():
+    for r in RUNBOOKS:
+        assert Path(f"docs/getting-started/{r}").exists(), f"Missing: {r}"
+
+
+def test_each_has_content():
+    for r in RUNBOOKS:
+        text = Path(f"docs/getting-started/{r}").read_text()
+        assert len(text) > 50, f"{r} is too short"