diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index cf8d54a..dd9d75a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ Implemented now:
 - local workspace/session layout, locking, and manifest persistence
 - resumable stage control (`run`, `plan`, `resume`, `run-stage`, `status`)
 - real `prepare`, `transcribe`, `merge`, `polish`, `trim`, and `analyze` stages
+- placeholder `normalize` stage
 - real WhisperX, Seriatim, and Audita adapters
 - real Scriptorium subprocess adapter
 - optional Scriptorium render diagnostics (`render_debug`)
@@ -36,15 +37,17 @@ YAML decoding is strict (`KnownFields(true)`), so unknown fields fail fast.
 2. `transcribe`
 3. `merge`
 4. `polish`
-5. `trim`
-6. `analyze`
-7. `archive`
-8. `notify`
+5. `normalize`
+6. `trim`
+7. `analyze`
+8. `archive`
+9. `notify`
 
 ## Transcript Tiers
 
 - `transcripts/merged.json`: canonical deterministic merged transcript from Seriatim merge
 - `transcripts/processed.json`: full polished transcript from Audita polish
+- `transcripts/normalized.json`: placeholder normalized transcript (Seriatim schema pass-through for now)
 - `transcripts/trimmed.json`: gameplay-only polished transcript from trim stage
 
 ## Trim Configuration
@@ -83,9 +86,9 @@ trim:
 
 Trim behavior summary:
 
-- trim discovers and validates `transcripts/processed.json`
+- trim discovers and validates `transcripts/normalized.json`
 - trim uses Scriptorium bounds (`dnd_session.bounds` by example config) to produce `artifacts/session_bounds.json`
-- bounds IDs are validated against the same processed transcript ID space that Seriatim trim will consume
+- bounds IDs are validated against the same normalized transcript ID space that Seriatim trim will consume
 - trim converts bounds to Seriatim keep selector (for example `10-868`) and runs Seriatim trim
 - if trim is disabled, Narratio copies processed transcript to trimmed transcript and records `trim_action=copy_disabled`
 
@@ -233,8 +236,8 @@ If prepared inputs or prompt/runtime config change, rerun the appropriate upstre
 
 Examples:
 
-- glossary/autocorrect/speaker-context changes: rerun at least `merge`, `polish`, `trim`, and `analyze`
-- trim bounds prompt/profile/config changes: rerun at least `trim` and `analyze`
+- glossary/autocorrect/speaker-context changes: rerun at least `merge`, `polish`, `normalize`, `trim`, and `analyze`
+- trim bounds prompt/profile/config changes: rerun at least `normalize`, `trim`, and `analyze`
 - session recap prompt/profile/input-source changes: rerun `analyze`
 
 ## Roadmap
diff --git a/architecture.md b/architecture.md
index 0495cbb..ed2594e 100644
--- a/architecture.md
+++ b/architecture.md
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ Implemented:
 - real Seriatim subprocess adapter
 - real Audita subprocess adapter
 - real Scriptorium subprocess adapter
+- placeholder `normalize` stage producing `transcripts/normalized.json`
 - real `trim` stage producing `transcripts/trimmed.json`
 - real `analyze` stage for initial `session_recap` generation
 - optional Scriptorium render diagnostics (`render_debug`) before production run
@@ -38,10 +39,11 @@ Canonical stage order:
 2. `transcribe`
 3. `merge`
 4. `polish`
-5. `trim`
-6. `analyze`
-7. `archive`
-8. `notify`
+5. `normalize`
+6. `trim`
+7. `analyze`
+8. `archive`
+9. `notify`
 
 Boundary rules:
 
@@ -155,29 +157,30 @@ trim:
 
 ## 6. Transcript Tiers
 
-Narratio currently produces and uses three transcript tiers:
+Narratio currently produces and uses four transcript tiers:
 
 - `transcripts/merged.json`: canonical deterministic merged transcript from Seriatim merge
 - `transcripts/processed.json`: full polished transcript from Audita polish (includes pre/post-game content)
+- `transcripts/normalized.json`: placeholder normalized transcript (Seriatim-compatible schema pass-through for now)
 - `transcripts/trimmed.json`: gameplay-only polished transcript from trim stage
 
-Trim reads `transcripts/processed.json`, validates bounds IDs against that same transcript ID space, and writes `transcripts/trimmed.json`.
+Trim reads `transcripts/normalized.json`, validates bounds IDs against that same transcript ID space, and writes `transcripts/trimmed.json`.
 
 ## 7. Trim Stage (Current Implementation)
 
 Trim stage behavior:
 
-- stage order position: after `polish` and before `analyze`
-- discovers processed transcript from manifest polish outputs (`transcript_processed`) when present, else `work/<session_id>/transcripts/processed.json`
-- validates processed transcript JSON shape (`segments` array required)
-- when `trim.enabled: false` (or trim config omitted), deterministically copies processed transcript to `transcripts/trimmed.json` and records `trim_action=copy_disabled`
+- stage order position: after `normalize` and before `analyze`
+- discovers normalized transcript from manifest normalize outputs (`transcript_normalized`) when present, else `work/<session_id>/transcripts/normalized.json`
+- validates normalized transcript JSON shape (`segments` array required)
+- when `trim.enabled: false` (or trim config omitted), deterministically copies normalized transcript to `transcripts/trimmed.json` and records `trim_action=copy_disabled`
 - when `trim.enabled: true`:
   - runs Scriptorium bounds prompt using configured `trim.bounds.prompt_id`
   - writes bounds output to configured path (typically `artifacts/session_bounds.json`)
-  - parses and validates bounds output against the same processed transcript being trimmed
+  - parses and validates bounds output against the same normalized transcript being trimmed
   - converts bounds range to Seriatim keep selector (for example `10-868`)
   - runs Seriatim `trim` to produce `transcripts/trimmed.json`
-  - supports no-trim bounds actions (`none`/`copy`) by copying processed transcript unchanged
+  - supports no-trim bounds actions (`none`/`copy`) by copying normalized transcript unchanged
 - validates trimmed transcript JSON shape (`segments` array required)
 
 Expected trim outputs and diagnostics:
@@ -252,8 +255,8 @@ If prepared inputs or prompt/runtime configuration change (for example glossary
 
 Examples:
 
-- glossary or autocorrect changes usually require rerunning at least `merge`, `polish`, `trim`, and `analyze`
-- trim prompt/profile changes require rerunning at least `trim` and `analyze`
+- glossary or autocorrect changes usually require rerunning at least `merge`, `polish`, `normalize`, `trim`, and `analyze`
+- trim prompt/profile changes require rerunning at least `normalize`, `trim`, and `analyze`
 - session recap prompt/profile/input-source changes require rerunning `analyze`
 
 ## 12. Roadmap
diff --git a/internal/app/commands_test.go b/internal/app/commands_test.go
index f90c186..b839237 100644
--- a/internal/app/commands_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/commands_test.go
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ func TestExecuteValidCommands(t *testing.T) {
 		args    []string
 		wantOut string
 	}{
-		{name: "run", args: []string{"run", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run: session 2026-05-03; executed=8 skipped=0; manifest="},
-		{name: "plan", args: []string{"plan", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "prepare: skip\ntranscribe: skip\nmerge: skip\npolish: skip\ntrim: skip\nanalyze: skip\narchive: skip\nnotify: skip"},
+		{name: "run", args: []string{"run", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run: session 2026-05-03; executed=9 skipped=0; manifest="},
+		{name: "plan", args: []string{"plan", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "prepare: skip\ntranscribe: skip\nmerge: skip\npolish: skip\nnormalize: skip\ntrim: skip\nanalyze: skip\narchive: skip\nnotify: skip"},
 		{name: "status", args: []string{"status", "--manifest", manifestPath}, wantOut: "session_id: 2026-05-03"},
 		{name: "resume", args: []string{"resume", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio resume: session 2026-05-03 has no remaining stages"},
 		{name: "run-stage", args: []string{"run-stage", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath, "polish"}, wantOut: "narratio run-stage: stage=polish executed=0 skipped=1 force=false; manifest="},
@@ -106,19 +106,21 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageUnknownFails(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestExecuteRunStageNormalizeIsRejected(t *testing.T) {
+func TestExecuteRunStageNormalizeIsAccepted(t *testing.T) {
 	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
 	pipelinePath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot, "https://example.com/transcribe")
+	workRoot := filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "work", "2026-05-03")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1}]}`)
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 
 	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath, "normalize"}, &stdout, &stderr)
-	if code == 0 {
-		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
+	if code != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "unknown stage") {
-		t.Fatalf("stderr = %q, want unknown stage error", stderr.String())
+	if !strings.Contains(stdout.String(), "stage=normalize executed=1 skipped=0") {
+		t.Fatalf("stdout = %q, want normalize stage execution", stdout.String())
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/app/plan_test.go b/internal/app/plan_test.go
index c8d3c73..b204b2c 100644
--- a/internal/app/plan_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/plan_test.go
@@ -27,12 +27,12 @@ func TestPlanCreatesAndReusesWorkdir(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(got, "narratio plan: workdir prepared at") {
 		t.Fatalf("first output = %q, want workdir prepared", got)
 	}
-	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
+	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "normalize", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
 		if !strings.Contains(got, name+": run") {
 			t.Fatalf("first output = %q, missing stage %q", got, name)
 		}
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(got, "totals: run=8 skip=0") {
+	if !strings.Contains(got, "totals: run=9 skip=0") {
 		t.Fatalf("first output = %q, want totals", got)
 	}
 
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ func TestPlanShowsRunAndSkipFromManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(got, "trim: run") {
 		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want trim run", got)
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(got, "totals: run=6 skip=2") {
-		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want totals run=6 skip=2", got)
+	if !strings.Contains(got, "totals: run=7 skip=2") {
+		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want totals run=7 skip=2", got)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/app/planner_test.go b/internal/app/planner_test.go
index 4940f8e..d4b9955 100644
--- a/internal/app/planner_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/planner_test.go
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import "testing"
 
 func TestBuildFullPlanOrder(t *testing.T) {
 	got := BuildFullPlan()
-	want := []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"}
+	want := []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "normalize", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"}
 	if len(got) != len(want) {
 		t.Fatalf("len(plan) = %d, want %d", len(got), len(want))
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go b/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
index 94c737e..13afb58 100644
--- a/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ func TestResumeStartsAfterCompletedStages(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "executed=6 skipped=0") {
-		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want executed=6 skipped=0", out.String())
+	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "executed=7 skipped=0") {
+		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want executed=7 skipped=0", out.String())
 	}
 
 	loaded, err := store.Load(context.Background(), manifestPath)
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ func TestResumeNoRemainingStages(t *testing.T) {
 
 	store := &manifest.LocalStore{}
 	m := manifest.New("2026-05-03", time.Date(2026, 5, 3, 10, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
+	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "normalize", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
 		m.MarkStageSucceeded(name, time.Date(2026, 5, 3, 10, 1, 0, 0, time.UTC), nil)
 	}
 	if err := store.Save(context.Background(), manifestPath, m); err != nil {
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ func TestResumeForceRerunsSucceeded(t *testing.T) {
 
 	store := &manifest.LocalStore{}
 	m := manifest.New("2026-05-03", time.Date(2026, 5, 3, 10, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC))
-	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
+	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "normalize", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
 		m.MarkStageSucceeded(name, time.Date(2026, 5, 3, 10, 1, 0, 0, time.UTC), nil)
 	}
 	if err := store.Save(context.Background(), manifestPath, m); err != nil {
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ func TestResumeForceRerunsSucceeded(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "executed=8 skipped=0") {
+	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "executed=9 skipped=0") {
 		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want forced full rerun", out.String())
 	}
 }
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ func TestRunStageTrimExecutes(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 	manifestPath := filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "work", "2026-05-03", "manifest.json")
 	workRoot := filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "work", "2026-05-03")
-	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
 	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath, "trim"}, &out)
@@ -194,3 +194,29 @@ func TestRunStageTrimExecutes(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("trim stage metadata = %#v, want trim_action=copy_disabled", m.Stages["trim"].Metadata)
 	}
 }
+
+func TestRunStageNormalizeExecutes(t *testing.T) {
+	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
+	pipelinePath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
+	manifestPath := filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "work", "2026-05-03", "manifest.json")
+	workRoot := filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "work", "2026-05-03")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath, "normalize"}, &out)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("RunStage(normalize) error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "stage=normalize executed=1 skipped=0") {
+		t.Fatalf("output = %q, want stage=normalize executed", out.String())
+	}
+
+	store := &manifest.LocalStore{}
+	m, err := store.Load(context.Background(), manifestPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("load manifest: %v", err)
+	}
+	if m.Stages["normalize"] == nil || m.Stages["normalize"].Status != manifest.StatusSucceeded {
+		t.Fatalf("normalize stage = %#v, want succeeded", m.Stages["normalize"])
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/app/runner_test.go b/internal/app/runner_test.go
index 06fabad..3471f69 100644
--- a/internal/app/runner_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/runner_test.go
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ func TestExecuteStagesPlaceholderSuccessUpdatesManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("executeStages() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	if len(summary.StageNames) != 8 || len(summary.Executed) != 8 || len(summary.Skipped) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("summary = %#v, want all 8 executed", summary)
+	if len(summary.StageNames) != 9 || len(summary.Executed) != 9 || len(summary.Skipped) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("summary = %#v, want all 9 executed", summary)
 	}
 
 	store := &manifest.LocalStore{}
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func TestExecuteStagesPlaceholderSuccessUpdatesManifest(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("Load manifest error = %v", err)
 	}
 
-	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
+	for _, name := range []string{"prepare", "transcribe", "merge", "polish", "normalize", "trim", "analyze", "archive", "notify"} {
 		sr := m.Stages[name]
 		if sr == nil {
 			t.Fatalf("missing stage record %q", name)
@@ -114,6 +114,15 @@ func TestExecuteStagesPlaceholderSuccessUpdatesManifest(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 			continue
 		}
+		if name == "normalize" {
+			if sr.Metadata == nil || sr.Metadata["stage"] != "normalize" {
+				t.Fatalf("normalize metadata missing stage=normalize: %#v", sr.Metadata)
+			}
+			if len(sr.Outputs) == 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("normalize outputs missing")
+			}
+			continue
+		}
 		if name == "analyze" {
 			if sr.Metadata == nil || sr.Metadata["stage"] != "analyze" {
 				t.Fatalf("analyze metadata missing stage=analyze: %#v", sr.Metadata)
diff --git a/internal/stage/normalize.go b/internal/stage/normalize.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a7c4ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/stage/normalize.go
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+package stage
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
+)
+
+type normalizeStage struct{}
+
+func (normalizeStage) Name() string { return "normalize" }
+
+func (normalizeStage) Declares() IODecl {
+	return IODecl{
+		Inputs: []artifacts.Ref{
+			{Kind: "transcript_processed", Category: "transcripts", RelativePath: "transcripts/processed.json"},
+		},
+		Outputs: []artifacts.Ref{
+			{Kind: "transcript_normalized", Category: "transcripts", RelativePath: "transcripts/normalized.json"},
+		},
+	}
+}
+
+func (normalizeStage) Run(_ context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*StageResult, error) {
+	if env == nil || env.Config == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: stage environment config is required")
+	}
+	if env.ArtifactStore == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: artifact store is required")
+	}
+	if env.Config.Pipeline == nil || env.Config.Session == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: resolved config must include pipeline and session")
+	}
+
+	var sessionID string
+	if m != nil {
+		sessionID = strings.TrimSpace(m.SessionID)
+	}
+	if sessionID == "" {
+		sessionID = strings.TrimSpace(env.Config.Session.SessionID)
+	}
+	if sessionID == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: session id is required")
+	}
+
+	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(sessionID)
+	processedPath, processedSource, err := discoverProcessedTranscript(m, paths)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: resolve processed transcript: %w", err)
+	}
+	if processedPath == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: processed transcript input is required")
+	}
+	if err := validateProcessedTranscriptOutput(processedPath); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: processed transcript %q invalid: %w", processedPath, err)
+	}
+
+	normalizedPath := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json")
+	if err := copyTranscript(env.ArtifactStore, processedPath, normalizedPath); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: copy processed transcript to normalized output: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := validateProcessedTranscriptOutput(normalizedPath); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("normalize: normalized transcript %q invalid: %w", normalizedPath, err)
+	}
+
+	return &StageResult{
+		Outputs: []artifacts.Ref{{
+			Kind:         "transcript_normalized",
+			Category:     "transcripts",
+			SessionID:    sessionID,
+			AbsolutePath: normalizedPath,
+		}},
+		Metadata: map[string]any{
+			"stage":                        "normalize",
+			"placeholder":                  true,
+			"normalize_action":             "copy_placeholder",
+			"processed_transcript_path":    processedPath,
+			"processed_transcript_source":  processedSource,
+			"normalized_transcript_path":   normalizedPath,
+			"normalized_transcript_source": "stage.normalize.output",
+		},
+	}, nil
+}
+
+func discoverNormalizedTranscript(m *manifest.Manifest, paths artifacts.SessionPaths) (string, string, error) {
+	candidates := []string{}
+	if m != nil && m.Stages != nil {
+		if sr := m.Stages["normalize"]; sr != nil {
+			for _, out := range sr.Outputs {
+				if out.Kind != "transcript_normalized" {
+					continue
+				}
+				p := strings.TrimSpace(out.LocalPath)
+				if p == "" {
+					continue
+				}
+				resolved := artifacts.ResolveSessionLocalPathForRead(paths, p)
+				candidates = append(candidates, filepath.Clean(resolved))
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	deduped := dedupeAndSortPaths(candidates)
+	for _, p := range deduped {
+		if info, err := os.Stat(p); err == nil && !info.IsDir() {
+			return p, "manifest.normalize.outputs", nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	fallback := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json")
+	if info, err := os.Stat(fallback); err == nil && !info.IsDir() {
+		return filepath.Clean(fallback), "fallback.transcripts_dir", nil
+	}
+	if len(deduped) > 0 {
+		return deduped[0], "manifest.normalize.outputs", nil
+	}
+	return "", "", nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/stage/placeholders.go b/internal/stage/placeholders.go
index 9f01ae7..c7f6b85 100644
--- a/internal/stage/placeholders.go
+++ b/internal/stage/placeholders.go
@@ -92,6 +92,7 @@ func All() []Stage {
 		transcribeStage{},
 		mergeStage{},
 		polishStage{},
+		normalizeStage{},
 		trimStage{},
 		analyzeStage{},
 		placeholderStage{name: "archive"},
diff --git a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
index d618a48..7c7d8c1 100644
--- a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
@@ -111,6 +111,18 @@ func TestStagesReturnExpectedMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 			continue
 		}
+		if s.Name() == "normalize" {
+			if result.Metadata["stage"] != "normalize" {
+				t.Fatalf("normalize metadata = %#v, want stage=normalize", result.Metadata)
+			}
+			if result.Metadata["normalize_action"] != "copy_placeholder" {
+				t.Fatalf("normalize metadata = %#v, want normalize_action=copy_placeholder", result.Metadata)
+			}
+			if len(result.Outputs) == 0 || result.Outputs[0].Kind != "transcript_normalized" {
+				t.Fatalf("normalize outputs = %#v, want transcript_normalized output", result.Outputs)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
 		if s.Name() == "analyze" {
 			if result.Metadata["stage"] != "analyze" {
 				t.Fatalf("analyze metadata = %#v, want stage=analyze", result.Metadata)
diff --git a/internal/stage/trim.go b/internal/stage/trim.go
index 517eaf0..23496b2 100644
--- a/internal/stage/trim.go
+++ b/internal/stage/trim.go
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ func (trimStage) Name() string { return "trim" }
 func (trimStage) Declares() IODecl {
 	return IODecl{
 		Inputs: []artifacts.Ref{
-			{Kind: "transcript_processed", Category: "transcripts", RelativePath: "transcripts/processed.json"},
+			{Kind: "transcript_normalized", Category: "transcripts", RelativePath: "transcripts/normalized.json"},
 		},
 		Outputs: []artifacts.Ref{
 			{Kind: "transcript_trimmed", Category: "transcripts", RelativePath: "transcripts/trimmed.json"},
@@ -55,15 +55,15 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	}
 
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(sessionID)
-	processedPath, processedSource, err := discoverProcessedTranscript(m, paths)
+	normalizedPath, normalizedSource, err := discoverNormalizedTranscript(m, paths)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: resolve processed transcript: %w", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: resolve normalized transcript: %w", err)
 	}
-	if processedPath == "" {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: processed transcript input is required")
+	if normalizedPath == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: normalized transcript input is required")
 	}
-	if err := validateProcessedTranscriptOutput(processedPath); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: processed transcript %q invalid: %w", processedPath, err)
+	if err := validateProcessedTranscriptOutput(normalizedPath); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: normalized transcript %q invalid: %w", normalizedPath, err)
 	}
 
 	trimCfg := env.Config.Pipeline.Trim
@@ -77,16 +77,16 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	logPaths := []string{}
 	generatedConfigs := []string{}
 	metadata := map[string]any{
-		"stage":                       "trim",
-		"trim_enabled":                enabled,
-		"processed_transcript_path":   processedPath,
-		"processed_transcript_source": processedSource,
-		"trimmed_output_path":         trimmedPath,
+		"stage":                        "trim",
+		"trim_enabled":                 enabled,
+		"normalized_transcript_path":   normalizedPath,
+		"normalized_transcript_source": normalizedSource,
+		"trimmed_output_path":          trimmedPath,
 	}
 
 	if !enabled {
-		if err := copyTranscript(env.ArtifactStore, processedPath, trimmedPath); err != nil {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: copy processed transcript to trimmed output: %w", err)
+		if err := copyTranscript(env.ArtifactStore, normalizedPath, trimmedPath); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: copy normalized transcript to trimmed output: %w", err)
 		}
 		if err := validateProcessedTranscriptOutput(trimmedPath); err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: copied trimmed transcript %q invalid: %w", trimmedPath, err)
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	}
 
 	inputPaths := map[string]string{
-		boundsCfg.TranscriptInputName: processedPath,
+		boundsCfg.TranscriptInputName: normalizedPath,
 	}
 	vars := map[string]string{}
 
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	metadata["bounds_output_path"] = boundsOutputPath
 	metadata["bounds_timeout"] = boundsTimeout.String()
 	metadata["bounds_input_name"] = boundsCfg.TranscriptInputName
-	metadata["bounds_input_path"] = processedPath
+	metadata["bounds_input_path"] = normalizedPath
 	metadata["bounds_render_debug_enabled"] = boundsCfg.RenderDebug
 
 	renderOutputPath := ""
@@ -233,8 +233,8 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: parse bounds output %q: %w", finalBoundsOutputPath, err)
 	}
-	if err := contracts.ValidateSessionBoundsAgainstTranscript(boundsPayload, processedPath); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: validate bounds output %q against transcript %q: %w", finalBoundsOutputPath, processedPath, err)
+	if err := contracts.ValidateSessionBoundsAgainstTranscript(boundsPayload, normalizedPath); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: validate bounds output %q against transcript %q: %w", finalBoundsOutputPath, normalizedPath, err)
 	}
 
 	keepSelector, copyUnchanged, err := contracts.BuildSeriatimKeepSelector(boundsPayload)
@@ -272,8 +272,8 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 	}
 
 	if copyUnchanged {
-		if err := copyTranscript(env.ArtifactStore, processedPath, trimmedPath); err != nil {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: copy processed transcript to trimmed output: %w", err)
+		if err := copyTranscript(env.ArtifactStore, normalizedPath, trimmedPath); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("trim: copy normalized transcript to trimmed output: %w", err)
 		}
 	} else {
 		trimStdoutLogPath := filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "seriatim.trim.stdout.log")
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ func (trimStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*Stag
 		}
 		trimReq := seriatim.TrimRequest{
 			Binary:              env.Config.Pipeline.Seriatim.Binary,
-			InputTranscriptPath: processedPath,
+			InputTranscriptPath: normalizedPath,
 			OutputTrimmedPath:   trimmedPath,
 			KeepSelector:        keepSelector,
 			StdoutLogPath:       trimStdoutLogPath,
diff --git a/internal/stage/trim_test.go b/internal/stage/trim_test.go
index dd1e220..bebcc12 100644
--- a/internal/stage/trim_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/trim_test.go
@@ -16,13 +16,13 @@ import (
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
 )
 
-func TestTrimStageConsumesProcessedAndProducesTrimmedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTrimStageConsumesNormalizedAndProducesTrimmedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, ser := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	processed := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json")
-	writeFile(t, processed, `{"segments":[{"id":10},{"id":868}]}`)
-	m.MarkStageSucceeded("polish", time.Now().UTC(), []manifest.ArtifactRecord{
-		{Kind: "transcript_processed", LocalPath: processed},
+	normalized := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json")
+	writeFile(t, normalized, `{"segments":[{"id":10},{"id":868}]}`)
+	m.MarkStageSucceeded("normalize", time.Now().UTC(), []manifest.ArtifactRecord{
+		{Kind: "transcript_normalized", LocalPath: normalized},
 	})
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"confidence":"high","trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":10,"end_segment_id":868,"warnings":[]}`
 
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ func TestTrimStageConsumesProcessedAndProducesTrimmedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("seriatim trim requests = %d, want 1", len(ser.TrimRequests))
 	}
 	trimReq := ser.TrimRequests[0]
-	if trimReq.InputTranscriptPath != processed {
-		t.Fatalf("trim input = %q, want %q", trimReq.InputTranscriptPath, processed)
+	if trimReq.InputTranscriptPath != normalized {
+		t.Fatalf("trim input = %q, want %q", trimReq.InputTranscriptPath, normalized)
 	}
 	if trimReq.KeepSelector != "10-868" {
 		t.Fatalf("keep selector = %q, want %q", trimReq.KeepSelector, "10-868")
@@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ func TestTrimStageConsumesProcessedAndProducesTrimmedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageUsesConfiguredScriptoriumInputName(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	processed := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json")
-	writeFile(t, processed, `{"segments":[{"id":10},{"id":11}]}`)
+	normalized := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json")
+	writeFile(t, normalized, `{"segments":[{"id":10},{"id":11}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":10,"end_segment_id":11}`
 
 	cfg := env.Config.Pipeline.Trim
@@ -87,15 +87,15 @@ func TestTrimStageUsesConfiguredScriptoriumInputName(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("scriptorium run requests = %d, want 1", len(scr.RunRequests))
 	}
 	req := scr.RunRequests[0]
-	if req.InputPaths["transcript_body"] != processed {
-		t.Fatalf("configured input path = %q, want %q", req.InputPaths["transcript_body"], processed)
+	if req.InputPaths["transcript_body"] != normalized {
+		t.Fatalf("configured input path = %q, want %q", req.InputPaths["transcript_body"], normalized)
 	}
 }
 
 func TestTrimStageRecordsLogAndGeneratedConfigRefs(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":1,"end_segment_id":2}`
 
 	result, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ func TestTrimStageRecordsLogAndGeneratedConfigRefs(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageRenderDebugDiagnosticsAreNotStageOutputs(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":1,"end_segment_id":2}`
 
 	cfg := *env.Config.Pipeline.Trim
@@ -139,21 +139,21 @@ func TestTrimStageRenderDebugDiagnosticsAreNotStageOutputs(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestTrimStageFailsWhenProcessedTranscriptMissing(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTrimStageFailsWhenNormalizedTranscriptMissing(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, _, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "processed transcript input is required") {
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "normalized transcript input is required") {
 		t.Fatalf("error = %q", err.Error())
 	}
 }
 
-func TestTrimStageFailsWhenProcessedTranscriptInvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTrimStageFailsWhenNormalizedTranscriptInvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, _, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), "not-json")
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), "not-json")
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
@@ -163,10 +163,10 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenProcessedTranscriptInvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestTrimStageFailsWhenProcessedTranscriptMissingSegmentsArray(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTrimStageFailsWhenNormalizedTranscriptMissingSegmentsArray(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, _, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"schema":"audita.processed.v1"}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"schema":"audita.processed.v1"}`)
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenProcessedTranscriptMissingSegmentsArray(t *testing.T)
 func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsOutputInvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = "not-json"
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsOutputInvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsRangeIsDescending(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":2,"end_segment_id":1}`
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsRangeIsDescending(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsIDsMissingFromTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":20},{"id":21}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":20},{"id":21}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":10,"end_segment_id":21}`
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenBoundsIDsMissingFromTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageFailsWhenScriptoriumAdapterFails(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, _ := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.RunErr = errors.New("bounds failed")
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenScriptoriumAdapterFails(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTrimStageFailsWhenSeriatimTrimAdapterFails(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, ser := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 	scr.BoundsBody = `{"trim_action":"trim","start_segment_id":1,"end_segment_id":2}`
 	ser.TrimErr = errors.New("trim failed")
 	_, err := (trimStage{}).Run(context.Background(), env, m)
@@ -247,12 +247,12 @@ func TestTrimStageFailsWhenSeriatimTrimAdapterFails(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestTrimStageDisabledCopiesProcessedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTrimStageDisabledCopiesNormalizedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 	env, m, scr, ser := setupTrimEnv(t)
 	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(m.SessionID)
-	processed := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json")
-	processedBody := `{"segments":[{"id":1,"text":"alpha"},{"id":2,"text":"beta"}]}`
-	writeFile(t, processed, processedBody)
+	normalized := filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "normalized.json")
+	normalizedBody := `{"segments":[{"id":1,"text":"alpha"},{"id":2,"text":"beta"}]}`
+	writeFile(t, normalized, normalizedBody)
 
 	disabled := *env.Config.Pipeline.Trim
 	disabled.Enabled = false
@@ -273,8 +273,8 @@ func TestTrimStageDisabledCopiesProcessedTranscript(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("read trimmed transcript: %v", err)
 	}
-	if string(data) != processedBody {
-		t.Fatalf("trimmed body = %q, want copied processed body", string(data))
+	if string(data) != normalizedBody {
+		t.Fatalf("trimmed body = %q, want copied normalized body", string(data))
 	}
 }