diff --git a/.github/workflows/linter-miner.md b/.github/workflows/linter-miner.md
index 341070a397..94e4a75084 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/linter-miner.md
+++ b/.github/workflows/linter-miner.md
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ Read `/tmp/gh-aw/agent/prior-linters.json` (preloaded from cache-memory) to load
 
 ## Step 2 — Mine Sources for Linter Ideas
 
-Use the `discussion-miner` sub-agent and the `code-pattern-scanner` sub-agent **in parallel** to gather raw evidence. Collect their outputs.
+Use the `discussion-miner` sub-agent and the `code-pattern-scanner` sub-agent **sequentially** to gather raw evidence. Run one, wait for completion, then run the other.
 
 ### Discussion mining (sub-agent output)
 
@@ -222,7 +222,9 @@ Call the `create-pull-request` safe output with:
 - Always include a `URL` field in the `Analyzer` pointing to `https://github.com/github/gh-aw/tree/main/pkg/linters/<name>`.
 - The `Doc` string must be a single sentence beginning with "reports".
 - If the linter cannot be implemented (e.g., repeated compilation failures after two fix attempts), call `noop` explaining why, rather than ending without a safe output.
-- Always call either `create_pull_request` or `noop` before finishing — never end without a safe output.
+- Do not finish while any spawned sub-agent is still running.
+- If any sub-agent step fails, stalls, or does not complete, call `noop` with a clear explanation instead of ending without output.
+- Final turn requirement: call exactly one safe output (`create_pull_request` or `noop`) as your last action before finishing.
 
 ---