Writing Analytics
Accessing Analytics
Click the Analytics button in the app menu or header to open the Analytics dialog.
Overview Stats
The analytics dashboard shows:
- Writing Days - Total days you've written
- Total Words - All-time word count
- Average Words/Day - Based on days you wrote
Viewing Modes
Toggle between views:
Daily View
Shows each day's writing activity:
- Date
- Words written that day
- Running total
Weekly View
Groups data by week:
- Week date range
- Total words for the week
- Weekly summary rows
Monthly View
Groups data by month:
- Month and year
- Total words for the month
- Monthly summary rows
Understanding the Data
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | When writing occurred |
| Words | Net words added (can be negative) |
| Total | Running cumulative total |
Negative values appear when you delete more than you write in a session. These are highlighted in red.
Data Tracking
Analytics track:
- Words added to sections
- Words removed from sections
- Net change per session
Data is recorded automatically as you write.
Writing Goals
Accessing Goals
- Open a book in the editor
- Click the target icon in the inspector rail
- The Goals panel opens
Daily Goal
Set a daily word count target:
1. Enter your target in the Daily Goal field
2. The progress bar shows current progress
3. Updates as you write
Example: Set 1,000 words/day goal. Write 500 words → 50% progress shown.
Session Goal
Set a goal for your current writing session:
1. Enter your target in the Session Goal field
2. Progress tracks since you opened the project
3. Click Reset to start a new session
Progress Indicators
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Progress bar | Visual fill toward goal |
| Current/Target | Numeric progress (e.g., 750 / 1000) |
| Percentage | Completion percentage |
Goal Persistence
- Daily goals persist between sessions
- Session counts reset when you restart the app
- Settings are saved per project
Tips for Using Analytics
Building Habits
- Check daily stats - Review your progress each day
- Identify patterns - Notice when you write best
- Celebrate streaks - Track consecutive writing days
- Learn from data - Adjust goals based on reality
Setting Effective Goals
Daily Goals
- Start achievable (250-500 words for beginners)
- Increase gradually as habit forms
- Account for your schedule (weekdays vs. weekends)
- Be consistent rather than aggressive
Session Goals
- Use for focused writing sprints
- Set smaller, achievable targets
- Reset between different writing sessions
- Good for overcoming writer's block
Common Goal Ranges
| Writer Type | Daily Goal |
|---|---|
| Casual | 250-500 words |
| Hobby | 500-1,000 words |
| Serious | 1,000-2,000 words |
| Professional | 2,000-5,000 words |
Remember: Consistency beats intensity. Writing 500 words every day is better than 5,000 words once a week.
Troubleshooting
Words Not Tracking
- Ensure you're writing in sections (not just the title)
- Analytics update after autosave completes
- Refresh the Analytics dialog to see latest data
Goal Not Updating
- Word count updates in real-time in the editor
- Goals panel may need a moment to sync
- Progress is based on the current session/day
Negative Word Counts
This is normal when you:
- Delete content
- Cut text without pasting elsewhere
- Edit significantly during revision
Negative days reflect net word loss, which is common during editing phases.