Getting Started

Get up to speed with the Writing Analytics app.

Welcome to Writing Analytics. We're delighted to have you onboard! In this guide, you'll learn how to set up your account to make the most of the app.

Step 1: Welcome Session

After verifying your email address, you'll be taken to the Welcome session where you'll get the chance to try the Writing Analytics editor right away.

The session will guide you through some of the features of the app. When you're ready, press the red 'X' button in the top-right corner to end the session and explore the rest of the app.

Step 2: Set Your Preferences

By default, Writing Analytics will start a new week on Sunday and display dates in the American mm/dd/yyyy format. If that isn’t what you want, scroll down all the way to the bottom of the Account page and change your preferences.

Use the toggles to change how dates are displayed in the app.

We only email people that wish to hear from us. You have the option to opt-out of receiving product updates and your weekly writing reports. You’ll find these toggles on the same page in the Account section.

Use the toggles to set your email preferences.

You may still receive some infrequent email communication from us with both settings turned off. This includes payment receipts, scheduled downtime notices and important service updates.

Step 3: Create a Project

Projects allow you to set word goals and deadlines. They’re also useful for keeping your metrics separate for different types of writing that you do (like fiction, blog posts, copy for clients).

NOTE: Using projects isn’t mandatory. If you wish to use Writing Analytics to track your writing routine without a particular goal in mind, feel free to skip this step.

To create a new project, head over to the Projects page and click the New Project button at the very top.

Each project has a separate dashboard where you can track your progress. You can even share your project metrics with friend or writing group.

See the Projects guide to learn more.

Step 4: Start Writing

Click the New Session button at the top of the Overview to start writing.

You'll be able to set a title, assign your session to a project and set a time or word goal. Writing Analytics has two types of sessions writing and revision. These are tracked separately on your dashboard. Create a writing session when you're working on the first draft. Use a revision session when rewriting/polishing up an existing draft.

The editor will start a timer as soon as you start typing. It tracks various metrics behind the scenes while you work. If you need a break, hit the amber Pause button in the top-right corner. To complete a session, click the red X button.

Step 4: Log External Words

In case you'd like to track any writing that you did outside of Writing Analytics, you can log words manually. Go to the Analytics page and click the Log Words button at the top.

An form will load up where you can can submit a manual entry:

Pick a date and enter your word count. Indicate whether you were writing or revising. This is important for your entry to be categorised properly. All the other fields are optional. However, we recommend logging time spent as well. This increases the accuracy of your metrics and helps Writing Analytics to give you more accurate estimates.

Step 5: Review Your Activity

As you write, revise or submit more entries over time, your dashboards will fill with data about your writing routine. You’ll see patterns emerge and be able to find the weak spots that are holding you back. Stay accountable and get your words done.

You'll find all your stats on your Analytics dashboard. Use the date selector in the top-right corner to focus on a specific time period.

Have a question? Message us at [e-mail]. We'll be happy to help!