Why Your Word Count Target Says 0

The word target comes from the Chapter Detail Generator. Run it for that section, and the target fills in on its own.

The word target comes from the Chapter Detail Generator (Step 3 · BUILD). If you have not run that generator for the section yet, there is no target set. Run it, then come back, and the target fills in on its own.

Where do I see the word count?

In the bottom bar of the writing area. It reads "X / Y words". Y is the section's word target, and a progress bar and percentage show when a target is set. You can click the target number to change it.

Why does the target say 0 or show no target?

You have not run the Chapter Detail Generator for this section yet, so there is no target set. If there is no target, the bar tracks progress from zero.

How do I get a target?

1. 1Run the Chapter Detail Generator (Step 3 · BUILD) in the toolkit. Keep the page open while it works.
2. 2Bring the outline into your book. In My Books, click + Pull Latest Outline, or, if the current book has no outline yet, use Pull latest outline in the Chapters panel.
3. 3Come back to your section. The target auto-populates.

Does the target appear everywhere?

The target is the section's word target: Y in "X / Y words". Each section shows its own count in the bottom bar.

Can I change the target myself?

Yes. Click the target number in the bottom bar to change it.

What about on a phone?

On a phone the word count sits directly under the autosave status. See Can I use the app on a phone or tablet?

Not sure where to start? The Course Coach inside the app guides you through each step, so you are never stuck on a button.

Last checked in the app: October 14, 2026.