Turn a deadline into a daily word count.

Working backwards from the publication date

A writing goal is only useful when it converts to a daily number you can actually hit. Take the words remaining, divide by the days until your deadline, and add a buffer for the days you will miss — first drafts are built from the pace, not the adrenaline.

Enter the words already written so the tracker computes from where you truly are. If the remaining daily pace is unreachable, the tracker says it plainly, which is exactly the signal you want before a deadline, not after.

• ✓Buffer 10-20 percent: life interrupts writes
• ✓A big rewrite of an earlier chapter is still new words, count it
• ✓Set the checkpoints in your calendar so the deadline is visible weekly

Then let the word counter keep you honest

The tracker sets the number; the word counter measures the draft. Paste chapters as you finish them so the count reflects reality, then let the estimated pages feed the cover calculator and royalty estimate when formatting begins.