Study: how authors actually write with AI in 2026 — real data

How many words per day does an author write when using AI? What percentage of the text is actually generated by artificial intelligence? Does AI replace the writer? To answer these questions, we analyzed anonymized data from 32 authors using Plumora to write their novels. Here is what the numbers reveal about writing habits in 2026.

Key figures at a glance

Before diving into the details, here are the highlights. The data covers January to March 2026.

How many words per day do AI-assisted authors write?

On average, active Plumora authors write 1,238 words per day on days they open the platform. This is above the classic recommendation of 500 to 1,000 words per day, suggesting that AI helps maintain a faster writing pace without sacrificing quality.

The all-time record we observed was 14,283 words in a single day. An impressive figure, but an outlier. Most authors fall between 800 and 2,000 words per day.

In terms of sessions, authors write for an average of 23 minutes per session, producing 1,289 words per session. Sessions are short but intense. AI helps writers start faster (no more blank page syndrome) and maintain a steady flow.

Key takeaway: AI does not make sessions longer — it makes them more productive. Authors write more words in less time, allowing them to maintain a daily rhythm without burnout.

AI as copilot, not as author

This is the most striking result. Out of 426,145 total words, only 28,930 were generated by AI. That is just 6.8% of all text.

In other words, 93% of the words are written by the authors themselves. AI does not write novels for writers. It intervenes occasionally to unblock a situation, suggest a phrasing, or speed up a descriptive passage.

The most-used feature is autocompletion, with over 500 uses during the period. This confirms that authors prefer a subtle AI that completes their sentences on the fly, rather than one that generates entire blocks of text.

Bottom line: AI does not replace the author — it accelerates the process. The numbers are unambiguous: the writer remains the primary creator of their text.

The features that actually matter

Beyond text generation, the data reveals which features authors actually use day to day.

Codex: the foundation of every project

With 384 entities created (125 characters, 85 locations, 174 events), the Codex is the most adopted feature. Authors invest time structuring their narrative universe, and the AI then references it automatically to ensure consistency.

Style DNA: AI that writes in your voice

7 style profiles were created during the period. Style DNA analyzes an author's existing writing and generates a unique fingerprint. The AI then produces text that respects the writer's rhythm, vocabulary, and preferred turns of phrase.

Inconsistency detection: the safety net

72 inconsistencies were detected and corrected by authors. Without this tool, these errors would have ended up in the final manuscript — a character whose eye color changes, an impossible timeline, a location that moves between chapters.

AI corrections applied

182 corrections suggested by the AI were accepted by authors. This includes rephrasing, consistency adjustments, and stylistic improvements. Authors do not accept every suggestion — they stay in control and choose what aligns with their vision.

What this data means for the future of writing

This study debunks a persistent myth: AI does not write books for authors. The numbers show a measured use, where AI is one tool among many in the writer's toolkit.

Authors who use AI write more regularly (short, frequent sessions), more efficiently (more words per minute), and with fewer errors (inconsistency detection). But the text remains theirs — 93% of it.

If you want to discover how AI can help you write your book without losing your voice, or compare the best AI writing tools, check out our other guides.

Methodology

This study is based on anonymized data collected between January and March 2026 from 32 active Plumora users. No personal data or narrative content was used. Only usage metrics (word counts, session length, entity counts, etc.) were analyzed.

Want to write your novel with AI? Try Plumora for free and join the authors who use AI as a copilot, not a replacement.