Chekhov
How it works
Three steps to a better manuscript
Import your manuscript
Drag in your Scrivener project or .docx file and Chekhov parses it automatically — identifying chapters, scenes, and structure. Most manuscripts are read correctly out of the box.
Review the structure
If the parser missed anything, the structure editor lets you fix it before the analysis runs. Rename chapters, reorder scenes, merge or split sections — all in a few clicks.
Run the analysis
Choose your depth, hit run, and let Chekhov work. Results come back as a full editorial report you can read inside the app or export as a PDF.
Analysis depth
Choose your depth
The essential read-through. Perfect for catching the big issues early.
Includes:
- ✓ Character consistency
- ✓ Timeline coherence
- ✓ Plot thread tracking
- ✓ Overall editorial assessment
For when the story works but the prose needs a closer look.
Everything in Standard, plus:
- ✓ Continuity errors
- ✓ Dialogue voice analysis
- ✓ Show vs. tell passages
- ✓ On-the-nose dialogue
The complete editorial pass. No stone left unturned.
Everything in Deep, plus:
- ✓ Pacing map
- ✓ Thematic analysis
- ✓ Dead weight scenes
- ✓ POV breaks
Not sure which to pick?
- Working on a first or second draft? Standard covers everything you need without overwhelming you.
- You've revised extensively and want your prose examined closely? Deep is the right call.
- Sending to an agent, a publisher, or the world? Structural is the complete pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chekhov?
Chekhov is a desktop application for novelists that uses AI to analyze your manuscript. It checks for character consistency, timeline coherence, dialogue voice, and loose plot threads — the kind of deep editorial pass that traditionally requires a professional editor. Everything runs on your computer; your manuscript never leaves your device.
Is my manuscript safe?
Yes. Your manuscript is stored exclusively in a local database on your computer — never on any server. When you run an analysis, only the relevant portions of your text are sent to Anthropic's API for processing, and they are immediately discarded afterwards. Chekhov was designed from the ground up with manuscript privacy as a non-negotiable constraint.
How does the AI analysis work?
Chekhov reads through your manuscript and runs a separate AI analysis for each editorial dimension — character consistency, timeline, dialogue, and so on. Results are saved automatically, so if you run the same analysis again without changing your manuscript, it won't cost any credits.
What does Chekhov analyze?
Chekhov analyzes your manuscript across multiple editorial dimensions — how many depends on the tier you choose. Every analysis includes Character Consistency (how characters are described and behave across chapters), Timeline (chronological coherence), Plot Threads (story threads introduced but left unresolved), and an Overall Editorial Assessment. Deep and Structural tiers go further: Dialogue Voice (whether each character's speech is distinct and consistent), Show vs. Tell passages, and on-the-nose dialogue. The Structural tier adds a Pacing Map, Thematic Analysis, Dead Weight Scenes, and POV breaks.
What languages does Chekhov support?
Chekhov automatically detects the language of your manuscript and delivers the analysis report in that same language. Supported languages are English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
How does pricing work?
Your first Standard analysis is completely free — no credit card required. After that, you purchase credit packs: 1 credit for $5, 3 credits for $12, or 5 credits for $20. Each analysis tier costs a different number of credits: Standard costs 1 credit, Deep costs 2, and Structural costs 3. There is no subscription.
What file format does Chekhov accept?
Chekhov works natively with Scrivener projects (.scriv) — the preferred format for writers who work in Scrivener. It also imports .docx files, the universal option for manuscripts written in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, or any other tool that exports to Word format.
What are the system requirements?
Chekhov runs on macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel, macOS 11 or later) and Windows 10 or later. An internet connection is required only when running an analysis. All other features — importing, viewing past results, managing manuscripts — work fully offline.
Can I re-run an analysis after editing my manuscript?
Yes. When you import a revised version of your manuscript, Chekhov detects that the content has changed and prompts you to run a fresh analysis. You can also re-run individual analysis types independently.
How do I get started?
Download Chekhov for your operating system, sign in with your account, and import your manuscript — either as a Scrivener project or a .docx file. Chekhov will parse it into chapters and you can run your first free analysis immediately.