Jed Herne's Writing Tracker Template: is this $10 stack worth it for spreadsheet?
Quick answer
| Best for | Fiction writers and long-form creators who want a low-friction, automated way to track daily word counts and visualize their consistency over years. |
| Skip if | You prefer complex Notion databases, need project management features beyond writing stats, or are looking for a creative writing course rather than a tracking tool. |
| Price | $10 |
| Format | Single Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file, 415 KB |
| One-line take | A battle-tested, automated spreadsheet that turns daily writing into visible data, built by a creator who has logged over a million words with it. |
What you’re actually buying
Most writing advice is about what to write. This $10 tool is about proof that you wrote it. Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template is a single, lightweight Excel file that removes the mental overhead of logging your progress. You don’t need to build formulas or design a dashboard; you just open the sheet, type your daily word count, and let the math happen.
The real value here is the automation. The template automatically calculates your words-per-hour rate, giving you a clear metric for your actual output speed rather than just raw volume. It also tracks your “attendance” percentage for each year, which is a surprisingly powerful motivator when you see a gap in your calendar. By gamifying the experience, it shifts the focus from the anxiety of “am I doing enough?” to the satisfaction of seeing a streak or a completed month. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
This isn’t a generic template from a marketplace. It is the exact system Jed Herne has used since 2018. That longevity matters because it means the formulas are stable, the layout is intuitive, and the tool has been stress-tested by real, long-form projects. You’re buying a shortcut to a system that has already proven it can support the creation of four novels and a video game. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Because it’s a standard .xlsx file, it works anywhere. You can use it on a Mac, Windows, or even import it into Google Sheets if you prefer a cloud-based workflow. At 415 KB, it’s instant to download and easy to back up. For Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template, you are getting a finished, functional asset that requires zero setup time.
Why it’s on our radar
In a market saturated with heavy, customizable project management tools, there is a quiet gap for a “just works” writing logger. This product fills that gap by offering a specific, high-utility job-to-be-done: tracking consistency. It’s not trying to be a novel-writing companion or a publishing suite; it’s a precision instrument for measuring output. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
The specificity of the listing is what makes it stand out. By highlighting the “attendance” percentage and the words-per-hour calculation, it speaks directly to the pain point of inconsistent writing habits. For a solo creator or a novelist working on a deadline, having a visual representation of your daily effort can be the difference between giving up and pushing through a rough week. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
The price point is also aligned with the value. At $10, it’s a low-risk purchase for a tool that could serve you for years. It’s cheaper than a single month of a premium writing app, but it offers a permanent, offline-capable solution that you own. If you are looking for a way to make your writing practice feel less like a chore and more like a trackable skill, this spreadsheet is a sharp, no-nonsense option.
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider how you currently track your writing. If you are already using a robust app like Scrivener or a complex Notion board, this might feel redundant. However, if you are using a notebook or a simple text file, the automation in this template is a significant upgrade. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Check your device compatibility. While the file is a standard Excel format, some advanced Excel features can behave differently when imported into Google Sheets. If you are a heavy Google Sheets user, you may want to verify that the specific formulas for “attendance” and “words per hour” translate correctly. For most users, the compatibility is seamless, but it’s worth a quick mental check of your workflow. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Finally, think about your motivation style. This tool is data-driven. It rewards you with numbers, percentages, and rates. If you are motivated by narrative progress or character development, this might not be the right fit. But if you are motivated by consistency, streaks, and tangible metrics, the gamified elements of the tracker will likely keep you engaged.
Mid-check
If you’re ready to stop guessing whether you’re being consistent, the Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template is ready to go.
FAQ
Is this a subscription? No. It is a one-time purchase of a digital file. Once you buy it, you own the file forever. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Does it work on mobile? Yes. Since it is a standard Excel file, you can open it on mobile devices using Excel apps or by syncing it to Google Sheets. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Can I edit the formulas? Yes. The file is fully editable. If you want to change how the “attendance” percentage is calculated or add new stats, you can modify the spreadsheet to fit your specific needs. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)
Bottom line
If you have been struggling to maintain a consistent writing habit, the problem is often a lack of visibility. You can’t manage what you can’t see. Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template solves that by turning your daily effort into clear, automated data. It’s a simple, affordable, and battle-tested tool that has supported the creation of multiple published works.
For $10, you’re not just buying a spreadsheet; you’re buying a system for accountability. If you want to stop relying on memory and start relying on data, this is a smart, low-friction way to do it. (Jed Herne’s Writing Tracker Template)