Tracking time while writing and editing is a great way to track your progress and improvement through your writing journey. It also helps you manage those impending deadlines.
We curated a list of top 10 time tracking solution for writers and editors to help you understand the effort you put into your work, as well as its tangible worth.
Let’s dive in!
Best Time Tracking Software for Writers and Editors – an Overview
Software | Best for | Free trial | Starting price |
Time Analytics | Financial metrics and tracking in real time | 14 days | $4.99 |
Toggl Track | Deadline tracking | 30 days | $9 |
Time Doctor | Paypal and Payoneer integrations | 14 days | $5.9 |
RescueTime | Focus sessions | 14 days | $6.5 |
Freedom | Distraction blocking | 7 days | $3.33 |
Clockify | Project insights | 7 days | $3.99 |
Harvest | Expense tracking | 30 days | $10.8 |
Focus Booster | Pomodoro technique | 30 days | $4.99 |
Bookflow | Personal writing assistant | 28 days | $12 |
ManicTime | Automatic activity tracking | 30 days | $7 |
1. Time Analytics
This application is geared toward professional (freelance) writers.
Time Analytics is a time tracking application that uses timesheets to give its users an insight into their work. It is especially convenient for freelancers who want to make sure they’re getting an accurate report on their billable hours.
The time tracking system offers two tracking options.
The first one contains an automatic timer. In other words, all you have to do is create a task and click a button to track your time.
The other option allows users to create entries manually and enter the time spent on a task (aka an article or different text) after they’ve finished working on it for the day.
Each time entry contains an hourly fee field.
Again, each one is also connected to a specific project and can be set to a specific client if you’re working with multiple companies. In other words, you will be able to allocate expenses to the right clients automatically.
Why We Picked It
Writers and editors are some of the most sought-out freelancing professions. As we have previously mentioned, Time Analytics is a great software solution for freelancers who want to manage their time effectively.
Time Analytics makes a freelancer’s life easier through accurate time tracking and other features.
Timesheet filtering is a great way to see, for example, how many hours you’ve spent working for a specific client. You can also export this information into Excel. Then, you can send your clients an itemized bill either for the month or the complete project.
You can also set up mandatory fields when it comes to filling your timesheets. This means you won’t be able to submit the timesheet if you haven’t supplied it with important information. You can create a template in the program, and use it for all projects.
Finally, Time Analytics will deliver many useful graphic reports. this means you will be able to track not only your time but your business overall. This means you’ll be able to notice negative business practices and eliminate them even before they take a serious toll on your finances.
Features
- Time tracking – you can either use an automatic timer or create manual entries. The entries can be connected to specific projects and clients as well
- Notes – create notes for yourself or your clients within the timesheets. This way you won’t be overcrowding your actual work, but won’t forget to comment either
- Clean interface – Time Analytics has an extremely simple interface. This means anyone can use it in only a few minutes a day and provide all necessary information
- Hourly fees – you can set up different fees for different clients. In other words, you will be able to accurately calculate costs for all clients
- Reports – even though the timesheets are incredibly simple to fill, you will still receive many useful reports that can point to potential business mistakes
Pricing
Starter – $4.99 per user per month
Optimum – $6.99 per user permonth
Free Trial
14 days
User Rating
5/5 on Capterra
2. Toggl Track
Toggl is a time tracking tool that helps you monitor and manage your time entries, projects, and billables. It is a good choice for writers and editors who want to track their time spent on tasks, projects, and clients with ease and flexibility.
The app has a quick and nimble interface that allows you to quickly categorize projects and tasks, and track every second of work in real time. Additionally, it offers a long list of supported integrations. You can connect with other tools you use, such as project management apps, calendar apps, and communication apps.
Why We Chose It
Toggl Track gave me a sense of security, even when burdened with multiple tasks. The software allowed me to see all information in one place, whether while tracking time or through reports. The reporting feature allowed me to add tags and filter the information. While relatively basic, it covered all I need as a writer with multiple projects. The deadline feature also kept me in check.
Features
- Time reporting – generate and share custom reports on your time data, either manually or automatically via email
- Time billing – Track your billable hours and approve your team’s timesheets with real-time tracking.
- Project tracking – Create and assign tasks, set budgets and deadlines, and forecast your project progress and profitability.
- Team workload management – You can see what your team is working on, how much time they spend on each task, and how they perform against their goals.
Pricing
Free – up to 5 users
Starter – $9 per user per month
Premium – $18 per user per month
Enterprise – custom plan and pricing
Free Trial
30 days
User Reviews
4.7/5 on Capterra
3. Time Doctor
Time Doctor is another universal time tracking app. This means it’s more focused on tracking your work habits and the business side of things. It takes a relatively strict approach to time tracking.
In other words, your activity will be monitored. This includes apps and web pages you use during the day. There is even an optional screenshot option. If you are looking to analyze your work habits, you can rely on Time Doctor to give you accurate insight.
Why We Picked It
I enjoy the app’s simple integrations with different payment platforms, including Payoneer and Paypal. The payment is simple and accurate, which made the invoicing process a breeze for me. I also appreciate the structure it offers, even though the monitoring features definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.
Features
- Activity tracking – learn where your time goes, and identify your biggest distractions
- Payment integrations – receive payments through the app
- Reports – learn how you can increase your productivity and get paid more
Pricing
Basic – $5.9 per user per month
Standard – $8.4 per user per month
Premium – $16.7 per user per month
Enterprise – custom pricing and plan
Free Trial
14 days
User Reviews
4.6/5 on Capterra
4. RescueTime
RescueTime is one of the most famous time tracking applications. It has existed for quite a while, and it has proven its usefulness again and again. The platform is available on all devices. This means you can wake up in the middle of the night, be inspired, and write on your phone. This time will also be calculated into your goals and fees.
Why We Picked It
I often get lost in my work, as I’m running a home office. RescueTime allowed me to focus with its distraction-free Focus sessions. Additionally, the automation relieved me of the need to carefully monitor every activity. The app sends me useful insights based on my activity that really help plan for my future steps and allocate time.
Features
- Focus sessions – eliminate multitasking and distractions from your workdays
- Multiple devices – work from any device and at any time
- Activity tracking – let the software track the apps and web pages you are using
Pricing
Starts at $6.5 per user per month
Free Trial
14 days
User Reviews
4.6/5 on Capterra
5. Freedom
Freedom is a productivity app created to eliminate distractions. As most writers know, it’s extremely easy to get lost in the opulence of the internet. Hence, a distraction-blocking app is a great way to go about things.
Freedom is available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chrome. Additionally, you can use a single account for multiple devices. The settings will synchronize across all of them.
Why We Picked It
While Freedom isn’t a typical time tracker, I couldn’t skip it. The app helped me block all device-related distractions. This, in turn, brought me a world of laser-sharp focus and an increase in productivity.
I like the simplicity the app offers, while not sacrificing flexibility. You can choose to start a session at any time. However, if you prefer routine, you can set your schedule upfront. Finally, Freedom gives you an option to select your distractions – applications and sites you don’t want to access.
Features
- Scheduling – create a schedule to support positive work habits
- Device synchronization – set up your week and follow the plan
- Customizability – select the web pages and apps you want to be locked out of
Pricing
Yearly premium – $3.33 per month
Monthly premium – $8.99 per month
Forever – $199 (one-time purchase)
Free Trial
7 days
User Reviews
4.3/5 on Google Play
6. Clockify
Clockify is a simple and effective time tracking tool that lets you monitor your work hours and productivity. You can create projects, tasks, and tags to organize your work, and generate reports to see how you spend your time. Clockify also supports team collaboration, allowing you to invite your clients and co-workers to track time together.
Why We Picked It
I enjoy Clockify’s ability to sort all time entries according to project. It prevents confusion while also providing powerful insights. As a writer, I really enjoy the clarity it provides, as it ensures me my work will be billed to the right project. This way I can focus on writing and being creative without the burden of administrative tasks.
Features
- Time tracking – use a timer or create timesheet logs. Use time blocking to organize your work
- Reporting – receive insights on activity, rates, projects, and location of each team member
- Employee management – have a crystal clear overview of schedules, time off, expenses, and more
Pricing
Basic – $3.99 per user per month
Standard – $5.49 per user per month
Pro – $7.99 per user per month
Enterprise – $11.99 per user per month
Free Trial
7 days
User Reviews
4.7/5 on Capterra
7. Harvest
Harvest is a comprehensive time tracking and invoicing software that helps you manage your projects and finances. You can track time and expenses for your projects, and use the data to create professional invoices and reports. Harvest also integrates with various tools like PayPal, Stripe, QuickBooks, and more, to streamline your workflow and payments. Harvest is suitable for freelance writers who need a powerful tool to handle their project management and billing needs.
Why We Picked It
I appreciate the app’s ease of use. Tracking time on the go while being sure all of it is allocated properly was a weight off my shoulders. Additionally, I can track time from anywhere, which is a great feature if you’re tired of working from home and want to go to a café to get the creative juices flowing. I found the expense tracking extremely useful for reimbursements with minimal fuss as well.
Features
- Time tracking – use simple timesheets to create accurate time logs for projects with no hassle
- Reports – receive a variety of reports to visualize your organization’s performance and project progress
- Invoicing – turn the data you collect into invoices and receive payments through integrated payment solutions
Pricing
Free – one user and two projects
Pro – $10.80 per user per month
Free Trial
30 days
User Reviews
4.6/5 on Capterra
8. Focus Booster
Focus Booster is a productivity app that uses the Pomodoro technique to help you focus on your work. The Pomodoro technique involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, and repeating the cycle until you finish your task. Focus Booster lets you set up your Pomodoro sessions, track your time, and review your performance. Focus Booster is helpful for writers who want to improve their concentration and avoid distractions.
Why We Picked It
I am well aware that all writers have specific needs and processes. I personally enjoy time blocking, as it allows me to focus for a longer period and look forward to a little treat (a break, that is). If you’re looking to structure your time differently, smaller increments could do wonders. The structure is clear and no-nonsense, which takes care of making critical decisions. I managed to dedicate time to working and Focus Booster helped me shape my workday a bit differently than I’d do it with the same benefits as my usual method.
Features
- Time tracking – automatically record the Pomodoro sessions for accurate time allocation
- Long breaks – customize your daily work so you can review your progress and have some time to relax
- Reports – turn all collected information into insightful reports to help you become even more productive
Pricing
Starter – Free (20 Pomodoro sessions per month)
Professional – $4.99 per user per month
9. Bookflow
Bookflow is another tracking app dedicated exclusively to writing. The creator of the app is a prolific writer herself. This means she understands you and can help you become more productive.
The application is cloud-based, which enables users to write from any device as long as they’re logged into their account.
The software was created to be as simple to use as possible. That means anyone can use it without having to learn the ropes for a while.
Why We Picked It
Bookflow is another app I had to recommend, even though it isn’t a time tracker. Namely, it is geared toward people who want to edit their personal work and improve their writing productivity. I enjoyed the guidelines it provides for writing a complex story with insights, plot points, as well as the daily prompts that get me into a creative mood.
Features
- Import and export – import already started works in progress
- Reports – understand the way you’re pacing yourself
- Editing – change scene order through a drag-and-drop system
Pricing
Annual plan – $12 per user per month
Monthly plan – $15 per user per month
Free Trial
28 days
10. ManicTime
ManicTime is a smart time tracking app that automatically records your computer activity. It tracks the applications, websites, and documents you use, and shows you how much time you spend on each one.
You can also manually add offline time or edit your records. ManicTime provides you with detailed statistics and graphs to help you analyze your work habits and optimize your productivity. ManicTime is great for writers who want to gain insights into their work patterns and efficiency.
Why We Picked It
I appreciate the application’s automated workflow. I simply let it run in the background and record my activity while I work. Once I’m finished for the day, I simply review the documents and apps I’ve been interacting them. The accuracy ManicTime provides is unparalleled, as the app works online and offline. I found it especially rewarding for freelancing, as the app is fully private and doesn’t share any data.
Features
- Automatic monitoring – receive information on the websites, apps, and documents you’ve interacted with during your workday
- Timesheets – label tracked time within comprehensive timesheets and export them into Excel
- Stopwatch – se manual time tracing for important work you need to label carefully
Pricing
ManicTime offers custom pricing that depends on the number of users.
Standard plan – $7 per month
Ultimate plan – $9 per month
The provided pricing is for a single user annual plan
Free trial
30 days
User Reviews
4.4/5 on Capterra
Conclusion
Whether you are a freelance writer or want to create the optimum conditions to finish your WIP, you can use some help.
Being a writer isn’t an easy feat. You could be struggling to focus, get inspired, or keep writing a consistent number of words. On the other hand, you could be struggling with charging your clients.
Either way, you could use a way to keep track of your writing.
Consistency is extremely important when it comes to nurturing your craft. There are many great options when it comes to time tracking for writers and editors. We wrote this article in hopes to help you no matter which issues you’re facing.
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Jelena Lukic
Jelena has a Master’s Degree in teaching Serbian literature and language. Creative writing is her biggest passion.
