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# New Notion Template: Manuscript Word-Count Tracker
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/word-count-notion/
- Published: 2025-01-01T13:37:09.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-24T14:03:41.000Z
- Description: A simple way to track your progress as you write. Oh, and it's free.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: Publishing, Notion, Writing

How do you write a 50,000-word manuscript?

The glib answer is *one word at a time*.

Here's the longer one.

Yes, you should [do your research](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/writing/research-ingestion-engines/?ref=philsimon.com) first. Write willy-nilly and you'll need an expensive [developmental edit](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/writing/developmental-edit/?ref=philsimon.com).

## Let the Writing Begin

There comes a point, though, when you'll have to start the process. Over the years, I have found tracking daily word counts to be beneficial. Every day, you inch towards the massive goal of completing it. Simple charts can reinforce the notion that you're getting closer. (The template includes two, but you've got to be a paid [Notion](https://notion.grsm.io/philsimon?ref=philsimon.com) plan to view more than one. Of course, you can create as many ones as you like.)

## Sign up for Simon Says

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Award-winning, 14-time author Phil Simon chimes in with his musings on AI, the future of work, collaboration, workplace tech, and more.

OK. I'll take off my motivational hat.

[RacketHub](https://www.racketpublishing.com/products/rackethub?ref=philsimon.com) includes dozens of interrelated and sophisticated trackers. I've decided to make the word-count one available for free as a Notion template.

🎁

What can I say? I'm a giver.

Here's a quick video overview:

[DOWNLOAD FOR FREE](https://www.notion.so/philsimon/Manuscript-Word-Count-Tracker-16dfbefd2aed80be910ce6f7d31615ad?pvs=4&ref=philsimon.com)

Click [here](https://www.tella.tv/video/automatically-creating-daily-entries-7bvd?ref=philsimon.com) for a demo on how to enable default daily entries by date. It's a useful feature that takes maybe 15 seconds to enable.

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Cross-posted on [the Racket Publishing site](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/publishing/word-count-notion/?ref=philsimon.com).

[SEE ALL OF MY NOTION TEMPLATES](https://www.notion.so/@philsimon?ref=philsimon.com)