Cold Turkey Writer
Cold Turkey Writer: Cold Turkey Writer helps solo writers stay on task with writing goals and session locking. Ranked #78 of 135 in Writing Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for writers who want strict focus while drafting.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWriters who want strict focus while drafting
- Free planYes
- Publishing toolsNo
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Blocks distractions while a writing session is in progress
- Supports timed and word-count writing goals
- Locks the session until the goal is reached
Where it doesn't
- No publishing tools or collaboration features
- No mobile apps; available on Windows and macOS
- Exports are limited to basic formats
Our verdict on Cold Turkey Writer
Cold Turkey Writer is a desktop app for people who want fewer distractions while drafting essays, stories, notes, or other long-form text. Its minimal, full-screen editor keeps the focus on writing, while distraction blocking can restrict access to other computer activities during a session. Timed and word-count goals give a session a clear endpoint, and session locking keeps the writer in the app until that goal is reached. It is aimed at individual writers rather than teams or publishing workflows.
The focused drafting tools are the product’s clearest strength. Writers can choose a time-based or word-count target and pair it with blocking, making the app suited to people who benefit from firm boundaries during a writing session. The Free plan includes a distraction-free writing environment; Writer Pro adds additional Writer features. This gives buyers a way to start with the core writing space, though the published plan descriptions do not spell out which additional features Writer Pro includes.
Cold Turkey Writer is a narrow tool, not a broader writing workspace. It has no publishing or collaboration tools, and export formats are basic, so writers who need to revise across a team or move polished work directly into a publishing workflow should look elsewhere. It runs on Windows and macOS as a desktop app, with documentation as its listed support channel. Choose it for focused solo drafting and session discipline; skip it if mobile access, collaboration, publishing, or more capable export options are central to your process.
Your product? Our editors can test Cold Turkey Writer in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cold Turkey Writer pricing
All 2 Cold Turkey Writer plans and prices →
Cold Turkey Writer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Publishing tools | No |
| Real-time collaboration | No |
| Version history | Not verified |
| Offline mode | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | No |
| Export formats | Basic |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | getcoldturkey.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cold Turkey Writer
- Final DraftA screenplay-focused toolkit with deep planning, production, revision, and collaboration features.9.4
- ScrivenerA structured workspace for drafting, organizing, and compiling long-form work.9.3
- CeltxScriptwriting and production planning for screenwriters working with collaborators.9.2
See all Cold Turkey Writer alternatives →
Used Cold Turkey Writer? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Cold Turkey Writer for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Cold Turkey Writer is listed in our Writing Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/cold-turkey-writer/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/cold-turkey-writer.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update