How to make editing easier
Yesterday I spent several hours editing documents in Microsoft Word. I always turn on the “Track Changes” option to edit so my clients can see what I’ve done. I’ve got quite the heavy hand sometimes when it comes to editing, so I can sometimes make changes in every sentence.
The problem I run into all the time is that as soon as I start making changes, this turns blue and that strikes out and the document becomes almost impossible to read.
The trick? Go ahead and track changes, but view the document as “Final” instead of “Final Showing Markup.” This will make the text appear normal as you make your changes, but your client will be able to see exactly what you did.
Claire (Little Miss) on 15 Jan 2008 at 5:33 pm #
Yup. That’s what I do all the time. If the client wants to see what changed, they can turn on the view markup. Otherwise, they usually like it, and when I’m ready to publish the final version I accept all changes for them.
However, the ruthless editor that I am, some edits are non-negotiable if they are grammar changes or style changes that follow recognized third-party style guides, like AP or Chicago.
Just my $.0144882, adjusted for inflation.
Pop on 16 Jan 2008 at 5:02 am #
On the cat probability problem, let the record show that Beth was right and Pop was wrong. I made the mistake of thinking I was drawing from an infinite population when in fact there was only 3 cats in the population.
She will make me say it again.
BETH WAS RIGHT AND POP WAS WRONG.
And I take that as a testimony to the fine job I did raising her.
POP
Erin on 16 Jan 2008 at 4:47 pm #
I had no idea you can do that!!! Thank you Beth! Oh and to all that read these replies.. Beth edited my admission essay for my Ph.D program and she was AMAZING!! I may get into my program of choice because of her!
I am in her debt!
Beth on 17 Jan 2008 at 7:09 am #
Claire — I, too, insist on certain rules, no matter the client’s preference. Some things simply cannot be ignored, says the English teacher.
Pop — I didn’t share the cat problem with this group, but it’s good for them to know that I was right and you were wrong. Please write this down and put it on the refrigerator.
Erin — Helping was my pleasure. You will be on fire once you get your doctorate…