Outtakes 130

Track Changes

By Cait Collins

I dread the editing process. It seems I will delete a section, save it to a cuts file and promptly forget how I named the file. Then when I need the text, I will spend excessive time looking for it. Thank goodness for Track Changes.

Using Track Changes allows me to keep deletions, inserts, and format changes on the original document. I use balloons to store deleted text and format changes. Insertions are highlighted in the body of the document in a shade of teal. The changes remain with the manuscript until I either accept or reject them. Once the changes are completed, I reread the document and accept or reject the changes as I go. If in doubt, I skip the edit and come back to it later.

Track Changes allowed me to edit a friend’s manuscript and email the document with changes. I didn’t have to print the story; write edits and corrections; and scan the pages to a file before emailing the edited piece back to her. It may not be a cure all, but it surely makes my editing life easier.