The Editor’s Corner: How to Use Track Changes


By:    |   Published April 11

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE STRINGHAM, MANAGING EDITOR, AND ANGELA WADE, EDITOR

Dog Ear Publishing uses Microsoft Word to collaborate with authors. One specific feature, Track Changes, allows our editors to leave comments, make suggestions, and address concerns, all while providing full disclosure of any revisions.

While it is extremely helpful, especially for developmental edits, Track Changes can also be confusing. Below are some simple steps to get you started.

Although each version of Word is different, the similarities will be obvious. The following instructions apply to Word for Mac and to Word for Windows.

When you receive your revised manuscript, follow these steps first:

  1. Open the edited document in Microsoft Word (available for both Mac and PC).
  2. Save the document with an easily recognizable file name.
  3. Click the Review tab on the toolbar.
  4. Slide the Track Changes button to “on” or ensure that the button is highlighted.

Any change made by the editor will now be visible. Next:

  1. To accept all changes, simply click the down arrow next to the Accept button under Changes. You will see an option for “Accept All Changes in Document.”

 

  1. If you would rather go change-by-change, you can do that, too, by clicking “Accept and Move to Next.” If you choose this option, be patient! A large document can take a long time to process, especially on an older computer.
  2. If you want to reject a change, use the Reject button to the right of the Accept button. (“Reject All Changes in Document” is not recommended.)
  3. Save your document.

Now it is time to read through any questions or suggestions that have been left by the editor. These show up to the right of the text, in boxes entitled Comment. Again, review each one and act accordingly. When you’re finished, simply click the “x” button to remove the comment (Mac) or right-click on the comment and choose Delete Comment from the pop-up menu (Windows).

Remember to save your work often with an updated file name! Microsoft Word has a habit of closing abruptly when it gets overloaded, and a heavily edited manuscript can cause problems. If that happens, try not to panic; most of the time, a file can be recovered, although recent changes might not have been saved.

For more in-depth information on the Track Changes feature, use the Google search engine or try the Help feature inside Microsoft Word. If you have questions specific to your manuscript, feel free to contact Dog Ear. We’re here to help!