Format for edits?

[HurtsSoGood]

I'm a new volunteer editor and just received my first story to edit, but I'm unsure of the proper way to format my edits.

Should I simply rewrite the original text (easiest for me), or strike-through the text that's being replaced or deleted, or make my editor comments either as a notations underneath the original text (perhaps in a different color), or submit my comments/edits as a separate document?

I realize that font, bold, italics, colors, etc., are not acceptable for story submission, but since I'm only making suggestions to the author, the use of bold, italics, colored text, etc., might make it easier for the author to read my edit suggestions.

Thank you

 

[sr71plt]

The best is whatever doesn't destroy what originally was there. Thus strike-through and suggested change in brackets. And the best way to do this is to work in Word, which has the Tracking Change system that both does this and then is easy for the author to accept/reject.

 

[_Lynn_]

Asking upfront which program the author uses can help. If they don't use a compatible program, such as Word, the editor can decide from there whether to take on the project or not.

 

[HurtsSoGood]

Good advice. Thank you both for your comments. After some thought I've decided it would be best (easiest for me basically) to let the word processor program (or the author if not using a compatible word processor) worry about any modifications I make instead of worrying about strikeouts and suggestions, etc.

If I were an author, I would want the editor to help make my story better rather than trying to become my teacher. I'm of course open to discussion with an author of any particular changes I make such as using active voice instead of passive voice, eliminating excessive commas, etc., but otherwise I'd rather leave the decision as to how much/many of my modifications to accept or reject to the author. I've updated my Editor Profile accordingly.

I must say that editing this first story was fun! The author has a great storyline that's very arousing, but I think needed a little trimming and rewording to make the story flow well and be easier to read as well as creating imagery in the readers mind. It makes me want to try my hand at authorship myself!

 

[robertreams]

Open Office also has Changes--record.

 

[LWulf]

Gmail has an edit text program that allows, I think, any format to be edited in a strike through colored text format.

as far as I know, there isn't a maximum text amount on gmail. I probably just jinxed it.