by C.K. MacLeod
I recently got back my book manuscript from my copyeditor. She uses track changes and comments in Microsoft Word to suggest improvements. In fact, many editors use Microsoft Word for editing. This article will tell you why.
In a book-length document, it’s possible to miss a suggestion from your editor, especially tiny punctuation insertions:
Here’s how to avoid missing your editor’s suggestions:
In Word 2010, go to Review tab, Changes area. Click on the Next button to move your cursor from change to change.
Or, a faster way is to assign a keyboard shortcut for the Next function. You’ll only need to do this once.
In Word 2010, go to File, Options, Customize Ribbon, Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize.
Select Review Tab in the Categories area.
Select NextChangeOrComment in the Commands area. That’s essentially the Next button in the ribbon. Assign a keyboard shortcut in the Press New Shortcut Key area. I use Ctrl+N,C (NC means Next Change).
Click Assign.
If you’re using other versions of Word, see this article for specific instructions for assigning a shortcut key to functions in ribbons and menus.
You can now use Ctrl+N,C to move from change to change in your manuscript in Word. You’ll never miss a suggestion from your editor again!
Image by sethoscope