Automating Your Edits  

Suggests several uses of Microsoft Word's macro capabilities to help editors improve their speed and consistency. Macros, for example, are customized keystroke commands.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2001). Articles>Editing>Software>Microsoft Word

Editing Guidelines for Software Documentation

Software documentation can be difficult to review, so it helps to have some editing guidelines to keep you focused. Let's face it; software documentation isn't exactly exciting reading material. But you should be able to complete the job in a productive manner if you keep your coffee cup full and follow the editing guidelines below.

HelpScribe (2008). Articles>Documentation>Editing>Software

Electronically Indicating Approvals or Rejections of Editorial Changes

This technique (involving two macros) works in Word97, but not in Word6 or 7/95. The requirement is to indicate (for audit purposes) whether an editorial change was accepted or rejected by the author or other authority.

Hollis Weber, Jean. Technical Editors Eyrie (2002). Articles>Editing>Software>Microsoft Word

Identifying Additions and Deletions, Part I: Using Compatible Software  

Hart describes the problems and possibilities of Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2001). Articles>Editing>Software>Microsoft Word

Identifying Additions and Deletions, Part II: Incompatible Software  

Hart describes the difficulties of viewing electronic edits when the editor and the author are using incompatible software, and offers tips for working around these difficulties.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2002). Articles>Editing>Software>Video

Improving Your Editing Efficiency: Software Skills, Soft Skills, and Survival Skills  

Editing efficiently involves a mix of software skills, soft (human) skills, and strategies for surviving chaos. Although software skills are certainly important--we never have as much time as we need, and computers really can help--we must still nurture author-editor relationships. Knowing the strategies battle-scarred editors have developed over the years can save you from duplicating those scars. In this paper, I'll discuss the software skills you'll need to work efficiently, how to cope with the human factors involved in editing, and some strategies for managing the often-chaotic editorial life.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Editing>Software