Working From a Single Google Doc During Editing
To give you the smoothest, most accurate editing experience, we work from one shared Google Doc—one file, one link.
Working From a Single Google Doc During Editing
This ensures every change, comment, and correction stays in the same place, and that you always see the most updated version of your manuscript.
Why We Use One File
Editing requires real-time collaboration. When multiple versions of a file exist—such as duplicates, cloned documents, or copies saved under new names—it becomes much harder to track updates. This can lead to:
- Missing or conflicting edits
- Comment threads disappearing
- Confusion about which version is “current”
- Delays in the editing timeline
Working from a single document keeps everything consistent and reduces the risk of crossed wires or editing older documents by accident.
Best Practices
To help your edit stay organized and efficient:
- Use only the shared Google Doc link provided by your editor.
This is the master version of your manuscript. - Do not create copies, clones, or alternate versions while your edit is in progress.
Even small side copies can cause version drift. - Make all revisions directly inside the shared document.
What Happens If Multiple Versions Exist?
If we discover multiple versions in your Google Drive, we may pause the edit until we confirm which file is the correct one. This prevents edits from happening to the wrong document but can cause a delay in your overall timeline.
To avoid delays, always return to the original shared link.
Need to Make a Structural Change?
If you need to move chapters, add scenes, or make larger edits during the process, simply do so within the same Google Doc. Your editor will review everything in context.
If a major rewrite requires a fresh file, your editor will let you know and provide a new link.