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Frequently asked questions - Using editor feedback, markups and reports

What will I receive?

Depending on the options you select when making or authorizing your request, you'll receive:

• An edited version of your document file
• Hardcopy markups of required edits
• A 'delta' file showing the changes that the editor made in your document (in either PDF or Word format)
• Editor's notes, indicating any outstanding issues or followup work you need to perform in your text  

What is a 'delta' file?

A delta file shows the changes that were made during the edit (the delta between your original document and the revised document). The changes are shown in the form of 'Microsoft Word' style markups in an Acrobat PDF document, or as change tracking within a Word version of your document.

What are 'editor notes'?

Editor notes provide information about unresolved issues the editor has identified in your document. The notes may also include specific actions you should take to improve the quality of your content. (Editor notes usually address items that fall outside the type of edit you requested, or require your substantive input as the author.) The notes are usually provided as a list enclosed in or attached to an email, sent with your revised file.

Why are the datestamps in my edit markups incorrect?

InternetEdit editors share a pool of editing workstations. As part of InternetEdit's computer security practices, some of the workstations are configured so that their system clocks are advanced (by between three hours and a week), and other workstations are configured so that their system clocks are retarded. This allows InternetEdit to detect malware 'logic time bombs' and unintentional clock-sensitive software problems before such problems can affect the entire InternetEdit system.

This is a very old but effective practice for detecting and mitigating certain types of computer problems. An unfortunate side effect is that the timestamps that appear for edits that have been performed on some workstations may be pushed forward or back. While these timestamps are of no use to you (since you probably don't care when precisely an InternetEdit editor made a specific change in your document), it can be confusing to some customers to see a timestamp dated before they submitted the document to us, or after the document was returned.

If for some reason you do need accurate timestamping, please let us know when you submit the document. We will ensure that it is edited on a time-accurate workstation.

If I make changes once I receive my edit, will InternetEdit re-edit the document for free?

InternetEdit will often provide no-charge followup checks of changes to the document that an author has made in response to editor notes. In some cases, additional free follow-up services may be available. To find out if your edit qualifies for any free follow-up services, please inquire with the helpdesk by replying to the email used to deliver your revised file.

Why has the editor asked me to check my own content?

Typically, editors will suggest that authors check their own content in situations where the editors suspect or identify substantive problems in the content (such as errors in author names or document titles in references), and the type of edit requested does not include substantive coverage. There may also be other situations where an editor is unable to make changes immediately due to ambiguities in the content.

When possible, an editor will execute any required changes during the edit (based on the coverage provided for that type of edit). When this is not possible, the editor will usually flag items to the author in the editor notes.

Can I get my delta file in another format?

By default, InternetEdit provides delta files in either PDF or Word format. If you require a delta file in another format, we may be able to comply. Remember to specify your requirements in detail when you make your request.

Can I talk to the editor to ask questions?

Normally all contact between the customer and the editor will go through the helpdesk. This provides a consistent, professional interface for all customer interactions, and helps InternetEdit manage client relationships and editor effort. We may provide direct contact between the editor and the customer for large, complex edit requests made by customers who have InternetEdit accounts. For other edits and customers, the helpdesk will be happy to help you manage your edit and address any content issues.

Can I get a writing critique?  

Writing critiques are not provided as part of our editing services. InternetEdit's goal is to maximize the quality and effectiveness of your documents and content, and not to improve your writing skills. That being said, you can often learn a lot about how to improve your writing and address chronic writing issues by carefully reviewing any delta files or editor notes provided with your revised document.