Is Scrivener involved in the editorial process, or is it strictly a writer's development tool?

Question

Is there any reason that an editor should know how to use Scrivener? I generally see manuscripts after they're out of draft but before proofreading. (I'm an editor.) However, I see a lot of talk about Scrivener on this site, and I'd like to know more about what it can do. I've read [the developer's website](http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php). I suspect, given the love I see for the program, that this is an oversimplification, but it looks to me like a cross between an outliner, a note organizer, and a word processor. However, what happens when you have to send the writing off to the editor? Do you compile the project into Word format? What happens when you get changes back? If you want to keep going in Scrivener at that point, can you do so? I spend a lot of time on the notes I write authors, sometimes explaining *why* I made a change. (If they don't like my changes, then at least they know what the problem is.) Is there some way to Scrivener-proof my notations, or is that a non-issue?

Answer 1

Good question.

I have used Scrivener as a writer but not as an editor.

Microsoft Word with Track Changes is somewhat of an industry standard for an editor marking up a manuscript to show the client/writer the edits she suggests. Google Docs Suggesting mode is a close second.

Like I said, I’ve used Scrivener as a writer but would consider myself a beginner. I’ve never been asked to edit copy for a client in Scrivener however.

Hope that helps.

Jennifer K.

Writing Tutor & Editor