Show All: Foe and Friend

What it is: It's a feature in Microsoft Word (and perhaps other programs) that allows users to see the root structure of a document. 

Why it's your foe: It allows any editor to see how your file is formatted and how closely you adhered to their guidelines. Did you put two spaces after a period when the guidelines expressly requested one space? Did you use tabs when the editor asked you to set indents by paragraph? With one click the editor can see what you did without going blind.

Why it's your friend:  It allows you to see what the editor sees and to fix any problems before you hit send..

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Here two screen shots without Show All.

1

2

Here are the same screen shots with Show All.

1 with Show All on

2 with Show All on

If you were an editor which file would you chose?
There are two truths about this:

One truth is this:   If you're of the mind that the issues in the second file are easy to fix, you are right.  Assuming the editor knows the short cuts, then yes, the fix will take a few minutes of their time. Lets also assume the editor is looking for something very specific and your story fits their needs exactly. Your story will sell.

Another truth is this: Writing is very competitive. Editors often must choose between two or three or more stories that meet their business needs. The key term here is business. Which is a better business decision?

There is also another truth about manuscript formatting. It's hard until it's easy. I will explain what's going on in example two and show you the tech stuff... eventually. (Writing and having a full time job and life means I do what I can when I can.)  In the meantime, here's how to add Show All to your tools ribbon:

1. Right click anywhere on your quick access toolbar.
2.  Click on  "Customize Ribbon".
3. Click on "More Options".
4. Change the options to "All Commands".
5. Scroll down to "Show All".
6. Choose the location you want. ( I placed mine under paragraph)
7. Click add.