Using Macros in Your Writing Process
A more efficient way to write and edit
For every person who uses macros, there are probably at least two who have never heard of them or who think they’re too complicated — and therefore scary — to bother with.
Though a macro can be as complicated as you want it to be, there are a good number of them out there, ready to install and use, that can help your writing.
What is a macro?
A macro is simply a string of computer commands that allows your computer to run a set of tasks easily and automatically. You can write your own if you’re so inclined, or you can install macros that have been written by someone who loves doing that kind of stuff.
As a fiction editor, I receive manuscripts that range from neatly formatted to mildly chaotic, and starting with a level playing field can make all the difference in the world. The distraction of having to stop reading every few minutes to change a random straight quote to a curly quote, or something equally tedious, can really slow down progress and break your train of thought.
Who can use macros?
Many book editors use macros to streamline the editing process, as I mentioned above, often as a “clean sweep” type of tidying before getting down to…
