Free Editing, and how to do it

Last week I blogged about setting up a new group for authors who were happy to edit the work of other authors for free. Well, it's taken off in a way I could never have imagined in part due to the enormous enthusiasm of the members. We have even had people join who are not writing their own books but are still happy to help others with theirs. It's a reminder to me of what nice people there are in the world. If you're interested in joining the group, click here.
A question has arisen, however, about how to present a manuscript for editing. I thought it might help to have a few guidelines so that we are all "singing from the same hymn sheet . It's probably easiest if we follow the standard format which publishers suggest when submitting manuscripts:
If at all possible use Microsoft Word or a programme which is compatible with it. It's what most people have.Use a clear font (Times New Roman 12 point, for example) Paper size should be A4 (UK) or 8"x11" (American) with margins of at least 2cm and preferably 3.Line spacing should be set to double, but without extra spaces between paragraphs (I know it looks enormous, but in the old days of written editing it allowed space between the lines for annotations, and now it is standard)First lines of paragraphs should be indentedEach chapter should start on a new page, and starting it halfway down a page also looks better.Number the pages sequentially in the header or footer. Don't start numbering again with each new chapter.The header or footer should also contain the title of your work and your name and email addressIf you're editing a manuscript use "Track Changes" (in the review tab) to show any changes you make to the manuscript. You can also comment (review tab again) if you want to say anything more detailed about the text, for example, "This paragraph works really well."
Authors getting back an edited manscript, you need to know that lots of changes and annotations on your text is a good thing. It means the editor did a very thorough job. It doesn't mean the editor didn't like it, or that you're not a good writer, so don't be downcast if there are a lot of changes to work through. My first editor told me that a lot of red ink on my manuscript (she edited by pen in those days) is the sign of a good editor, not a bad manuscript.
Authors, remember too that it is your work. You don't have to accept the changes or suggestions your editor makes.