It is extremely tough to edit a PDF file. Why? PDF files typically are not meant to be edited. Regularly, professional editors are asked, "How do users edit a PDF file?" The simple answer is, "You really do not." PDF-which stands for Portable Document Format- is a structure that is meant to be a final product. That is to say, it is meant to be viewed, not edited. For example, a PDF is the publishable version of a brochure, a web write-up, or an e-book. The editing needs to have been completed before the file ever becomes a PDF, ideally in Microsoft Word, or some other flexible enhancing structure.

Professional editors, like the ones at FirstEditing.com, are occasionally asked to edit inside of a PDF document. This is especially true of self-publishing authors, who've had their e-books converted into a PDF before they are edited.A lot of first-time writers really do not comprehend how organic the editing process is. They're usually stunned when they get a file back and see all the red marks, comments, and questions from the skilled editor, and their work is not completed yet, either. Many of those edits must be reviewed and agreed upon or rejected by the writer. There is a lot of technical work on both sides.

Often, in looking to edit a PDF file versus a Word file, the editor will convert it to Word. This leaves the text intact and simple to edit, but converting it back to the PDF will not make it look as it previously did.If the writer does not want this to happen, the process becomes even more challenging. Real, substantive edits can only be done by the "owner" of your file, one with a password. Occasionally that is the author, but typically it is the publisher who formatted the book for the author. In any case, the editor does not have access. If an editor does try to edit the document in PDF form, the edit involves posting the proposed alterations in comment balloons, and in many cases, not actually being able to change the writing on the page.

Modifying or trying to edit inside a PDF structure is like trying to plant flowers in the concrete of one's patio, instead of putting them in potting soil. It is possible to do, but it will not be easy, and it does not make sense. Additionally, the patio may not survive the process. The exact same problem can occur with a file. All the formatting, pictures and graphics, web page numbers, and every other little detail can change when an editor works right in a PDF file.

Seeking to edit a PDF file, as opposed to editing a Microsoft Word document, just isn't a fantastic idea. Even simple final proofreading, handing over an edited model to be sure no errors have been overlooked, may be difficult with a PDF file. Therefore, please keep that in mind. Editing is a part of the writing process, not the completion of it. Try to do it in the most flexible format possible. When your manuscript is excellent, that's the time to convert it to a PDF.

Ms. Todd is an award-winning, full-time professional editor, published writer and marketing consultant whose passion is to help others create a letter-perfect presentation in their writing. Her extensive experience in coaching and management has allowed her to independently consult for numerous international editing services and websites.

Ms. Todd is an independent contractor who provides advisory and consulting services worldwide to numerous corporations, a small sampling of such businesses include: www.firstediting.com