Comparing Versions To Protect Against Inadvertent Changes

[Al Macy (aka TromboneAl)]

Since I have a background in programming, where changing a single byte can cause a catastrophic failure, I always worry that changing one small typo in a manuscript could lead to unintended errors (like a scene omitted, etc.).

I handle this by compiling my DOCX, ePub, MOBI, and PDF (for the paperback) in Scrivener and then comparing the new and old versions. It doesn't take long. Here's what I use:

DOCX: Compare in Libreoffice
ePub: Compare in Calibre
MOBI: Can't do it easily
PDF for paperback: https://draftable.com/compare (if you're okay with doing it online)

One other tip to help you keep track of versions:

[guest14]

Do you keep all your old versions?

I tend to use the saved date for each file, then as I get past three versions I just delete the old ones. If I make any substantial changes I add it into the scraps portion of my book, then I can always go back and retrieve it later.

[Al Macy (aka TromboneAl)]

Do you keep all your old versions?

Yes, I do. They don't get in the way, and I figure that they take up almost no space compared with the size of my hard disk.



B=Beta
P=Proofreader
RC=Release Candidate