Writing with Word

[Mr Nobody]

I write to a single doc, but have three back-ups (laptop or main PC, depending on which I've been using; portable HDD, AND a copy on a flash-drive), which I make daily. Once every five chapters, I'll make a hard copy. I also tend to save whenever I pause for thought (sometimes I click save three or four times just to be sure). The reason for that is, one time, I had written about 25 pages on this day (long old day, that one). I hadn't saved. I thought it had autosaved, but apparently not. So, somehow, I hit keys to type and the whole load of text disappears. Totally empty, white screen. The slider shows no other pages above or below. I've deleted the lot by accident.
Refusing to panic, I go back and reopen the file...and then find that I have basically just wasted a whole day. And of course, that story didn't work out the same way again. Man, I could have cried.

On subbing: it all depends what they ask for, but if it doesn't explicitly say 'E-subs preferred' or something similar, it's hard copy in the mail. The real key is to give them what they want, how they want it. Don't make it easy for them to say 'No'.

[Albie]

This is a question for all you writers out there. Those of you that use Word, be it on a PC or an Apple, do you break the story into chapters, opening a new window each time, or do you let it run in the same window. I'm not a writer but I am interested in the style that writers use.
Thanks.

For myself, I do it by Chapter. It makes it easier to edit. I can find things quicker. When I have gone beyond the second or third draft of all the chapters, I begin to consider the arrangement. I put it all into one continuous document when I feel 80% ok with what I've written.

Note: I tell myself I am 95% ok with it but after it's together I find I make as much as 20% changes as I proof it.

It is never perfect. At some point, I have to let it go. Once I have let it go, I still have the urge to go back edit some more. I am not sure that urge will ever leave.

I see that same urge in SK's Different Seasons especially in The Body. Even King has that urge to perfect older writing. He mentions it after the story about Chico. It makes me feel like I am in good company.

[Albie]

I submit as a Word Attachment via email.

[Balrog21]

I use both ways...i find now that i am working hard on my novel it's easier to break it up in chapters. with short stories i dont need to break it up.

Yep, i email myself a copy of the day's work, save it, and print it out.

I have found here recently there are SEVERAL different formats that potential publishers want for a submission. Frankly, I see this a bit much. Why they can't just use one plain methos is beyond me....i.e. double spaced, must be single spaces no hard returns, must have one space after periods, etc etc etc..i can get quite confusing to say the least...but anyway...submitting..submitting..submitting...the job never stops.
hope this helps a little in what you were asking?
best,
Bal