How do I edit, comment, and collaborate in real time?

PubliWrite’s editor allows authors and collaborators to work on a manuscript together in real time.

Depending on their role and permissions, collaborators can edit the manuscript, leave comments, reply to feedback, and help review the book before publication.

Who can edit the manuscript?

Collaborators with editing permissions can make changes directly in the manuscript.

This may include actions such as:

• Adding or editing text
• Restructuring chapters or sections
• Making formatting changes
• Reviewing and improving manuscript content

Changes are saved automatically as you work, helping reduce the risk of losing progress.

How do comments work?

Comments are useful when you want to suggest changes, ask questions, or leave feedback without editing the manuscript directly.

To leave a comment:

1. Open the manuscript in the editor.
2. Highlight the text you want to comment on.
3. Click the comment icon.
4. Write your comment.
5. Save or submit the comment.

Collaborators can reply to comments to discuss suggestions or clarify feedback.

How do I resolve comments?

Once a comment has been addressed, it can be marked as resolved.

Resolving comments helps keep the manuscript workspace clean and makes it easier to focus on feedback that still needs attention.

Depending on your permissions, you may also be able to delete comments that are no longer needed.

How does real-time collaboration work?

When multiple people work on the same manuscript, changes can appear in the editor as they are made.

This helps collaborators stay aligned and reduces the need to send separate manuscript files back and forth.

If live indicators are available, you may also be able to see when another collaborator is active in the manuscript.

Steps for real-time editing and commenting

1. Open your manuscript in the editor.
2. Make sure your collaborators have the correct permissions.
3. Edit the manuscript directly if your role allows editing.
4. Highlight text and use the comment icon to leave feedback.
5. Reply to comments when you need to discuss feedback.
6. Resolve comments once the feedback has been addressed.
7. Use version history if you need to review previous changes.

Why use comments instead of editing directly?

Comments are helpful when you want to suggest something without changing the author’s text immediately.

Use comments when you want to:

• Ask a question
• Suggest a rewrite
• Flag something unclear
• Discuss a section with collaborators
• Leave editing notes for later

Use direct editing when the change is final or already agreed with the author.

Related articles

• How does PubliWrite’s collaborative editor work?
• What permissions do collaborators have in the editor?
• How do I manage changes and version history?
• How do I format my book for publication?
• How do I start writing a new book on PubliWrite?

Updated on: 22/05/2026