As a writer and as an editor, I like both track changes and in-line comments. Especially when I am editing a writer for the first time, I want to be able to explain my reasons for some of the edits. I usually know when I'm working with an experienced writer who understands the mechanics, so explanations for every single edit are unnecessary; writers who are beginning or perhaps writing in English but speak another language tend to appreciate the opportunity to learn more about why certain edits are required.
Track changes is the industry standard for receiving feedback from editors. For my magazine clients, I work directly in Google Docs, but for my book projects, I communicate with editors through track changes in MS Word. It's an easy feature that allows editors to develop manuscript material through firm suggestions and gentle advice and through comments and direct editing. You can see any changes made through text that turns a different color. The program adds small markings on the (usually) left hand side of the document when the editor has altered anything.
As an editor, I prefer to use track changes to show authors what I have changed and often I can explain why. This gives them the opportunity to then accept or reject my changes. Most often, they work on their manuscript after I have made changes and do rewrite inspired by my edits.
My preferred method for receiving and reviewing feedback from editors is a combination of both track changes and in-line comments. Track changes allow me to see the exact edits made to the document, while in-line comments provide context and explanations for those edits. The main advantage of this approach is that it offers clarity and transparency-I can quickly understand what changes were made and why, which helps me improve the quality of my work without confusion. This method also makes it easier to collaborate efficiently and address feedback comprehensively.