An Author's Guide to G Suite v Office 365
About 10 years ago my boss decided that what we REALLY needed to do was start using Google Docs (now G Suite) and would I be so kind as to become an overnight expert on it. You see, we never just USED things we sold them. And so I got really good at it, sold a few subscriptions and went to a few trainings.
That’s clearly why in my new IT job we’re using Office365. Wait, no, that’s something else entirely.
But suffice it to say I’m in the triple digits in creating, managing, training, and advising accounts on both platforms. In fact, I have both so you don’t have to, I’m just that kind of a person.
What they both do
Both systems are reliable, free (ad-supported) mail host. And they both offer online versions of their software. Storage for both is about 15GB which is a reasonable amount if you’re using it as your primary email, even if you’re a packrat.
Both offer online versions of their document suites which includes shareable functions, and these are pretty magical things for authors. Getting to know the security aspects of sharing the documents is worthwhile, and giving CPs and Betas the chance to comment right on Word/Docs is a great way to get deep into a hard revision.
Both offer the ability to share to accounts. The sharing to accounts assumes folks you’re sharing with have an account with them. This means one of the big weed out factors might be what your friends/betas/CPs/relatives are using. If you’re not huge on security you can share as a private link.
They both have really robust calendars and I personally think the world needs to use calendars more. Not just for reminders, important dates, or record events to make life a lot easier. In both you can create multiple kinds of calendars and if you’re quickly building a timeline you can easily make a calendar just for yourself.
G Suite
What’s different
Google Voice is the biggest difference. Google Voice gives you a phone number you can share with people without giving away your privacy and security. You can limit it’s ability to reach you, install the app/notifications when you need it:
Like at conventions, give THAT number to your handler and turn on notifications.
Put it on your site and have it be a voicemail box for press and read the VMs in your mail
Use it as a business number and have it only ring during “business hours”.
Who should use it?
People who want to share their documents but are worried about security. Because so many people use it
Microsoft Outlook/Office 365
What’s Different
The paid version. Subscription Outlook gives you copies of the Office Suite and, honestly, Google Docs can’t touch Word when it comes to compatibilty. They do annual for $69.99/yr or monthly for $6.99 and if you’re on a budget a month of Office Apps may still be worth it for MASSIVE copy edits.
Who should use it?
Traditionally published authors who have copy edits. SO MANY COMMENTS!!! Word is so entrenched in traditional publishing your brain will thank you.
There’s a quick summary. And trust me, it took a lot to keep it this short. I can wax philosophical about things so if you have questions feel free to ask them on Twitter @muliebris
If you know someone who might find this information useful please feel free to share!