Questions about MS Word

[CatdaBrat]

I bought a new laptop, and paid for Office 365. I only wanted one app on that bundle, which was MS Word. I never even opened the package (key card) because I discovered that the version of Word is "non-commercial", which means I cannot use it for selling my work to publishers.

I need the commercial license for Word but try as I may, I can't seem to find it. Does anyone know where I can locate this commercial version? I can't even find it on the Microsoft Store site.

Also, I am wondering if it is possible to buy a newer version of Word (2013) on a disc rather than a downloadable version. Another thing ... is every downloadable version limited to a one-year subscription rather than a one-time cost? Programs are expensive -- seems unfair that we can't keep what we purchase, but have to buy it all over again year after year.

I am leaning toward abandoning Word for good and seeing if there are any other word processing programs out there. Only thing is, most of the publishers I work with want Word, and all my previous files are on Word.

[daes13]

If you can save a file in a word doc and export it, then you can sell it. They don't have a license over your intellectual property. I'm not sure I even understand how the "commercial" aspect of MS Word interferes with sending work off to be published...

[CatdaBrat]

Thanks. Do you mean that if I created my article (or story) in MS Word but then copied and pasted the text into say, an email, I would be able to use the non-commercial version I have? There are some publishers that request the manuscript be in the body of an email so they don't have to accept attachments. But was just wondering about page formatting, slug lines, page numbering, etc., not being able to be carried over into an email. I really have to do some research.

[daes13]

I'm saying that, and you can send a MS Word doc of your material straight to them. I think almost everybody does. I don't think I've ever heard of any commercial problem.

[CatdaBrat]

Thanks, I was wondering how Microsoft figures it is entitled to a special licensing fee that would allow me to sell my work. That's like saying if I am a baker, I need to pay a licensing fee to the manufacturers of my cooking equipment and makers of all my ingredients that I use.

[daes13]

Exactly. It may be just the license agreement for other people who want to replicate the software.

[wrc]

Do not fret. Just use it as you well and send the result wherever you want. Those agreements are written by law firms, and as most people who have dwelt with lawyers much, as a group, most of them are money grubbers.

There are easier Word Processing Software available. Some are free. Do a search for 'shareware'.

Have a nice writing day.

[collegedropout]

OpenOffice (free download, the whole suite in one package)

No regrets.

[jimmymc]

Also, Libre office or Atlantis word processor

[JessicaWelch]

Google Docs is also a free word processor bundled with other applications like excel etc.