[shakna]

> My question is, if change tracking is so important, why use Word instead of any of the dozens of workflows where change tracking is a first class citizen?

The simple answer is, and always will be, that it is what your editor uses.

I would prefer to use LaTeX for most of my published works. It allows me to be more precise in layouts, and do things that are just downright convoluted in Word.

But if the editor uses Word, then you don't have a choice. You're not changing the publishing house.

[kayodelycaon]

I've seen what a self-published author who is proficient LaTeX can do. The physical book is absolutely beautiful. I don't think Word could replicate it and only a pdf could capture it on a digital device. Your basic Kindle ebook is a bit more limited.