Understand why the question is there
A query marks a point where the editor cannot safely determine the intended meaning or correct information. It may concern a date, an unclear pronoun, a missing source, or a contradiction between two sections. The question protects the document from an unsupported assumption.
Read the query with its surrounding passage. Before answering, check whether the same uncertainty appears elsewhere. A local wording problem may reveal a larger decision about terminology, scope, or the strength of a claim.
Answer the specific uncertainty
If the editor asks which of two dates is correct, provide the correct date and identify the source or reason when useful. “Looks fine” does not resolve the conflict. If the answer requires more investigation, say who will check it and leave the query open.
For a question about meaning, explain the intended point in ordinary language. You do not need to supply polished replacement prose immediately. A clear explanation gives the editor a basis for suggesting wording that preserves the intended distinction.
Separate facts from preferences
A factual answer and a stylistic preference should not be presented as the same kind of decision. “The event happened in May” resolves a factual uncertainty. “We prefer to spell out the month” establishes a convention that may apply throughout the document.
If a decision changes a recurring term or format, record it in the style sheet. That avoids answering the same question repeatedly and helps other contributors apply the decision consistently.
Resolve disagreements constructively
When you disagree with a suggested change, explain what the original does that the revision loses. You might want to preserve uncertainty, maintain a deliberate rhythm, or keep a technical distinction. That gives the discussion a practical objective.
Rejecting one revision does not necessarily remove the issue that prompted it. If the original is ambiguous, look for another wording that preserves your intent and resolves the ambiguity. The choice is rarely limited to the first two versions on the page.
Finish with a complete review
Before making a clean copy, check that each query is resolved, assigned, or deliberately retained for a later stage. Unresolved comments can otherwise disappear when a document is exported or sent to production.
Read passages you changed while answering queries. New writing can introduce inconsistencies of its own. Keep the returned edited file as a reference and make the final publication version from a clearly identified reviewed copy.