Reduce MS word file size (pictures)

I have a document that I need to send to a colleague via e-mail. The problem is that the file has so many embedded pictures that the file is over 50mb.

Is there a way to change the embedded pictures into linked pictures so that I can just send the text in the file but maintain the documents format.

Once my colleague has finshed editing the word file and sent it back, I would need to have the pictures back in their places again.

Is there an easy solution for this or am I going to have to delete all the picture (over 80 of them) and then put them back in once I get the edited document back.

Would be gratefull for any suggestions. Thanks!

 

After a quick look at Word 2000 it appears that you can chose to insert, link to file, or insert and link a picture when you first place it in the document. I don't know what you would have to do to change it after the fact though

 

ZIP?
Send it in pieces?

 

The format of the pictures can make a huge difference in file size.

I just played with one to make sure and using .bmp files, it was well over twice as large as using the same pictures but saved as .jpg files.