SO…WHAT EXACTLY WILL MY TECH EDITOR HELP WITH?
YAY! YOU’RE A NEW DESIGNER, Finally READY TO PUBLISH THAT FIRST PATTERN! 🎈🥳 👏🏻
BUT…WAIT! What tasks fall under your umbrella of responsibility, and what will a tech editor help you with? Read on for some clarity on what your tech editor WILL DO, WON’T (or shouldn’t 😳) DO, and what they MAY DO…
Your tech editor is a valuable person in the process of getting your pattern publication-ready. Here are some things you can expect that most tech editors will do, unless instructed otherwise.
WILL DO:
• Give you a clear and honest estimate, and indicate their timeframe for completion.
• Proofread for spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, as well as checking for redundant or missing information, clarity and confusing wording.
• Make sure all necessary information is present (measurements, needle sizes, all directions, finishing instructions, abbreviations, etc).
• Check math, grading, sizing and stitch counts for accuracy.
• Check yarn information/yardage for accuracy.
• Make optional suggestions for improvement by ASKING what you would like to do, not TELLING you what you should do.
• Check that charts, schematics and photos match the information given in the pattern.
• Give SOLICITED advice based on their experience and expertise.
• Check any facts given for accuracy, and that all links provided are active.
• Point out errors and make suggestions directly on the pattern for your consideration. You then make the desired changes.
• Recheck your pattern once you have made any changes, sometimes going back and forth multiple times until your standards are met.
• Be willing to pivot or make changes if necessary, and be open to constructive feedback.
• Send you an invoice as soon as both parties agree the pattern is complete, and expect payment in a timely manner.
Here are some things that most tech editors won’t (or shouldn’t!) do, unless alternate arrangements have been made.
WON’T/SHOULDN’T DO:
• Test knit your garment.
• Make design decisions unless directly consulted.
• Rewrite your pattern or make significant changes without your approval.
• Make the corrections for you; the tech editor’s job is to point them out.
• Publish your pattern.
• Advertise your pattern; however, agreements may be made that benefit both parties, such as tagging you on social media in exchange for a testimonial, for example.
• Share or reveal any part of your pattern that you have not given them explicit permission to share.
• Give UNSOLICITED advice or make any comments that are not intended to improve the pattern.
• Charge you for hours that you were unaware had accumulated.
• Take credit for or expect to be mentioned in the pattern.
• Ghost you 👻, or take an unreasonable amount of time to respond to emails.
Tech editors each bring different skillsets to the table. Here are some things they may offer, or be happy to do if you ask.
MAY DO:
• Offer additional services such as grading, chart-making, lay-out/graphic design, creating schematics or writing style sheets.
• Offer a deal or bundle services together for a discounted price.
• Collaborate with you on anything from design to advertising.
• Translate your pattern into other languages.
• Help with both knitting and crochet patterns.
• Edit and return your pattern with a very short turn-around time.
• Be open to exchanging services with you as a form of payment (bartering).
• Ask for feedback or a testimonial, both of which you are entitled to refuse.
• Ask if you are willing/likely to refer them to other designers.
Remember - if you aren’t sure whether your tech editor will perform a certain task, JUST ASK! They want to see you succeed, and should always be open to honest communication.
