TOP 10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TECH EDitING COSTS DOWN
Maximize your precious time with your tech editor, and get the best results! 🧶 ✏️
Having your pattern reviewed by an editor is well worth it, but it can seem like a costly (and sometimes daunting) investment. There are some easy ways to make sure the pattern editing process goes smoothly, saving you unnecessary costs. Read on!
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH - Find your editor through a reputable source. The Tech Editor Hub and The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) have directories, and Ravelry has a directory group for tech editors. Also, fellow designers are a useful resource for finding a great tech editor, and many are willing to share their recommendations.
2. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE/ONLINE PRESENCE - A good tech editor will have a clear, easy-to-follow online presence that provides all necessary information. Look for reviews and testimonials. Think about it this way, a website is a representation of the editor’s skill, style, and attention to detail. If their website is messy or confusing, it’s likely that errors may be missed in your pattern.
3. ASK FOR AN ESTIMATE - Most tech editors are willing to give a free estimate of cost and time, based on a brief look at your pattern file. Keep in mind, however, these are just estimates! Sometimes a pattern will reveal bigger problems during the editing process, and the time spent may increase. A tech editor should inform you of any significant changes in the estimate so you can confirm the cost before proceeding.
4. ASK ABOUT THEIR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE - Newer tech editors may be willing to offer a discounted price in exchange for a testimonial, mention or referral from you. More experienced editors may charge more, but are quicker to finish the project. Ask about their pay structure. Do they charge by the hour or are they on a fixed pricing scale? Do they offer a deal for multiple services or patterns?
5. CLEAR COMMUNICATION - Make sure you have a clear and honest conversation with your editor before the process starts, outlining exactly what it is you would like them to check. Do you only need proof-reading? Would you like charts checked against written instructions? Has the grading been reviewed? Miscommunication can lead to unwanted costs. Not all editing jobs are the same, and you want your editor to be very clear on your expectations. Also, don’t be afraid to check-in mid-project to make sure things are on track.
THE NEXT 5 TIPS FALL UNDER ‘DO YOUR PART’ AND ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO KEEP TECH EDITING COSTS MANAGEABLE!
6. STYLE SHEETS - If you’re a newer designer and do not have a style sheet, many editors can create one for you. You can also start your own, based off of your previous patterns, or examples of patterns you like. A style sheet is a template that an editor will compare your pattern to, matching the format and style exactly. Style sheets are a useful tool, because they eliminate ambiguity or any back-and-forth questioning that may add time and money.
7. REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW - It’s no surprise that the more errors you catch before the pattern is sent to the editor, the less time they have to spend finding them. Reread your pattern for clarity, inconsistencies and spelling mistakes. It may be more work, but it can significantly reduce editing time.
8. DO ALL THE STEPS MAKE SENSE? ARE THEY ALL PRESENT? - Is your garment possible to make with the information given? Will the knitter be able to folllow the process from step-to-step? Designers often forget to include important steps because they seem like common knowledge. Of course you knit the second sock after the first is complete! Even the most obvious steps need to be spelled out, from what size needles to cast on with, to how to block the finished garment. Think about writing the pattern for the lowest level of knitter who would purchase it.
9. ABBREVIATIONS - One thing that adds unnecessary time to tech editing jobs is checking for consistency amongst abbreviations. Often abbreviations are used but not defined in the pattern, or they are defined in the pattern but not used. Abbreviations are written one way in the Abbreivations Section, but used in multiple different ways throughout the pattern (think: k1p1 and k1p1 rib and 1x1 rib and knit 1, purl 1 ribbing all in the same pattern). Checking for these small inconsistencies can be a helpful way to save editing time.
10. PROVIDE PICTURES - The best way for a tech editor to envision a garment is by referring to images of the sample, shown at multiple angles. Ideally, provide photos that show the front, back and any special details of the garment. If you do not have images, provide a clear paragraph explaining the method of construction, and any other tips that may be helpful for the tech editor to know about the garment. See my blog post about taking great pattern photos here.
REMEMBER THE THREE ‘C’s:
COMMUNICATION, CLARITY AND COLLABORATION!
Your t
ech editor wants you to succeed!