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Time for another tech editor interview!
Recently I interviewed Bonnie Davis of https://bluecrabknits.com/. Bonnie is a published writer for both online and in print children’s and adult magazines with credits in fiction, articles about writing, and children’s non-fiction.
She has 60+ years of experience in yarn crafts and offers technical editing services for knitting and crochet patterns.
She is an inspiration to all of us, demonstrating that one's life experience is our top asset to becoming a great editor.
The following is an excerpt from the blog.
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What made you decide to become a technical editor?
I had been following discussions on Ravelry for several years regard technical editing. Although it sounded interesting, I knew I was not as strong in math as I was in writing and grammar. Also, I was afraid that editing patterns would turn a hobby into work, which I didn’t want.
A few years previously, I had enrolled in TKGA Master Handknitting Course. I completed the first of three segments but bogged down working on the second. I was so focused on making every stitch perfect that I lost all the enjoyment that I experienced with knitting. Working the TKGA course made me so tense and paranoid about every yarn choice, every stitch, every aspect of my knitting, that I could not knit for pleasure anymore. It was so consuming that I had to walk away from the course in order to start knitting for fun again. I was afraid that technical editing yarn patterns would cause the same problems.
However, I liked the idea of a job I could do at home on my own schedule. A job that was not physically demanding. And a job that would let my use both my writing experience and my degree. So, I checked out The Tech Editor Hub’s course, the only one I was aware of at the time. In working through the program, I soon discovered that I really enjoy editing. Even though I still struggle with marketing and technical areas such as producing promotional material, I think technical editing is a great fit for my skills and my semi-retired lifestyle.
What has been the hardest part of tech editing for you?
I lack social media technical knowledge and am totally ignorant of marketing skills. I have made lots of progress by teaching myself how to use annotation software, Instagram basics, and limited spreadsheet how-to’s. I still struggle with marketing and technical areas such as producing promotional material. I have started learning Canva but am still in kindergarten with so much technical stuff. I think, no, I know, that my age at 71 has, somewhat, hindered me. I seem to be able to learn any new knit or crochet technique that comes along, but technology is a bugbear for me. Guess that is a bit ironic for a technical editor.
What's the best piece of wisdom you've heard or read lately?
Several months ago, I was thinking about retiring. I was becoming frustrated and discouraged about marketing my tech editing business. I felt certain that my age was becoming a liability because of my lack of skills in technology and social media content production.
In a coaching session with Sarah Walworth, she provided several techniques for helping me to improve some of my skills in this area. Additionally, she gave me this insight. She told me that my age was an asset and not a liability. My years of experience in knitting and crochet gave me an in-depth knowledge base. She also pointed out that my work experience in customer service was an advantage in knowing how to communicate with clients and suggest changes without intimidating.
Most of all, she suggested that my experience as a published author meant that I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of the editing experience, and as such, some idea of what a designer might feel about receiving my edits. She said this perspective could only help me to better communicate my edits to designers.
Life experience is a good thing.
Do you have any advice for editors who are just starting out? Like, if you could travel back in time to old Bonnie and whisper some wisdom to yourself, what would you say?
First, if you don’t already feel comfortable with spreadsheets, learn how to use them. Even after 5 years as a tech editor, I still do my math checks manually. Not a big deal since I prefer to edit accessories. But if you want to edit sweaters, spreadsheets are a big deal.
Second, take time to learn what you want to edit and what you prefer not to edit. Tons of math is just not in my wheelhouse. I sometimes think that I want to learn grading, but I have procrastinated to the point that I realize I probably never will. The true desire to do that is just not there. That’s okay. I am happiest working with accessories. They are graded, as well, just not to the extent that sweaters are graded.
In other words, it is fine to specialize. Edit what you feel comfortable with and knowledgeable about. Do what makes you happy.
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Get found!
Meg Casebolt helps online businesses get found in search results like Google and YouTube, and she joined us in the Community to do a presentation just for tech editors.
Learn how SEO can free you from relying solely on social media for marketing, and find out how to switch up your strategy to have the search engines work for you.
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In the FB Group
Share your services and promote yourself in our February promo thread.
How do you add grading and schematics to your service offers?
Waxwing Yarn Company is looking for a pattern ghostwriter.
Playing around with Roosimine colorwork,
Sarah
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I am a knitting technical editor, author, and sweater nerd. I like coffee, puzzles, many books (all at once), and a good sniff of yarn fumes. This Hub is all about helping *you* find success as a technical editor from any direction that works.
When you are ready:
- Learn to tech edit knitting patterns or crochet patterns. Get training and real pattern practice before you take on clients.
- Schedule a strategy session with me. Go deep and get unstuck.
- Join the editor-only community for collaboration, 24-7 support and more skills, including building that business.
- Or just book a virtual cuppa with me. How can I help you?
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