If you missed my last newsletter, I started a conversation about my views on AI and our work. You can read it HERE. Feel free to share with friends.
We editors do help designers and publishers get things right in patterns. We make sure that the numbers and all the stuff related to making is correct. If we get confused when working through a section, we help the designer achieve more clarity and give the makers a better experience with the instructions. We love a little consistency check, ensuring that every abbreviation is used the same way and that all the periods and commas and colons are where they should be.
Some people are worried that computers will be able to do these kinds of tasks. Not anytime soon, and I would argue (in addition to what I wrote earlier) that you, dear editor, provide something AI will never, ever be able to: all kinds of beautiful human connections and interactions that are necessary to creating. I've organized some beginning with C (alliteration lover I am).
Collaboration
Designing can be a lonely task and often a long one, with lots of problem solving. Sometimes there is no way for designers to get good answers to their questions. By the time a pattern gets to me, the designer may have many questions. How should I list gauge? Is this phrasing better? What do you think of this chart symbol? Better yet, can you make me a new symbol? We editors are on the design team, and we have seen many more patterns than they ever will, so the editing process becomes a great space to tap our brains and solve the issues they are stuck on.
Commiseration
We're finding errors and problems, which places the designer in a vulnerable state. I love to commiserate with the designer over the difficulty that is pattern writing. Hat tip to my colleague Annie Lin, who inspired me to ask about this challenge when I onboard a pattern: What part of this design was hard for you? What did you struggle with that I might need to pay closer attention to?
Courage
It just happened to me again. I worked with a designer on a couple patterns, and they said, "I think I am ready now to redo that pattern I have been wanting to update for years. Would you help me?" This happens so often; I have just come to expect it. Our relationship gives designers courage to grow, do something harder than they thought possible before. An accessory designer will now want to design sweaters. A children's garment designer will now feel inspired to add adult sizes to their designs. Another designer will ask if you will help them edit their first book. We editors revive previously dormant dreams.
Confidence
Every marking, every comment, every green check mark offers your client reassurance, a certainty that their pattern will work, a deep validation that they can design and write patterns. A verification that all their hard work is going to land well in the makers' hands when they release it.
Of course, these kinds of things don't just appear the first time we edit for someone. As we move through pattern after pattern for our repeat clients, we grow, and they grow.
The back and forth over commas and style and chart repeats produces something intangible, profound, and more than what one person alone can do. This synergy and play between minds can't be produced by a computer.
Look closely at your relationships with your clients. What do they tell you is great for them in their feedback and conversations with you? What is underlying and maybe not outright said?
I am so relieved.
Now I want to do this pattern I have had on the back burner for awhile.
I thought I had that right!
Yes, you do help provide a good pattern text, but aren't these things I listed above super important services?
In a future newsletter, I'll discuss how to roll all these very wonderful human things into your marketing. It's easier than you think.
--
Do these C words resonate with you? Which one did I leave out? Hit reply and tell me.
|
|
7 weeks = get started!
Crochet patterns are hot hot hot and designers need you.
Apply all your experience with hook and yarn to work with designers to make patterns better and increase their confidence and reputation.
Work step-by-step through real crochet patterns and get the practice and instruction you need to take on clients. Click below!
|
In the free Facebook Group
Add your services to our April promo thread.
Definitely need a project I don't have to look at to watch baseball,
Sarah
|
|
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?
|