I had a day last week where I spent most of it not editing. I created agreements, onboarded clients, answered emails, messed around with some of the tech I was trying to implement. None of it was paid work, just the admin side of my business.
Has this happened to you?
Some of us start editing without a clear plan. We start editing like we may start a sweater project, we wing it without actually reading the pattern or swatching. We take on whatever editing work comes our way and tell a few people that we're editing. We jump in and hope for the best. We have a general idea that we'd like to make some yarn money and do something with our craft besides sit in our chair and make. We're enthusiastic, we know our stuff, we love to help, but we don't know if what we are setting up will actually work.
Others of us did have a plan and goal when we got started, but perhaps we are slowly creeping into burn out, overwhelmed by inefficient processes, or struggling to get clients.
We get into technical editing because we love to edit, we are inspired by our conversations with designers, we squee a little when a gorgeous design lands in our inbox, we hum as we burrow into the reference books on our shelves to find the exact instructions for that technique.
But invoicing, bookkeeping, calendars, deadlines, emails...uuughhh.
This was and is me. Is this you?
Where is your business at? And how are you feeling about it?
Facts are that running any kind of business requires planning, goal setting, operations and financial management. There is just no way around it if you want to be successful. And to have a growing business requires some regular planning and assessment of key metrics. Wouldn't it be great to do this quarterly with other editors and get help and feedback?
This is why I created the Business Gauge Check! Just like checking your stitch size as you work on a project (so that it will fit correctly), this workshop will help you measure your current business operations and ensure they align with your dream vision of a great tech editing business.
I have opened a special space in The Tech Editor Hub Community for all technical editors to join us for free for three interactive sessions, live Q&As, and chat.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Insight and Clarity: Understand your business’s current state and its potential.
- Alignment with Your Goals: Ensure your business is on the right path.
- Confidence in Your Next Steps: Decide whether to continue operating as is or make necessary adjustments.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll move from uncertainty to confidence, and you will have a clear, actionable plan for the coming three months. Here's what some of your colleagues said about the last Business Gauge Check:
"It was just what I needed and has given me so much to think about."
"I uncovered a lot of useful insights about my business and what I need to change."
"I'm feeling inspired."
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Ready to be inspired and excited about your business?
Imagine stepping into your editing each day with a sense of purpose and direction. If this sounds like something you need, click below to sign up for this free workshop. There is no obligation or purchase necessary to join. You just need to be a tech editor, that is all!
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In the FB Group
Fiona is looking for someone who can create crochet charts. If you or someone you can recommend offer this service let her know.
Do you have a service that would be helpful to fiber artists and designers? Feel free to share those in the comments of our November Promo Thread.
Sweata weatha,
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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