Let's continue the conversation. The big question is: Will AI replace yarn pattern tech editors? I think not anytime soon (if at all), and you can read what I wrote about it here and here. Hit reply and tell me your thoughts on this important topic!
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Pull up any Reddit thread on AI and jobs, and you will read a lot of fear, worry, and panic. These hard feelings are infectious, and they can begin to influence what we do and decide in our business. My suggestion is that we instead serve our clients and market ourselves based on the facts of what we actually do, not the fear of what might happen.
Here's some facts of what I found recently: A red repeat box was not visible in the sea of a colorwork pattern chart; a charted stitch pattern was correct number-wise but a key feature wouldn't line up row to row; techniques were missing sensible working instructions; designer instructed maker to choose a size based on parameters that actually opposed each other.
Have you been observing yourself work and keeping track of how not AI you are? Grab a pen and notepad and start recording some facts, my friend. Then talk about what you do as a human with incredible intelligence:
- Create a running list of all the weird non-typo things you have found in patterns on your website (anonymized, of course—don't call out your clients).
- Create a social media series describing errors AI can't find but designers can avoid.
- Be helpful: create a downloadable checklist for clients to work through to avoid errata, based on what you usually find in the patterns you edit.
- Make it a game: create regular social posts of "spot the mistake" examples (that aren't obvious) to start conversations and show you know your stuff!
- Create a grammar guide for patterns that clients can use (because even Grammarly gets things wrong, so wrong).
- Create a pattern-writing guide specific to the type of pattern you edit. Show your expertise and give your clients something to refer to as they work.
Marketing becomes easy when we remember that humans crave connection. We want to be seen, heard, and understood. As an editor, you have the distinct opportunity to foster incredibly supportive relationships with your clients. Here's some ways you can show the deeper benefits of working with you:
Rewrite your service list to be human-focused. Keep the laundry list of tasks in your agreement. On your website, and when you describe your work, talk in a way that places the designer and their makers in the most important place in the process, while relating the results and impact they will experience after you are done editing.
Instead of "make sure your pattern's numbers are correct," say, "your makers won't find stitch count errors when they work your design."
See the difference?
Talk to your clients and audience about the hard things in designing and making. Ask questions about what they are worried about and what struggles they have. Create social posts and blog posts on it, or go live together to discuss these aspects. Provide solutions or maybe just hold a space for the discussion. Show future clients that you have their back, and that being edited is not scary but a collaborative process. Show makers you are invested in helping the industry create excellent patterns.
Give options for face-to-face connection. Offer 15-minute video consults for people to meet you before they hire you to ask questions about the editing process. Nothing sells your nerdy services better than you explaining in person the glorious workflow you have devised, and how excited you are to find their missing commas and colons.
Offer coaching and consulting for designers at the beginning and middle of their design process. People often feel lost at certain points in designing. Your experience and expertise is a treasure to be tapped, to give encouragement and confidence, but also to eventually reduce their editing costs!
Lastly, and most importantly, be yourself and don't be afraid to use humor in all your marketing. AI isn't funny yet, and it certainly cannot match your wit and perspective after correcting all those patterns.
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Got plans?
Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere and I've got a FREE workshop happening NOW for editors that you can do by the pool, on a blanket under a tree, or sitting on your porch.
It's all in our Community app, accessible on your phone. Print out the downloads, grab a pen and a favorite beverage, and get some magic for yourself:
- Clarity: 3 goals for June-July-August
- Confidence: you know who you want to work for and why you are doing it
- Less stress: you know exactly how you are doing money-wise.
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In the FB Group
What software do you use to create crochet charts?
Pia is looking for some ideas for a symbol used in a drop stitch pattern.
Add your info to the June self-promotion thread!
I am knitting a blanket (and it is 83 degrees),
Sarah
p.s. The free planning workshop is only available until next Friday, 6/13. While the workshop is open, you can come check out the Community for free for a week and watch the replay of the Jen Parroccini's size inclusion orientation. We would love to have you.
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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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