Time for another tech editor interview! A couple weeks ago I interviewed Megan Wilding of Calm House Crafting. Megan is a UK-based crochet and knitting technical editor and designer. She an eternal lover of all things crafty, loves creating wonderful things with yarn, and is passionate about the process, especially when it involves learning new ways of working with yarn. She's always had a great eye for detail and her love for knitting and crochet has led to her career in technical editing and designing. Click below to watch the interview on YouTube or scroll down to read an excerpt from the blog transcript.
You can do anything with yarn, being crafty. There's a lot of options for careers. What made you decide to become a technical editor?
Well, to be honest, I didn't even know what a technical editor was or that the role even existed really. I found Carol Ibbotson, who runs a tech editor course here in the UK online. I came across her and discovered this whole world of tech editing. And I've always been quite nitpicky, yes, that's the right word. I can spot things and am quite detailed. I would always be the one to read through my friends' essays and things, and I quite like maths. I've got quite a mathsy brain, I suppose.
When I found out more about tech editing, I was just like, this is it. This feels like an amazing way to create a career out of something I love, which is, you know, yarn and knitting and crochet. But for me especially, it was the working from home on my computer, having the flexibility of the work because I've got young kids and for me very much family is my big priority. So the fact that I can do the tech editing around my kids, around family life, and still be there as and when they need me is just amazing and fantastic.
But yeah, it was just about carving a career out of my passion which has been amazing. The last few years has been a fantastic journey and I loved it.
What has been the hardest part of tech editing for you?
I've always been employed, but I freelance now so I'm in charge of my business, running it. Certainly in the initial stages, getting used to putting myself out there when I was looking for my first clients and touting for work, it didn't come naturally to sell myself. I am probably on the more introverted side. That was really tough in the beginning: putting myself out there and learning about the business-side of things.
The actual tech editing side of things is absolutely fine. That came quite naturally. It's more the other side of working for yourself and freelancing.
And social media—I very much have a love-hate relationship with it. Like it is great that it’s there and you can promote yourself, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. As I said, it’s been a bit of a journey over the last few years.
What's the best piece of wisdom you've heard or read lately?
Just keep going. You can do this. Anybody who's just starting out, it can be really daunting, especially the running the business and putting yourself out there and touting for clients and saying “hey, can I tech edit for you?” It’s tough, but you will get there. Just keep going one step at a time and believe in yourself.
It can sometimes be a little bit lonely, which is why it's fantastic to have the Community, really. Just join communities and get social and keep going. That's probably what I'd say to myself, really and to anyone, you got this.
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.
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.
Every quarter I open 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. You are not doing it alone, but alongside your colleagues. We start next Monday, March 3.
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 previous Business Gauge Checks:
"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
What business aspects are you focusing on this quarter?
Alexis wonders what information a tech editor will need and in what format?
Just one sweata weatha in the South,
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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