Just over 9 years ago I hit "buy" on a course called Learn to Tech Edit from a website called Joeli's Kitchen. I always tell new students that I never expected it to change my life like has, and I do sincerely hope it does the same for them.
Nine years is a long time. It's about 17% of my life so far (all y'all can now figure out how old I am), and I feel a time well spent. I love what my brain can do when it hits the spreadsheets and the PDFs.
In the last 9 years, things have changed. However, we are still a relatively new breed, we editors of digital yarn patterns. Do you realize that? It's only been less than 20 years since some innovative people called "indie" designers began to self-publish and sell patterns online, not just in book and magazine format, and not just related to a yarn purchase.
We editors are the ongoing under-girding of the innovation and expansion in our industry, and--just as patterns moved from paper to pixels--things are going to continue to change.
If you choose to stick with technical editing, I firmly believe the need for your skills will last for many, many more years. Patterns are what make this industry move. Without patterns, yarn doesn't sell, festivals don't happen, books have no content.
And as the industry continues to expand and evolve, well-written and carefully edited patterns will have the edge in the market. Things are speeding up, and makers don't have time for bad patterns; designers who want to succeed can't risk their reputations by putting out subpar products. You, your background and skills, your editing experience and your enthusiasm for excellence is required.
So, how will you stay relevant to your clients and continue to thrive as an editor, say. . .twenty years from now? I have some ideas.
Take care of yourself.
To last in any profession for more than a few years requires fortitude, but to be a self-employed service provider requires conscious and intentional self care. You are your business and if you are burned out, physically worn, mentally stretched, you are not going to provide the level of quality service your clients need year upon year.
Start with better tech and equipment as soon as you can afford it: Get that ergonomic desk set up, wrist rest for your mouse, double monitors, noise cancelling headphones.
Hard plan daily breaks, weekly rests, regular vacations. Learn and use vacation responders or ask for a colleague to trade with you for client care while taking breaks.
Find your best ways to rejuvenate yourself as often as needed. Don't skimp on being your own best friend.
Learn all the things.
Make time on a regular basis to dive deep into the part of our yarn world that fascinates you. Learn not just for "work" but for the sheer joy of stumbling upon something fascinating and cool. Keep your yarn-loving brain in the same spot as when you first picked up needle or hook--ravenous for all the information you could take in and try with your hands.
Why?
This not only will expand your knowledge that you can use to help clients, but it also will keep you on fire for the craft you decided to start a business in.
Embrace change.
Technology is steaming along at quite a clip, which for some of us can seem scary. I find it exciting that there are new and better ways of doing things online all the time. Aren't you glad we all aren't still working in DOS or waiting for dial-up?
Find ways on a regular basis to safely try out things that will make your work and your business easier and run more smoothly. Automation is often the key to having more time to do the things we love and to care for ourselves, so don't be afraid to try it.
More importantly, pay attention to what is going on around you. You never know what the next big thing in patterns will be; just like brioche shawls and Tunisian crochet got hot, so will something else soon enough. Will you know it is coming or be caught off guard? To this end, perhaps subscribe to newsletters, YouTube channels, and blogs. Follow what is happening in publishing and in online spaces. Talk to people, especially your clients. Pay attention to trends outside the industry.
While NONE of this is required to be a great editor, it's probably a great way to have a more successful business, to have regular work, and to be an editor who is racking up skills and experience for maybe a decade or two or more.
Are you in for the long haul?
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If you have been editing a long time, hit reply and tell me what you think about longevity!
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Special Session!
Exclusive to the Community this Thursday 10/31 at 12:30 pm CT.
Business consultant Holly Howard of AskHollyHow.com returns to continue the conversation about pricing our services fairly and sustainably in an industry that generally devalues work. Click below to participate and get automatic access to EVERYTHING for only $47 per month.
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In the FB Group
What is your current pattern pet peeve?
How do you get feedback from your clients after a job?
Winding yarn counts as exercise, right?
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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