Sliding into Technical Editing

Knit three together: a love for knitting, an eye for detail, and a knack for editing

How did I slide into being a technical editor for knit and crochet patterns?

PRE-GAME WARM-UP

An unlikely beginning

I started as a test knitter for a designer's first pattern. It was such a fun experience, and I learned a lot so I kept testing for her. After about the third test for this designer, she told me I found more things in her pattern than her tech editor!

I wasn't trying to find technical errors, missing punctuation, or style inconsistencies. These just stood out to me as I was testing and reading her patterns.

She encouraged me to pursue technical editing for other designers, and that was the start of my tech editing path.

But was it really?

It began way before that

I thought about an experience that was buried way back in the vault. I think THAT actually started me on this tech editing path, but I took the long way around.

Both my parents were immigrants from China. My dad came to the US when he was in middle school, and my mom was nineteen. They both learned to speak English pretty well, but as with many immigrants, grammar was an ongoing challenge whether it was verbal or written.

My dad was an electrical engineer for the US Navy. Fun fact: he was on the team that redesigned and upgraded the electrical system for the USS Midway - an entire aircraft carrier! When I was in high school, he asked me to edit something he had written for grammar and punctuation.

So I did. It had its challenges because there was technical and engineering lingo I didn't understand. It took several passes to edit, but I did it.

AT THE PLATE

Growing confidence, growing skills

After that, he brought more things for me to edit, and I developed a flow, especially since I still didn't understand the technical and engineering terms. Editing these became more fun because I got better at it, and it was gratifying to apply tidbits and nuggets I had learned in previous edits to make the piece better.

Then something really awesome happened when I was in college. Yep, after I went to college, he still asked me to edit.

What about my younger sisters who were still at home???

My dad was applying for a promotion, and essay questions were part of the application. He asked me to edit his answers.

He got the promotion!

Too bad I didn't make the connection back then that I enjoyed editing.

Better later than never

But things happen for a reason, and they happen when they do for a reason. Maybe if I had made the editing connection back then, I wouldn't be a knit and crochet technical editor now. That would have set me on a completely different path.

This technical editing path seemed custom-made for me as I've always been a stickler for consistency, clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation - all without trying. Editing continues to hone these skills, and with me as your editor, you can be confident that your patterns will be polished and professional.

Learning at my LYS

For several years, I worked in a yarn shop where makers of all levels and experiences would come in for pattern help. This opportunity to work with a range of skill levels and knowledge gave me tons of insight into how makers learn, read, and interpret pattern instructions – the all-important maker's perspective.

Every time someone came in for help, this was also a learning opportunity for me. I had direct access into the minds of makers and how they interpret pattern instructions. 

As your editor, I use this knowledge and experience to help you create patterns that are a joy for your customers to follow. I ensure your instructions are clear and understood by most makers, broadening the appeal of your patterns. This enhances their crafting experience and builds loyalty to your designs.

POST-GAME WRAP

We're a team

My tech editing style is one that makes a lot of suggestions, and it's always up to you, the designer, to decide if you'd like to take the suggestions or not.

If you aren't sure or need further explanation, we can put our heads together to decide what the best path would be.

I've read, studied, and worked from hundreds of patterns over the years, and I bring what I've learned to every edit so that your pattern can be the best it can be.

Continuing the journey

Since that humble start, I've edited for designers, yarn companies, and publications. I've taken the Learn to Tech Edit and Learn to Tech Edit Crochet courses through The Tech Editor Hub.

My biggest learning has happened on the job while editing. I truly enjoy helping designers and publications bring their work into the world and helping them make their patterns a positive experience for makers.

While this has given me the opportunity to refine my editing skills, it's the designer and the maker who benefit from this.

ON DECK

How can I help you?

If you're looking to up your pattern-writing game and publish patterns your followers will love and trust, make sure to sign up to receive my newsletter to receive design and tech editing tips and insights.

When you sign up, you'll receive a copy of my pre-editing checklist. Before sending your pattern to your editor, put your pattern through this checklist to save time on revisions, reduce errors in your pattern, and get it publication-ready faster.

You can also schedule a complimentary 20-minute meeting with me and ask me anything about designing and writing patterns.

Until next time, happy making!

Yvonne 🧡