A little follow up from last week when I was working with a brand new crochet designer. I have to say I was a little nervous sending back my comments because it was quite a big change to the format of the pattern I was suggesting. However, all was well. I got amazing feedback and even a recommendation to another crochet designer…..I love it when someone feels like they’ve genuinely been helped by the tech editing process.
If you remember last week, I mentioned I’d go into more detail about being clear about my role as a tech editor. I wanted to start at the basics and go over the definition of what a tech editor is. So for a bit of fun, I asked Bard (Google’s chatgpt) ‘what is a crochet technical editor?’ and this was the response:”
A crochet technical editor is a professional who specialises in editing crochet patterns. They work with crochet designers to ensure that their patterns are clear, accurate, and easy to follow.
A tech editor will typically check a pattern for the following:
- Grammar and spelling errors.
- Clarity and conciseness of instructions.
- Accuracy of stitch counts and gauge / tension.
- Consistency of terminology and abbreviations.
- Use of charts and schematics.
- Overall readability and usability.
Tech editors may also suggest improvements to the pattern, such as adding more detailed instructions or clarifying confusing sections. They can also help designers to create patterns that are accessible to a wide range of crocheters, from beginners to experienced crafters.
In addition to their technical skills, tech editors also need to have a strong understanding of crochet terminology and techniques. They should be able to identify and correct errors in patterns, and they should be able to communicate their findings to designers in a clear and concise way.
If you are a crochet designer, hiring a tech editor can help you to ensure that your patterns are of the highest quality. A good tech editor can help you to avoid errors, improve the clarity of your instructions, and make your patterns more user-friendly.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a crochet technical editor:
- Your patterns will be more accurate and consistent.
- Your patterns will be easier to follow for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
- You will save time and frustration by avoiding errors in your patterns.
- Your patterns will be more likely to be successful, as they will be of higher quality.
If you are interested in hiring a crochet technical editor, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Ask for references from previous clients.
- Make sure the tech editor has experience with the type of patterns you create.
- Be clear about your expectations and budget.
- Hiring a crochet technical editor is a great way to ensure that your patterns are of the highest quality. By working with a tech editor, you can save time, avoid errors, and improve the clarity and usability of your patterns.
I literally couldn’t have put this any better myself!!!! Well done Bard!
If you’re interested in having your pattern tech edited, pop me an email or fill in the message form on my contact page.