Welcome Flock & Friends to Episode 1 of the Write That Crochet Pattern Podcast!
On today’s episode, I’m going to answer, once and for all, a question that I get asked at least once a week! “What is a crochet tech editor?” I will also discuss the benefits of hiring a tech editor and how to choose one that’s right for you! I will also touch on a few other topics, so go ahead and listen as you crochet!
Ways to Listen:
SPOTIFY, YOUTUBE, PANDORA
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Sweet Bird Crochet Tech Editing Form: Don’t forget the special instructions on receiving a discount!
The Tech Editor Hub
Transcript of Podcast
Intro:
Hey Flock & Friends. Welcome to the Write That Crochet Pattern Podcast! On today’s episode, I’m going to answer, once and for all, a question that I get asked at least once a week! If you’ve worked with me in the past, you have experience with this topic but may not know exactly how to answer the question if someone asked you, “What is a crochet tech editor?” I’m also going to discuss the benefits of hiring a tech editor and how to choose one that’s right for you!
For those of you who don’t know me yet, my name is Cherie Mellick, and I’m the crochet tech editor behind Sweet Bird Crochet. As a crochet tech editor, I specialize in helping designers publish patterns that are not only accurate but also clear, polished, and easy to follow. My mission is to empower crochet designers through education and mentorship so they can design and write patterns with excellence.
Hit that like button, and let me know if you want more of this kind of content.
Thank you for joining me for today’s episode. Go ahead and grab your latest project and listen in as you crochet!
Topic Intro:
When I first started designing crochet patterns, I had very little understanding of the design and publishing process. I spent so many hours searching for reliable resources so I could gain the knowledge that I needed. I’m one who prefers to understand all the proper ways of doing things before I actually act. Because I couldn’t find many resources for crochet designers, I didn’t publish my first pattern until 2019.
If you had asked me back in 2018 what a crochet tech editor was, I wouldn’t have had a clue. I believe many crochet designers are still unaware of the role a tech editor has in the publishing process. If they do know, some often view hiring a tech editor as an optional practice. Then you have the knitting community, where tech editing is widely recognized and is a common practice among knitting designers. For them, it’s not seen as an optional expense but rather as a necessary part of the design process.
As a crochet designer turned tech editor, I want to bring more educational resources to the crochet community along with the knowledge of the designing and publishing process. I’ve been able to do this through my newsletter and finally through this podcast.
If you’re new here, I write a weekly newsletter packed full of educational content about designing and writing crochet patterns called Straight from the Nest. If you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter, you can find the link in the description box below.
Segment 1: What is a Crochet Tech Editor?
Definition of a Tech Editor:
A crochet tech editor is a professional who reviews and edits crochet patterns to ensure they are accurate, consistent, and easy to follow. A tech editor’s job is to make sure that every aspect of a pattern—stitch counts, instructions, measurements, and terminology—is correct before a pattern is published or sent to testers.
And Yes! Tech editing always comes before pattern testing. We’ll talk about this more in a minute!
But first……
Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of a crochet tech editor. Now, these responsibilities can be broken down into four categories: Accuracy, consistency, clarity, and errors.
To ensure that a pattern is as accurate as possible, a tech editor like myself goes through every aspect of your pattern. I’ll go through the entire thing line by line. This will include verifying that all your stitch counts are accurate. That all the stitch counts are also accurately detailed. I’ll double-check all the calculations for correctness. And I’ll also make sure that the finished measurements are accurate against your pattern instructions.
To ensure consistency throughout your pattern, I check that the same terminology is used across the entire document. This will help to eliminate confusion for your readers.
Additionally, I check all abbreviations to confirm they are used uniformly and that all stitches used in the pattern are listed in the abbreviation list at the beginning of the pattern. I also take a look at the formatting of your pattern, making sure that it is consistent in style — like fonts, sizing, spacing, and so forth. I also check alignment, making sure everything is aligned correctly. This attention to detail enhances the overall readability and usability of your pattern.
No one appreciates a crochet pattern that is difficult to understand or unclear in its instructions. That’s why I carefully read through the entire pattern to ensure that every line is both clear and easy to follow.
This process is all about making things easier to understand! I take a close look at the language…at the structure. Making my focus on simplifying any complex terms or phrases. I pay close attention to tricky sections, such as finishing instructions and assembly instructions. These are the parts where most designers need additional help, because the wording can sometimes get really confusing.
Oh, I almost forgot…If your pattern includes any visual elements, such as charts or schematics, I will compare the written instructions against those elements to ensure everything is consistent and accurate.
If that isn’t enough, I will also identify and correct all types of errors that could be in your pattern. This might include simple mistakes like typos and formatting issues. But it also covers those more complex problems related to mathematical calculations or the actual construction of your pattern.
The main aim of a tech editor is to make sure that your pattern is easy to understand, that it’s as clear as possible, and that it is user-friendly. We strive to eliminate as many errors as humanly possible so that your readers can have the best experience possible when working up your pattern.
Why are They Called Technical Editors?
Now that you know what a tech editor does let me share with you why we’re called technical editors.
A crochet technical editor is called that because their primary focus is on the technical aspects of a crochet pattern. Unlike general editing, which might focus on grammar and flow, technical editing involves ensuring that all instructions, stitch counts, measurements, and construction details are correct, precise, and functional. The role goes beyond surface-level editing to dive into the “technicalities” of how the pattern works when it’s being crocheted.
Why is a Crochet Pattern Considered Technical Copy?
A crochet pattern is often called technical copy because it involves specific, precise instructions that must be followed to achieve the desired result. These instructions are technical in nature for a few key reasons:
- Mathematical Accuracy: Crochet patterns involve calculations for stitch counts, row or round repetitions, gauge, and dimensions. Ensuring the math is correct is critical, so the finished project turns out as intended.
- Standardized Terminology: Patterns use standardized crochet abbreviations and terms (e.g., sc for single crochet, dc for double crochet), which require consistency throughout the pattern. The terminology must align with industry standards, making it a specialized form of writing.
- Logical Sequence and Construction: A crochet pattern involves step-by-step instructions that need to flow in a logical sequence. The designer must communicate construction techniques in a clear, structured way so their reader can replicate the design exactly.
- Complex Visuals: Sometimes, patterns include charts, schematics, or diagrams, which add a layer of technical complexity. These visuals must align with the written instructions, ensuring that the person reading your pattern can easily follow both elements.
Because of these intricate, technical components, crochet patterns require specialized editing to ensure accuracy and clarity—hence, they are referred to as technical copy, and those who edit them are called technical editors.
I want to share with you the value of hiring a crochet tech editor, but before I do, I want to read to you a few reviews I received from designers I worked with. It’s never surprising to me that many of them say some of the same things.
This one is from Sultana of Sultana’s Crochet: I was extremely pleased with Cherie’s Tech Editing Services. She thoroughly reviewed my pattern and indicated where and how to make improvements. I also appreciated that she explained to me why the corrections needed to be made. It was definitely a learning experience for me and I feel much more confident in my pattern writing abilities for future patterns.
This next one is from Taylor of Bags by Bento: Cherie is wonderful to work with. She’s very professional and organized. She gives fabulous feedback on pattern writing style, organizing the pattern, and overall flow! I felt more confident than ever publishing my pattern after working with her! It’s amazing to have peace of mind that my pattern is well-written and without errors.
I often notice that the word “confident” consistently appears in the reviews I receive. If there’s one thing I can emphasize about the value of hiring a crochet tech editor, it’s this: after working with one, you will feel a profound sense of confidence when publishing your pattern. This confidence stems from knowing that your pattern is as polished as possible because you dedicated the time, energy, and resources necessary to ensure your pattern’s quality before publication.
Segment 2: Why Should Designers Hire a Tech Editor?
Hiring a crochet tech editor is a fantastic way to add value to your designs! They can really help boost the quality of your work in so many ways!
Of course, in sharing with you what a tech editor does I kind of, in turn, shared with you the value of hiring a tech editor. I’ve already talked about a tech editor’s responsibility in making sure that your pattern is accurate, clear, usable, consistent, and error free.
If those benefits weren’t valuable enough, hiring a crochet tech editor can help build trust between you and your readers. You may be wondering, “How does that work, Cherie?” Let me explain. When you publish a professionally edited pattern, and a customer buys it, their experience of trust begins the moment they open the pattern.
It’s almost like dating. When you first start dating someone, you have a certain level of trust in that person. You may not fully trust them, but there’s a baseline of trust present. As you interact more, you will either begin to trust them more or feel distrust. If they say one thing but act differently, that trust diminishes. However, if their words align with their actions, they are effectively building trust with you.
The same idea applies to your customers and your patterns! When they open one of your patterns, they’re trusting that it’s going to be fantastic. If it’s professionally tech-edited from the moment they start until they finish their project, they’ll have a great experience. This builds their confidence in you and your work, making them more likely to come back for more patterns—or even every single one you publish!
However, if you don’t have your patterns tech edited, and you’re claiming this is an awesome pattern—while the design may be great, there’s a difference between a crochet design and a crochet pattern. A design is an idea brought to life, while a pattern provides the instructions to crochet that design. Your pattern-writing skills do not reflect your creativity in designing crochet. I just wanted to clarify that.
You might be telling your customers that your pattern is truly amazing, but when they open it up, they start finding errors and inconsistencies. Some elements may be missing, or it might just look off. As a result, they will begin to distrust you. If they experience frustration while trying to follow your pattern, they are unlikely to return to purchase more patterns from you. You will have, inevitably, broken their trust.
Hiring a tech editor not only builds trust with your customers but also saves you a significant amount of time and reduces stress. For many designers, creating patterns is such a time-consuming process, and then having to focus on every tiny detail can take away from your creative energy. By hiring a tech editor, designers can hand over the technical aspects to a professional, freeing up time for them to concentrate on designing new projects and being their creative selves. Additionally, tech editors help prevent the stress of having to correct patterns post-publication. By identifying and fixing errors before a pattern is released, they save designers from having to handle customer complaints or make rushed revisions to their patterns.
Talk about stress! Getting a negative review on one of your patterns is tough. Not everyone will take the time to leave feedback, but I can almost guarantee that if someone has a hard time with your pattern because of errors or inconsistencies, they will share their frustration. Whether they leave a review on your shop or tell a friend. Just one negative review can turn away so many potential customers. On the flip side, if someone has a great experience with your pattern, they are likely to share it with everyone they know who crochets. Whether the review is negative or positive, those reviews will have a domino effect that could impact your crochet business for a long time.
If you want to make an impact in your crochet business, it’s essential to consider the investments necessary for success. I’m often reminded of a scripture from the Bible where Jesus speaks to a large crowd about the cost of being his disciple; this can be found in Luke 14:25-35. In this passage, Jesus shares basic foundations of discipleship and emphasizes in verse 28 that one shouldn’t begin following him without first counting the cost. He compares this to building a house, saying, “For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there’s enough money to finish it?” This analogy resonates with me as I reflect on my own crochet business.
Many people start a crochet business for various reasons. Some may want to make enough money to cover the cost of the yarn they use, while others seek to earn extra money while staying home to raise their children. Then there are some who aim to create a sustainable income as a secondary source of revenue for their household.
Whatever your reason for starting a crochet business, the same principle of counting the cost should apply.
When designing crochet patterns, it’s a good idea to think about the costs involved. It does take some investment upfront, but with some effort, you can get a return on your investment!
Let’s quickly go through the cost of publishing a crochet pattern. Because I think there are some costs that surprise people when they get into designing and writing crochet patterns.
First and foremost, you need to have the money to purchase the yarn you’ll use for your design. Even if you get your yarn from your stash, that yarn was purchased at some time. Some designer’s receive yarn support from companies, but oftentimes there is a cost that comes with that. The yarn company might want you to give them rights to your design for a year before you can post it on your Etsy or your own website. They might want you to post a certain amount of reels on Instagram or share a honest review on your social media or your YouTube. So it’s not like these designers just receive free yarn. So, yarn is an expense you need to think about.
The second expense to consider is the value of your time. There’s the time spent on creating your design. If you’ve ever designed anything, you know that there’s the initial concept, followed by multiple revisions—perhaps three or four—because you might not be satisfied with the hook size or the stitch appearance you initially chose.
Additionally, consider the time it takes to write up the pattern. Just like your design, this process will also go through many revisions. You may not like how you worded certain assembly instructions or discover errors that you need to fix in your written pattern.
If you think about paying yourself an hourly wage—even if it’s just minimum wage for your area—it can add up to quite a bit by the time you finish designing and writing your pattern.
I’m considering making a YouTube video about how long it takes me to create my next blanket design. If you’d like to see a video documenting the time it takes to design and write my next crochet pattern, please drop a yarn emoji in the comments below!
Once you finish your design and have your pattern all set, and you’re feeling like it’s ready to go out into the world, hold up for a second. You definitely want to send your pattern off to a tech editor first. Sure, it costs a bit to get your pattern professionally edited, but trust me, it’s money well spent.
The good news is that as you keep working with the same tech editor, the cost might go down over time. When you’re just getting started with pattern writing or teaming up with a tech editor, they’ll catch things you might not even think about. As you both get into a groove and you become a better designer and pattern writer, you’re going to make fewer mistakes. This means it’ll cost you less for edits in the long run because you’ll start to get a handle on what your tech editor usually flags.
And just to be clear, skipping tech editing is never a good idea. Even the top crochet designers always have their patterns tech edited
Now your pattern is ready for testing, don’t forget there are costs involved here too. It takes time— remember, time is a valuable resource. Plus, there’s your energy and brainpower to consider, too.
When you publish your pattern, don’t overlook the marketing costs. You’ve probably seen designers online talking about how they release a pattern and then hear nothing but crickets. That can happen if they haven’t put any effort into marketing. You can’t just sit back and expect people to flock to your shop to buy your pattern without investing some time and money into promoting it.
One expense that many designers often overlook is the fee for processing customer orders. Whether you’re selling your patterns on Etsy or your own website, each platform charges a fee to handle transactions. For example, PayPal’s processing fee is typically 2.9% plus $0.30. So, if you sell a pattern for $5.50, after the processing fee is deducted, you’ll actually receive approximately $5.04 from that sale.
Many of the expenses you incur in your crochet business, such as the fees for processing your orders, can be tax write-offs. I’m not a tax professional, so it’s best to consult with your tax advisor to determine what qualifies as a write-off for your business and then keep track of those things through the year.
Segment 3: How to Choose the Right Crochet Tech Editor
What should you look for in a tech editor?
Look for a tech editor with a solid background in crochet, especially someone who has edited patterns before. An experienced editor will have a deeper understanding of common pattern errors, industry standards, and how to edit patterns for both clarity and accuracy.
They should be fluent in crochet terminology and be familiar with different stitch techniques, pattern structures, and crochet styles. This guarantees they can easily spot mistakes and offer useful suggestions to improve your pattern.
Tech editing requires a sharp eye for detail. From checking stitch counts to formatting issues, You’ll want your editor to excel in catching small but critical errors.
Tech editors should be able to clearly communicate their feedback in a constructive and helpful way. Strong communication helps the editing process run smoothly.
Your next question you might be asking is, “Well, Cherie, where can I find an editor?” There’s two ways that you can find a crochet tech editor the first way is to go ahead into the description box below and click on the link work with me, fill out my contact form, and in the space that asks who referred you to me, just right podcast and do 10% off of my tech editing services. And the other way to find a tech editor is to go to the tech editor hub, again I’ll put a link in the description box below. You fill out their form and they will send all your information to all the tech editors in their hub.
If you go through the tech editor hub you’re gonna receive quite a few responses from different tech editors. You don’t have to rush into choosing a tech editor. Take time to ask them questions. Ask them what their experience is with editing crochet patterns. Ask them to share some of the examples that they’ve edited. Ask them how they approach editing a pattern. Ask them what their turnaround time is and how they prefer to communicate feedback to you
It’s important to have a tech editor you feel comfortable communicating with. Editing is a collaborative process, so having a positive, open working relationship will make the experience so much more enjoyable.
By considering these qualities and asking the right questions, you can find a tech editor who will help elevate your patterns and bring out the best in your work, ensuring the final pattern is something you’re confident to share with the crochet community.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed today’s podcast, go ahead and give this video a thumbs up, and if you haven’t already, subscribe to my channel for more crochet pattern writing content. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode. Until next time, Write that Crochet Pattern!