What is the job of a tech editor?
I’m a tech editor. I examine knitting patterns line-by-line to find any of the following:
- Mathematical and grammatical errors
- Missing information
- Unclear instructions
- Inconsistency in style
By tech editing a pattern, the likelihood of knitters experiencing mistakes and frustrations as they knit a designer’s pattern is reduced greatly.
“Working with Hannah on my Kiwi Bloom hat design was a delight, she was knowledgeable, professional and super friendly to work with. All communications were detailed but clear and easy to understand with what was expected of me set out from the beginning. Hannah’s feedback was easy to understand and she communicated with me on my preferred method of feedback to ensure we were able to work seamlessly together. I really felt like I was in safe hands for my first ever tech edit and I can’t wait to work with her on my next design.”
Other Services
Custom Schematics
I can draw a schematic that visually represents the dimensions and design of the knitted item created by a designer’s pattern.
Inkscape is my current tool for drawing custom schematics.
Custom Charts
I enjoy creating charts for designers whether it’s a chart for cables, lace, colorwork, or whatever stitch pattern they need.
Stitchmastery is my current software for drawing custom charts.
Yarn Estimation Services
Providing accurate estimates for the amount of yarn knitters will need for each size in a knitting pattern is important to include.
I can do the mathematical calculations necessary to find the estimated weight, yardage, and meterage for a designer’s unique pattern and yarn choice.
Promotion
Though optional, I gladly offer to promote patterns in the following ways:
- Share a post on Instagram about the newly released pattern. You can see examples of these types of posts on my Instagram.
- Add published pattern picture to my Gallery where visitors are directed to designers’ pattern.
“Working with Hannah was an absolute pleasure! She is very attentive and thorough in her editing, as well as a fantastic communicator. I am so thankful for her work in helping to make my pattern ready for publication!”
Process
Are you interested in getting your knitting pattern tech edited? Let me walk you through the process:
- Fill out the Registration Form on the Book a Tech Edit page letting me know how I can help you.
- After promptly receiving an email reply, attach and send a PDF of your knitting pattern. If you have a previous pattern or style sheet, that document can be attached to the email as well for style checking.
- Once I look over the pattern, I’ll email with the estimated time to tech edit. I will wait for you to confirm estimated tech editing time before proceeding.
- On editing day, I’ll edit the pattern, and an email will be sent to you with organized notes and the attached/linked annotated pattern.
- Then, review my notes, update the pattern, and send me back the edited pattern which I will check. This stage is repeated until you are satisfied with the pattern.
- After tech editing is complete, an invoice will be sent to you for payment.
Follow-Up Policies
Free Final Check
After I do a thorough tech edit of a knitting pattern, designers often tweak their pattern during test knitting and as they prepare to publish.
I offer a free final check to check that the pattern is still correct, clear, and consistent as part of my tech editing service. This doesn’t include newly added sizes, charts, etc. that would require a more thorough edit.
I do ask for 2 days’ notice to give me the time needed for final checks.
What if errors are found after publishing?
If knitters find any errors in a pattern that I tech edited after publishing, contact me, and I’ll look into the issue free of charge.
Pricing
Below are my current pricing rates for my services.
Other Services
$35
$35 is the hourly rate charged for custom charts, schematics, and yarn estimation services.
Tech Editing
$35
$35 is the hourly rate charged for tech editing services.
Promotion
$0
No charge is given for promotion. I enjoy sharing about new patterns.
How long does a tech edit take?
The number of sizes, errors, yarn options, and the complexity of the stitch pattern in a design affect the total time of tech editing. The following guidelines show how long tech editing general takes based upon the item designed.
Simple accessories (socks, hats, etc.): 30 min. – 1 hour
Simple garments and complex accessories: 1 – 3 hours
Complex garments: 4+ hours
Featured in picture (right): Blanche Wrap by Patti Kelly
Would you like to work together?
If you are ready to begin the process of tech editing or have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I’m looking forward to meeting you!