First and Foremost: What Is a Tech Editor?

Perhaps you've heard the term before, or maybe it's brand new to you! So what exactly is a tech editor? Broadly, tech(nical) editors are individuals who are responsible for ensuring the technical information of their chosen field is accurate in the document they are editing, as well as noting errors in grammar, clarity, consistency, etc.

In my case, as a crochet tech editor, I am uniquely positioned to assist pattern designers in editing their individual patterns, as well as articles/blog posts, crochet pattern books, Etsy listings, and really any piece of crochet content that will be published for a broad audience.

FAQs

Who needs a tech editor?

If you design and sell patterns (or publish them on blogs/in print media), you need a tech editor! Throughout the publishing and journalism industries, the importance of an editor is without question -- crochet pattern design deserves the same amount of love and attention. As designers, you work incredibly hard to bring life to your patterns. A tech editor will partner with you to ensure those patterns shine -- and that customers want to come back for more patterns from you in the future!

What do you look for in the content you review?

My main goal is to ensure your pattern is as close to error-free as humanly possible, so that you can rest assured your customers will be satisfied with their purchase, and come back for more! I will scour your pattern for errors in grammar, syntax, math, check for consistency and clarity, as well as other important components! I will look through your pattern (again, and again) with a fine tooth comb!

That all sounds like a pattern tester's job?

I completely understand that a natural inclination might be to question if tech editing is worth your time and hard earned dollars. I’m very close with many designers in the crochet community--I know just how hard you work!

Perhaps you’re thinking “Isn’t this what testing is for?” But, consider the following. When you are asking your testers to apply, do you ask them for their English language & grammatical chops? Math skill level? In most cases, your tester pool is based on other factors, usually related to the work they produce and how they choose to showcase it. Thus, there is a strong likelihood that you will have a tester pool who could overlook glaring issues simply because it’s not their wheelhouse. And, in truth, the services I provide really shouldn’t be a tester’s job.

The job of a tester is to complete each step of the pattern and ensure it all leads to the intended result without concern or confusion. Checking for missed commas or misspelled words in your introduction are likely not high on their minds as they move through the pattern. I’ve seen many occasions where a pattern is almost set for release and there are obvious errors that were missed. This is no slight to testers! (I've tested over 100 patterns, myself.) Simply a view of the different roles we play in helping a designer produce the best pattern they can, and get the sales they deserve thanks to these combined efforts!

What kind of patterns do you work with?

At this time, I only work with patterns written in US terms. I do not work with wearables or offer grading assistance. My main area of expertise is amigurumi/stuffies/lovies, but I'm happy to help edit blankets/décor/patterns for similar items, as well.

There are other tech editors out there, why choose YOU?

Though my creative side is what I show most in the crochet community, I actually have spent over a decade in the field of marketing, with a lot of emphasis on writing and editing. I hold a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Strategic Communications. As a person, I am extremely detail-oriented and passionate about helping others. When I began my crochet journey, I picked up the "language" of crochet very quickly, and I am a quick study in learning new things. I also truly find "the math of it all" quite fun! To put it succinctly, I feel like I was made for this role!

Okay, but what does it cost?

I charge $25/hr, or $6.25/15 minutes rounded to the closest 15 minute increment. Industry standard is $20-45. I choose to stay on the lower end so as to ensure I can assist as many designers as possible! I use a time keeping app to track my time very closely, and work hard to ensure I am as efficient as possible, while also ensuring I am thorough. Please note that the time it takes me to edit will depend on what you send me! If a pattern is sent my way that is full of grammar and spelling errors, it will take time to remediate those before diving into other facets of the editing process. Ensuring that the pattern you send to me is as clean as you can get it will save you money, and get your pattern into testing quicker!

What are other services do you provide, aside from pattern tech editing?

In addition to tech editing, I can provide the following services:

  • Style sheet generation
  • Pattern scaffold creation

These items will actually help our editing relationship run smoothly, and save you money in the long run! Please reach out to learn more!

I want to move forward - what is the process?

  • Complete the CONTACT FORM

    Please note: Ideally, patterns will be reviewed BEFORE testing, so plan accordingly.

  • I will review the pattern and information provided.

    Afterwards, I will provide you with an estimate of time/cost, as well as send you the Tech Editing Agreement to engage with my services.

  • Other Housekeeping Details

    • Payment is due 30 days after we complete work on your pattern. I will invoice you through Paypal.
    • Timelines: Depending on the size of the pattern, the volume of edits needed, and my current workload, timelines vary, but I'll do my best to turn edits around quickly. We will discuss your situation more thoroughly in our initial conversations.
    • Revision rounds: I am happy to complete as many revision rounds as you would like prior to the testing period. After testing, before you hit "publish", I will provide a free of charge 15-minute review of the final pattern to ensure any new copy that arose in testing can be reviewed for edits.

  • Final Notes

    At the end of our time working together, I will provide you with a badge that you can use in your pattern, as well as on your Etsy/Store listing photos to note that you had your pattern professionally tech edited! I also recommend you write it in the description of the pattern on your selling platform of choice, as this will elevate the professionalism of your pattern!

Ready to Start the Tech Editing Process?

GET STARTED TODAY!

Trusted By:

  • Red Mills Crochet (Millie)

    "Ali has not only been so precise and professional to work with, but extremely friendly and just an overall amazing human being! Her editing skills come in handy almost on a daily basis for me and I will HAPPILY admit that she's the reason my crochet patterns look so polished and clear of typos upon release! Genuinely, if you go back and look at my patterns from before we met, every single one has multiple typos! Now, I know I can rely on her to make sure I have a quality product to release to my customers! From the grammar corrections to the close eye on the math within my patterns, I always have a peace of mind when working with such a rockstar professional like Ali! Not to mention the fact that she cares about you as a human being as well. Seriously you can't go wrong with her!"

  • Nocturnecat.Crochet (Kat)

    "Ali's professionalism, attention to detail, and editing skills are invaluable! Her meticulous review included grammar, mathematical, and rephrasing edits that ensured my pattern was ready to be published. I highly recommend her editing services to anyone looking to produce high quality patterns!"

  • Nerdy Girl Crochets (Britt)

    "Ali helped with going through my Anti-Hero Hugger Snuggler pattern prior to having it out for testing. I was exceptionally nervous, as I am not a seasoned pattern writer. As a designer, it is easy to become blind to inconsistencies and mistakes when attempting to explain to others how we created something. Ali was so helpful in finding inconsistencies, math errors, sentences that didn't make sense, and grammar. She also gave suggestions for how sentences could be rephrased to convey what I was trying to say in ways that made more sense, as well as formatting suggestions that would be helpful from a viewer's perspective. Given her marketing experience, I wanted all the advice I could get. That was the most at ease I felt going into a testing period and my testers for the pattern had minimal questions throughout the process. It was truly amazing and restored my faith in writing patterns. I cannot thank Ali enough for all her help!"

  • KP Crochet Creations (Kendall)

    "Ali’s tech editing was instrumental in transforming my crochet pattern. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of crochet techniques allowed her to identify and correct crucial errors, ensuring clarity and accuracy throughout the instructions. As a result, the final pattern is not only technically sound but also more polished and professional. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any crocheter seeking to elevate their pattern writing."

  • Crochet with Kelsea (Kelsea)

    "Ali has such a keen eye for detail and combs through my patterns with such precision, finding mistakes both pattern testers and I never would have noticed! Even the tiniest little design mistakes have been caught with her, and her editing skills are truly something special! I know I can always trust Ali to help me take my patterns to the next level of clarity and precision!"

  • Crochet by Genna (Genna)

    "Working with Ali has been an absolute game-changer for my crochet patterns. Her amazing eye for detail, deep understanding of pattern structure, and ability to catch even the smallest errors have made my designs cleaner, more professional, and easier for others to follow. Not only does she ensure mathematical accuracy, but also provides thoughtful suggestions that enhance readability and flow. Ali's feedback is always constructive and delivered with kindness, which truly makes her a joy to work with. If you're a crochet designer looking for a tech editor who truly understands the craft, I highly recommend Ali's services! I know I'll personally be using her going forward!"

1 6
START THE TECH EDITING PROCESS!