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What your tech editor wants to tell you



This is a guest post from Kristina McGrath. She's a consultant, tech editing expert, and author. Kristina is also both one of the most supportive people I know, and also one of the most relentless (and that is about the highest praise I give out 😂). I hope you enjoy soaking in her wisdom as much as I do!

 

Dear Designer,

I wish I knew exactly what you were thinking, what you wish I knew. I think I have a pretty good idea of what you want from me, and from my work, but what if there were more I didn’t know? I’d love to know, even if it feels wrong to say it out loud.


I want to tell you what I wish you knew, that perhaps you already know, but maybe like me, you don’t. If I tell you what would help me, maybe it would help you.

 

My perspective is that creating designs and writing patterns is a huge job. You’re working so hard and you want to make sure your patterns are done well, for the knitter, for your business, and for the entire industry really. I want to help you feel confident that your patterns are the best they can be, that they are free of errors, clear, and an accurate representation of you. I am here for you. I want to be a resource for you and your biggest cheerleader.

We can be a force, a supportive partnership in making something great. It can feel really good. And to have that, we have to be open with each other. You are my client and I work in service to you, and I don’t forget that. I’m here to help, but it’s your ship.

 

A big dose of being clear and being prepared

  • Relax and be yourself. If something doesn’t jive between us or in our values, it’s best to know right off! Your pattern is sort of an extension of the best parts of you, so who you are and what you think have a big impact. Let me in on your decision processes as we work. That way I know the best way to check your style and make suggestions to you.

  • Let me know what you expect from me if I have not made it clear what I provide, or if I have left something out that you require. This is important because there may be something you need that I do not offer!

  • Let me know how you like to work – communication, schedule, document format, all of it. We’ll be way better off if we know all this ahead of time and are on the same page.

  • Tell me anything specific you need me to know about your proje