ARE YOU SPECIAL? SHOULD TECH EDITORS SPECIALIZE?

When I started tech editing yarn patterns, I edited knit patterns exclusively. However, I edited all types of knit patterns including accessories, household items, toys and garments. More recently though, I have both narrowed and expanded the types of patterns that I edit. I’ve added crochet patterns to my portfolio, but I’ve eliminated adult garments. Why?

Adding crochet seemed a natural extension since I learned to crochet before I learned to knit. And, eliminating adult garments relieved a major stress point for me. They require extensive and specialized expertise in grading. Although I may choose to acquire that expertise at some point, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to continue editing them without it. Specializing allows me to focus on and enjoy the many items that I truly love to edit and am comfortably knowledgeable about: socks, hats, headbands, cowls, scarfs, shawls, mitts, gloves, afghans, blankets, pillow covers, toys, and children’s wear (which has fewer grading complexities than adult wear).

It’s essential to know, and know well, what you edit. Although I exclude adult garments, I edit a broad range of pattern types. Sock patterns are my most common edit; however, I’m not an expert at every type of sock heel. I do know how to research a heel that I’m not familiar with, so I’m comfortable editing most sock patterns. However, I don’t accept edits for brioche patterns at this time. I’m working on learning brioche but don’t yet feel knowledgeable enough to edit it.

Know yourself! Know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. If you feel comfortable editing it all—by all means, do so. If you love the math and the challenge of grading and editing multi- size sweaters, there is a growing demand for this specialty. Should you prefer to specialize by focusing your edits on items and techniques you love and know well, there is certainly a need for you. Go for it! That’s what I do.