TECH EDITING LEVELS

Both tech editors and designers should consider the different levels of technical editing available for yarn patterns. Their opinions regarding these levels are likely to differ. Moreover, the level of editing needed might well vary from pattern to pattern.

Full edits are customary and probably necessary for most patterns. However, other levels might be desired due to circumstances, whether budget or time related, or due to a previous edit already having been completed. Also, if a pattern is destined for a magazine, yarn company, or yarn dyer with their own tech editor, a designer might want an independent tech editor to make sure it is in good shape before submitting it.

Here are some levels of editing to consider: full edit, partial edit, proofread only, math and numbers only, verification of already completed grading (grading, itself, is a separate function), chart or schematics creation or checks, or some level to be determined together by the designer and tech editor.

Some TEs may only offer full edit services. Why? Well, they want to make sure nothing is missed in the tech edit prior to a pattern being released. Now we all know that tech editors are human, and sometimes errors and mistakes can be missed, even on a full edit. Yet, with partial edits, more errors can possibly slip through strictly because they were never checked on a partial. If a designer requests a math check only, then grammar, spelling, and numerous other items are never even looked at.

Many tech editors would be reluctant to have their name on a less than fully tech edited pattern for concern that errors might still be present in the unedited portions. So always let your tech editor know if you intend to list them in the pattern. Nevertheless, tech editors recognize the practicality of and need for occasional partial edits and are quite willing to do them, especially for established clients whose pattern portfolio and style are well known to them. Some tech editors also have favorite elements of tech editing and actually love to do things like writing and reviewing romance copy (me, me, me).

I recently completed a survey that included both designers and tech editors. Here is what they had to say.

Most designers stated that they always request full edits. One well-known hat designer said that she requests full edits from one to three different editors for each design depending on design complexity and whether a pattern was to be published independently, by a publisher in a collection, or as part of a self-published book. However, several designers state they do request partial edits for the following reasons. One requests partial edits of numbers to review another editor’s grading. Another requests partial edits of formatting on patterns that were previously tech edited but have been only reformatted with no changes to math or numbers. One designer advised that she only requests grading because the patterns will subsequently be submitted to a yarn company where they will receive a full edit. Some designers will request partials on previous full edits when an update such as a size has been added or a single section has been updated. Finally, one designer will initially request a partial math-only edit when the numbers have been problematic; then, once numbers have been sorted and the pattern is in final layout, they will submit it for a full edit. Although I have occasionally been asked, only one designer surveyed admitted to having requested a partial edit for budgetary concerns.

What did tech editors say regarding full or partial edits? Only a few stated they would only perform full edits. One TE stated they would do partials only if not identified in the pattern as the editor. Another will perform partials only for designers they have extensive experience working with and know well. Others are willing to do partials as follow up edits when the pattern has already completed a full edit by a TE they know and respect. Others are willing to do partials when they know that the designer routinely employs two or three other known and trusted tech editors. Some TEs will do partials in a team approach where several TEs will each be responsible for their own particular section of a pattern, but once again, only when the other members of the TE team are known and trusted. Some will perform second checks as partials for publication clients on previously edited patterns. Finally, some TEs are happy to review a section of a pattern requested by the original TE after a difficult section has been updated.

What is a great way for designers to determine which level of tech editing they need? Most of the time it will entail a full edit. But a good way to know is to check with the tech editor you are considering. Describe your project, let them know if the pattern is to be published independently or by another means for which some level of tech editing will be applied. Advise whether the pattern is a later version of a previously tech edited pattern that has been revised. Ask what, exactly, the TEs full edit entails and if they are willing to perform partial edits for math, proofreading, or pattern layout and flow. Ask for estimates and determine what your budget will allow for.

Budget concerns are always a big issue related to tech edits. Most yarn tech editors charge hourly rates. Those of us that charge flat rates have to determine individual rates for all the different types of edits they offer. Budget is, of course, extremely important. But when considering partial edits such as math checks only or proofreading only, there are additional pattern elements that should also be considered. Although routinely included in full edits, partial edits rarely review pattern flow, logical and considered arrangement of pattern elements, whether all needed pattern elements are included, completeness of line-by-line instructions, placement of charts, key, and schematics, consistency with standardized sizing, and verification that all individual pattern elements match and are consistent with each other. In other words, partial edits focus on only the elements requested but not how they relate to each and whether that relationship is accurate.

Bottom line—consider well whether or not a partial edit is really the best send off for your pattern. If you are confident that 90% of your pattern is perfect but just needs a math check, then go for it. However, unless you are100% certain it’s perfect, full edits can offer you the most confidence that a pattern is ready to be released, will be well received, and will have knitters and crocheters eager to purchase more of your patterns.