Technical Editing (sometimes called Tech Editing) is a comprehensive, extensive review of your quilt pattern to ensure it is as concise, accurate, and user-friendly as possible. I can offer a pair of fresh eyes on your pattern and support you in minimizing the risk of errors, making sure your pattern is ready for your customers. Well-written patterns make happy customers and happy customers lead to more sales!

​

What is a Technical Editor?

A technical editor is more than just a proofreader.  A tech editor has expertise in the quilting field by either doing it for many years or by making a lot of different types of quilts written by various pattern designers. This allows the editor to know the different methods of quilting, piecing, and variations on patterns.  I have made over 50 quilts in the last few years from applique, foundation paper piecing, traditional piecing and more.

 

A tech editor also needs to work with details and math as well as knowing how to edit copy. They make sense of the steps, both line-by-line and overall, know how to calculate fabric requirements from the many individual pieces to cutting calculations to overall amounts of fabric.  From my accounting and auditing background, I feel very confident in my calculations from beginning to end (plus I always double and triple check the numbers! Old habits die hard.). There are lots of numbers to keep track of in creating a pattern so organization is valuable skill as well.

 

When you pay for tech editing services, you are paying for experience and knowledge of many variables. There is no official tech editor certification so experience is the basis of a good tech editor. I consistently work for several designers on a regular basis, new designers with only one pattern, and even for a major fabric company so I have that knowledge and experience.

​

​

​

​

​

What I do when tech editing a pattern:​

* Proofread and edit the written instructions for spelling, grammar, punctuation and consistency.

* Make sure the language uses industry standard convention and terminology.

* Check fabric requirements from the smallest piece to the overall quilt.

* Verify cutting instructions and make sure they are understandable to all level of quilters.

* Do a complete review of all quilt math, including finished block and quilt sizes.

* Check to verify the diagrams and illustrations match the steps.
* Make sure the pattern is easy to follow. Are the steps simple and straightforward? Do the                     instructions make sense or could they be phrased in a different way?  

* Look at the pattern as a whole. Does it flow well? Do the headers and sections make sense?

* Determine if the language appropriate for the skill level.

* Assist with coaching for pattern writing and make suggestions to improve the quality and clarity of       a pattern--especially for new designers.

​

 

 

​

Are you ready? 

• Fill out the form below to contact me and we'll get you on the schedule.

• Once the first draft of the pattern is complete, BEFORE you send to testers, you will send me a PDF copy of the pattern for review. 

• Turnaround time is usually 3 - 5 working days.

• I’ll send back your PDF with edits, notes and suggestions. I'll also attach additional diagrams or tables  if I think they might help.

• Edits will include not only suggested revisions, but also the WHY behind them and in some cases HOW to improve.

• Billing is included on a spreadsheet invoice in 15 minute increments; rates available upon request.

• The work can be concluded at that stage, but many clients will generally make their changes and come back for a quick check for the updated pattern (billed at the same rates).

• I will present an invoice with the final pattern edits; please pay it within 48 hours. It can be paid via Paypal or Venmo (your choice).

• We agree to keep each other’s work and intellectual property completely confidential.

​

​

Let's get started!

I’d love to help elevate your patterns and business to the next level!

​

​

​