In a sea of editors, with most claiming to be *just* what you need, how do you pick one?
If you haven’t already done so, go check out my previous post on questions to ask potential Tech Editors. This is the follow-up post to all the questions your potential Tech Editor should have answered.
Here are some quick tips on being certain you are choosing the best editor for your patterns
- Take a look at their grammar and spelling they used when answering your email. I’ll use email throughout this post, but feel free to substitute message or tweet, etc… Do they have a bunch of misspelled words? No capitalization or punctuation? Red flag! If they don’t correct their own writing, they may not be a good fit to correct yours!
- Choose an editor that specializes in the type of patterns you write! For example, if you write only advanced Estonian lace shawl patterns, you’ll want an editor that has a lot of experience in that area. Beware the editor that specializes in everything unless they have an extensive portfolio to back that claim up! A legit version of this type of editor has either been designing for years themself or has worked for third party publications, or both. Personally, I am on a multi-year socks project, so when one editor emailed me saying they specialized in socks, I did my happy dance!
- If you are on a tight schedule most of the time, choosing an editor that is close to your time zone will be very beneficial. No waiting hours to communicate because one of you is sleeping! One client and I are literally worlds apart and the email process was extremely slow due to our opposite schedules. Not a deal breaker for me unless they need a rush job done! But if you have a short deadline, this might be an issue.
- Check out the exchange rate between your country and theirs. Some exchange rates are pretty even. Others may leave you broke if you hire someone in another country!
- Really take a good look at how long they have been editing! Some editors are great from day one, but most take a little while to get the hang of this job and not miss mistakes. Try to find one that has at least 4 client testimonials and/or posts on social media about their successfully edited patterns. Bonus if they are bragged about by clients on social media!
- Also take a really good look at their website, if they have one. One editor I interviewed didn’t make the cut because they linked their prices page to another editor’s website price page. My thinking was if they can’t be bothered to create their own page, is that going to translate into cutting corners with my patterns?
- There is a quick way to sort out your best choice using the tips above! Grab a spreadsheet, blank document, or a piece of paper. Write down your list of names along one side and your requirements along the top of the page. Give extra “weight” to those things that matter most to you! Add a check mark in the appropriate column and row when an editor meets a particular requirement. Then simply count all the check marks in that person’s row. The picture below doesn’t include all of my “must haves” but will give you a good idea how I chose my main editor.
- Don’t forget it’s ok to have a back-up editor too! If your favorite editor is on vacation, you’ll have another waiting in the wings!
