Technical Editing FAQs

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?


Currently, I am charging a flat rate per job, based on the type and complexity of knitted item, not by the hour.

Simple accessories:  $20US
Complex accessories:  $27US

Simple garments:  $30US
Complex garments:  $37US


NOTE:  I am happy to give estimates and let you know what it will cost before we begin work.
It does not often happen, but when a pattern requires more revisions than initially thought, I may increase the charge to the upper tier in its price category, but I will always ask you before proceeding.

HOW DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT?


After the job is done, I will send you a PayPal invoice, or request an e-transfer, whichever you prefer.


WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THE TECH EDITING EASIER AND STAY WITHIN THE QUOTE?


Read through your pattern one last time before sending it to me. Check it against your style sheet... Is everything that should be capitalized, capitalized? Are your numbers, abbreviations, instructions, etc. consistent throughout your pattern? Is your format easy to read? Do your written instructions match your charts? Do your schematics make sense?
Send me your style sheet when you send me your finished pattern PDF. I'll be able to check faster with it to reference to. If you don't have a personal style sheet and do not want to use one, no problem! I'll edit based on the style of the pattern alone.
Make sure that the initial pattern that you send me is a complete pattern, not just a portion. Emailing back and forth different pieces of the pattern can and will get confusing. It will also delay you receiving your beautiful, error-free copy that's ready for publication.


HOW DO I HIRE YOU?


Email me to check what my schedule is like. Let me know a bit about your pattern, what you need me to do, and when you are planning to publish it. Attach your final/most recent version of your pattern so I can tell you what flat rate to expect for the job.
I'll email you my availability. If it is good for you, I get working!


AFTER I HIRE YOU, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?


This is how the process usually flows:
  • You send me your style sheet and your finished pattern PDF. I email that I received it.
  • I'll send you my edits. You email me to let me know you received them. I wait for you to apply them.
  • You send me back the pattern with the corrections made. I email you that I received it.
  • I check it again, and send you any other edits I may find (if any). You email me to let me know you received them.
  • I wait for you apply corrections, and then you send me the pattern again with most recent corrections applied to it. I email that I received it.
  • I check it again to make sure all is correct.
  • I email you that the most recent pattern version technically sound and an invoice for my work. You can pay me via PayPal or e-Tranfer if you have a Canadian bank account.


  • And smile, because you've got a beautiful pattern, ready for publishing!


  • WHAT EXACTLY WILL YOU BE CHECKING MY PATTERN FOR?


    Checking Math and Sizing
    • Numbers are working and make sense within your design. Consistency is paramount!
    • Your design's numbers are comparable to the industry standards for sizing.
    • Gauge (number of rows x number of sts) given works with the measurements on your schematics.
    • Multiple sizes have the correct numbers based on your design (positive ease, negative ease, etc.).
    Checking Charts, Schematics, and Photos
    • Charts are legible and have a correct, easy to understand symbol key for your knitters to follow.
    • Line-by-line comparison of chart instructions to written instructions, if applicable.
    • Match your photos and your schematic measurements to the pattern and make sure your knitter will be getting the same result as your pattern photos.
    Checking Language
    • Go through your style sheet and compare it to your pattern, making sure your piece flows smoothly with consistency and there is no confusing surprises for your knitter.
    • Copy editing: make sure you use your abbreviations from your abbreviations key throughout the pattern, punctuation is correct, etc.
    • Industry standard language is used for the most part, so your knitter is comfortable and confident that they can knit your pattern.
    Checking Layout
    • I might make suggestions on how to make the layout easier on the knitter's eye.
    • Suggest where element like charts, keys and written instructions might be moved to make your pattern format stand out from the typical.
    • Look for a way to make the flow of the pattern feel creative and natural while still being logical.