What is Tech Editing and Why Do I Want It?
Tech(nical) editing, or pattern editing, is similar to a copy editor for a book or magazine. I read through the content to make sure it makes sense, that all the parts are included, that spelling, punctuation and capitalization, and all the math is correct, and that the pictures match the directions. I have had instances where I’ve spent my hard-earned money on a pattern, only to have errors in it or directions that are confusing. As much as I love a good challenge, it can be pretty frustrating to spend time figuring it out instead of getting another few inches of progress. I want to help you have the very best pattern so that it will inspire confidence in your buyers, increase the likelihood that they’ll return and buy more of your designs, and recommend you to their friends.
When you have a professionally edited pattern, you get a set of eyes trained to check the following:
- All the math….and I mean ALLLLL the math.
- Units of measurement for both imperial and metric systems.
- Your cast on, bind off, repeat sections, increases, decreases, and stitch counts, and making sure those stitch and row counts correlate to the correct finished measurement(s) based on your stitch gauge.
- Ensure garment sizing is within Craft Yarn Council standards or your preferred body size standard.
- That your charts and written instructions match each other and are correct.
- All abbreviations used are listed and special stitches are listed and explained.
- Confirm that your pictures and schematics accurately depict the finished product.
- Verify the directions are in order and flow clearly for the knitter/crocheter.
- Adherence to the Style Guide, especially helpful if your pattern will be published/promoted on industry websites, magazines, or books, or if you just want to have a consistent look to your patterns.
Most accessories, socks, toys, and housewares can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to edit, and graded (multi-sized) garments can take 4+ hours, all depending on complexity, so it’s important to have a consultation with a cost estimate tailored to your individual pattern.
I specialize in garments, accessories, and home decor, though I am happy to take a look at anything because I do enjoy a good challenge. I particularly love clarifying innovative patterns to make them more accessible to beginners, including creating custom schematics, charts, and garment grading. Since I am a knitter and crocheter in my spare time, I edit both types of patterns.
Pricing and Work Flow
- My rate is $32 USD per hour per pattern, billed in 15-minute increments.
- Custom schematics, charts, and garment grading are included in the hourly rate.
- I offer a free consultation where I assess the pattern and give you an estimate on pricing that includes the editing work, any custom work you want added, final proofreading, and turn-around time.
- My turn-around time is typically 3-5 business days after you approve the estimate, but is subject to schedule availability. I work a full time job, so editing is relegated to weeknights; I try to keep weekends and holidays for family time and catching up on home responsibilities.
- All new clients get 15% off of their first tech edit!
- Once I have completed my work, I will send you a marked-up copy of your pattern with corrections, suggestions, and other notes, and a detailed summary to help explain those mark-ups. It is up to you, the designer, to implement those changes into your pattern. It is done this way to protect the integrity of your design, so that you are always in charge of what changes are made.
- Afterward, you may send it back to me for a final look. If you choose not to, that’s fine, too.
- When you launch your pattern I’ll be sure to share your launch across my social media accounts, too!
- I utilize PayPal for invoices, and request full payment within 30 days of the invoice date.
- If you require a rush job, my rate increases by 50%.
- I offer multiple item discounts!
- Two (2) patterns – 10% off total invoice
- Three (3) patterns – 15% off total invoice
- Four (4) or more patterns – 20% off total invoice
- Those with pre-set publishing rates (magazines, books, etc.) – contact me
Because I’m all about communication and setting expectations, I want to add that sometimes things come up in life that delay or prolong the editing process, such as the pattern being more complex than initially thought. If this happens, I would indicate if the cost is going to go over the initial estimate and give you a revised cost estimate. Or there may be a personal emergency that interrupts the editing process and may impact whether the deadline is met. Again, I will reach out as soon as it appears the deadline is in jeopardy and work with you to get it resolved as soon as humanly possible.
This hasn’t happened yet, but there may also be times where I assess your pattern and realize it is beyond my skillset, or I don’t have time to complete it within the timeframe you need. If that is the case, I will work my hardest to find another tech editor that can help you. While it’s hard to turn away work for any reason, I want you to be happy and get what you need, even if it’s not from me.
Have more questions? Ready to take the plunge? Reach out and let me answer those questions and get you moving towards a more perfect pattern.