Tech Editing
YOU: An independent designer or publisher of knitting patterns who is looking for someone to help prepare your creative work for public consumption.
ME: An eagle-eyed, detail-oriented, experienced knitter who relishes reading through knitting patterns and marking them up with comments and/or corrections in order to assist you in publishing your most polished work.
Sound like a match? Let’s join forces!
Whether your goal is to prepare your pattern to share with test knitters or ready it for final publication, I will work assiduously and efficiently to bring your pattern to perfection.
As your tech editor, I will:
verify all numbers, math, and other factual information within your pattern
ensure your pattern’s instructions and directional flow make sense
review for internal consistency
check grammar, spelling, and punctuation
confirm that charts match their written instructions (if applicable)
write written instructions for charts (if needed)
offer constructive comments and/or questions to consider
among other checks in order to ensure your pattern is as accurate, error-free, and knitter-friendly as possible.
Interested in talking further? Please reach out to me via email (jen@rainydayknits.com) or this simple contact form and tell me about your tech editing needs. Alternatively, let’s chat!
I look forward to hearing from you!
THE FINE PRINT
Super powers: Wrangling numbers, ensuring consistency, grammar, jiving written instructions with charts, spotting extraneous spaces within copy, parallel parking.
Kryptonite: I am not grading garments, nor providing ghost writing services, at this time. I have taken Julie Robinson’s class on garment grading and can review your grading and provide feedback as needed. If you are looking for a grader or ghost writer, I would be happy to share with you the names of colleagues who are excellent at both of these types of work.
Favorite types of patterns to edit: Cables, Fair Isle/stranded colorwork, socks and mittens, shawls, hats, garments both pieced and seamless in all directions.
Method: I have my own list of “checks” that I follow which I would be happy to share with you so that you know exactly what I look at when I am tech editing patterns. I will also follow your style guide (or a previously published pattern) if you have one or follow a publisher’s style guide if needed. I can edit directly on a PDF or work within a shared Google Doc using comments and suggestions.
Turnaround time: My preferred turnaround time for the first pass on a pattern is 7–10 days; subsequent passes are faster. If you are on a tighter timeline, let’s talk and see what might be possible.
Rate: My standard hourly rate for tech editing is $28. I offer a discount of $25 per hour for new clients so that you can try out my services. I track time and charge to the nearest 10 minutes. I will not charge you for any time spent researching and/or educating myself in order to work on your pattern.
Proofing reviews: I offer a free 20-minute proofing review pre-publication to confirm my previously-made edits. New edits, requested review of new material, and/or time spent beyond 20 minutes will be charged at my hourly fee mentioned above.
Time estimates: While I may not be able to predict exactly how much time I will need to work on your pattern from the outset, I will share with you a rough time estimate before I begin my work. If, during the course of working on your pattern, I believe I may need additional time beyond the original estimate, I will connect with you around the 75-80% mark and let you know what work remains to be done so that you can either approve additional time or decide how you wish for me to proceed with the remaining time. I also welcome knowing a cap on hours should you have one.
Payment: I send invoices via PayPal but payments may be made by PayPal, Wise or Zelle. Payment is due by the date listed on the invoice.
Errata: My goal is to provide you with edits that ensure a pattern will be 100% accurate for publication. That said, sometimes things slip through. Should you encounter pattern errata post-launch for material that I reviewed, I will work with you on my dime to make things right.