TECHNICAL EDITING SERVICES
Do you have a pattern ready to test knit, but want a second pair of eyes to check it out, make sure there are no mistakes? Do you want to add sizes to your pattern, and want someone to help you do so? Would you like to have your pattern translated into several languages, to reach a larger audience? Here you have all the information about my services. In this page you can find:
WHY TECHNICAL EDITING ?
I remember when I was writing my master’s thesis, how I looked at the same document over and over again. I re-read it a thousand times, making sure there was no error left. Well guess what. Once I sent the document, I printed it out and opened it… and yes, you guessed correctly. There was a mistake on the first page.
It’s just a normal human experience- When you create a document, you know what you want to say, and sometimes our brain is just unable to see those small mistakes because we read what we think we have written, not what is actually on the paper. And that happens in pattern writing too. Sometimes it’s a number, a spelling mistake, or a grammar error… and it can end up impacting the overall experience of the knitter.
That’s where the role of the technical editor comes into play. By checking your math, clarifying instructions, and ensuring consistency across sizes, we act as a second pair of eyes, helping your pattern become the best version of itself before it’s released.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
As a technical editor, I view my job as a collaboration with the designer. I am not here to write over your pattern, just to help you smooth it out, but always acknowledging that the designer retains control of their pattern. I value communication above all, so I can tailor my services exactly to your needs.
Maybe you’re a beginner designer, looking for someone to accompany you through publishing your first pattern(s), helping tou spot mistakes and learn how to avoid them next time. Or perhaps you’re more experienced and just need a quick number check before sending your pattern to testers. And if English isn’t your first language? I’ve been there too. As a non-native speaker myself, I know the struggle of finding the right words, so I’m here to help you find your voice, even in a language that isn’t yours.
Having completed The Tech Editor Hub’s technical editing course, I am ready to help you with any need you might have. From checking your math and spelling to grading, creating charts, layouts, translating, or even ghostwriting. Whatever your needs, I’ll meet you where you are.
WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?
As a knitting technical editor, I focus on the following aspects:
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Clarity (flow, pacing, readability)
Formatting and layout
Consistency
Style
Numbers (stitch count, conversions, measurements, gauge, sizing)
Grading
Charts and schematics
Translations (Spanish, French, US/UK English)
Ghostwriting
Do you need something that is not on the list? Send me a message!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Step 1: Consultation
You can fill out my contact form, send me an email or contact me via social media and tell me about your design. In this first message, you should give me as much information as possible (type of project and techniques used, what audience is it for, what type of editing you need, length of the project, estimated deadline…) so I can asses wether I’m the right editor to help you. Within 48 hours I will come back to you. If I am, I will ask you to send me the pattern so I can give you an estimated timeline (if the deadline is not fixed) and estimated price (see cost estimates here). At this stage, I would be happy to arrange a call if preferred to go over the details. If I am not the right match, I will put you in contact with a more suitable Technical Editor.
Step 2: Signing the contract
Once the details have been discussed, I will send you a contract for you to sign, Please, review it carefully. After contract has been signed, editing will start.
Step 3: Editing
If anything is unclear while I edit your document(s) I will reach out to you for clarification. When the work is complete, within the estimated timeline, I’ll return your edited file(s), alongside with any additional document if applicable. It is ultimately up to you to implement any corrections or changes I might suggest you, I will never alter the original pattern. If the editing process is long, I will keep in touch with you and give you updates of my progress, so you will always know in which stage of editing I’m at. *
Revised Cost Estimate: If during the process of editing I realize that the work is going to take longer than initially estimated, or any issue arise, I will send you a revised cost estimate and a justification for it for approval. Once the revised cost estimate is agreed upon, I will continue working in your pattern. This way you can be sure that you will never receive a higher invoice than the agreed one. If this situation arrives, the turnaround time might be delayed.
Step 4: Review and follow-up
Once I send you back the files, you’ll be able to review the edits and we can go through any question or feedback together. At this stage, a call can be arranged as well.
Step 5: Final proofread
After your pattern has been tested, if any changes have been made, I can do a final (free) proofread of your pattern to be sure that everything is good to go.
Step 6: Invoice and payment
An invoice will be sent once final edits have been approved. PayPal or bank transfer are the preferred methods of payment.
*If you are a new designer and prefer to have closer contact and some guidance while I edit your pattern, don’t hesitate to let me know! I will be happy to chat with you and accompany you through the process of publishing your first pattern(s).
PRICES
Billed in 15 minute increments with a minimun charge equivalent to one hour. Services may vary depending on the needs of the designer, but the basic service includes technical editing and copy editing of the pattern, A final proofreading of the pattern is offered for free after changes have been implemented in the pattern.
25€ (30$) / hour. This is the basic service, it includes:
verification that all numbers are correct, such as CO, stitch count before and after increases, gauge, measurements and sizing, conversions between metric and imperial system, stitch pattern and repeats.*
checking that syntaxics, grammar, spelling and punctuation is correct, as well as verifying that the pattern is consistent with your style sheet, if there’s any, and if there isn’t that it stays consistent throughout the pattern.
making sure that all materials listed are used and viceversa, as well as all necessary abbreviations and keys are listed and clear.
confirming that all photographs, schematics and/or carts are present, clear and agree with the pattern.
verifying that the written instructions are clear and flow logically between sections.
*If there are mistakes in the numbers, they will be indicated. If the reason of the mistake and/or the correct number are clear, it will be suggested. But it is ultimately up to the designer to find the correct number and implement it, unless agreed otherwise.
TECHNICAL EDITING, COPY EDITING AND PROOFREADING
80€ (90$) flat fee. Based on the pattern and the designer’s preferences, style sheets are created to ensure consistency both within and across patterns. It will not only help reducing the writing time in future patterns, but also creating a distinctive style.
STYLE SHEETS
25€ (30$) / hour. Using Stitchmastery charts can be created from the designer’s written instructions, or written instructions can be generated from chart, following the designer’s style sheet, if there’s any.
CHARTS
30€ (35$) / hour. From the sample(s) of the designers, an inclusive range of sizes can be created, based on Ysolda’s standard measurement chart, or any other publicly available chart. In order to grade the pattern, I will need to have access to the gauge measurements taken from the sample, detailed set of measurements, detailed photographs of the designer’s sample. Graded patterns should be tech edited by a third party to ensure an error-free final pattern. This service includes:
tech editing and copy editing of the original pattern.
inclusive sizing from 74cm (29”) to 173cm (68”)*
maintaining ease, pattern repeats and other designs features.
suggesting directions for the new sizes.
if needed contacting with a 3rd party to complete the final tech edit on the graded pattern.
*The grading range depends on the constraints of the orginal pattern.
GRADING AND SIZING
25€ (30$) / hour. Native Spanish and fluent in English and French, I’m well versed in the knitting terminology of the three languages. Translating the patterns can help the designer reach larger audiences. I can also transform patterns between US and UK terminologies.
TRANSLATION
GHOST WRITING
25€ (30$) / hour. The designer needs to provide a description of the pattern, detailed notes of their creation process, detailed pictures and measurements of the garment, weight of the finished piece, details of the yarn, tools and notions used, charts or schematics if there is any. Ghost written patterns should be tech edited to ensure an error-free final product
COST ESTIMATES
Each pattern is unique, so a personalized cost estimate will be sent after the initial consultation. The following information might help you have an idea of how long editing a pattern might take.
Technical and Copy Editing:
Simple Accessories: 1 size, no charts, standard shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 1 to 2 hours.
Medium Accessories: 2 sizes, 1 chart, intermediate shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 2 to 3.5 hours.
Complex Accessories: 3+ sizes, multiple charts, advanced or innovative shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 3.5 to 7 hours.
Simple Garments: 1 to 3 sizes, no charts, standard shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 1 to 3.5h.
Medium Garments: 4 to 6 sizes, 1 chart, intermediate shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 3.5 to 7 hours.
Complex garments: 7+ sizes, multiple charts, advanced or innovative shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 7+ hours.
Charts:
In general, each chart takes about 1 hour to create.
Grading:
Simple Accessories: 2 sizes, no charts, standard shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 2 to 3.5 hours.
Medium Accessories: 2 sizes, 1 chart, intermediate shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 3.5 to 7 hours.
Complex Accessories: 3+ sizes, multiple charts, advanced or innovative shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 7 to 12 hours.
Simple Garments: 1 to 3 sizes, no charts, standard shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 3.5 to 7h.
Medium Garments: 4 to 6 sizes, 1 chart, intermediate shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 7 to 12 hours.
Complex garments: 7+ sizes, multiple charts, advanced or innovative shaping, construction, and/or techniques: 12+ hours.
Style sheets:
The creation of a style sheet takes 3+ hours, depending on the depth that the author desires and the amount of information available.
Translation and Ghost writing:
It depends entirely on the length and complexity of the pattern.
TURNAROUND TIME
Generally, turnaround time for technical editing, charts, copy editing, style sheet creations, and translations is 5 business days. Grading takes longer, as it depends on the number of sizes, and the original pattern needs to be tech edited first. After the initial consultation, an estimate of timing will be sent together with the estimated cost. If there are changes in the estimated cost, the estimated timing will change accordingly.
The final proofreading takes 1 to 2 business days.
If there’s the need of a faster turnaround time, a rush fee of the 50% will be applied to the final fee.
ERROR POLICY
I do my best to make sure I send you back an error-free pattern, but I am human!
If anything pops up in the test knitting process or afterwards that I missed in the final edit, please reach out to me. I will fix any mistakes at no cost to you.
PRIVACY POLICY
I will not share your pattern with anyone. I do not knit the patterns I edit unless I am gifted or purchase them myself.
If you send me your pattern but end up not hiring me, your pattern will not be saved. If you do hire me I will keep copies of your pattern for future reference, but they will not be shared.
Any public display of our collaboration, will be agreed upon sharing.