Services
Technical Editing
Technical editing involves checking every aspect of the pattern - math, charts, grammar, and style according to your provided style sheet. I began tech editing for clients upon completing the Tech Editor Hub's Learn to Tech Edit course in 2019. I have the experience to turn your design into a polished, error-free pattern that is publication-ready. I can also help with chart, schematic, pattern layout, and style sheet creation.
Typical project estimates:
Accessory editing: 1 - 1.5 hours
Garment editing: 2 - 2.5 hours
(patterns with charts typically fall on the longer end of this range)
Accessible Formatting
How many more people could enjoy your patterns if they included accessible formatting?
As a student of Renee Van Hoy's Writing Accessible Patterns for the Blind and Print Challenged, and co-creator of the Accessible Patterns Index, I can transform your written pattern to meet and exceed guidelines for accessibility, making it useable for crafters who rely on screen readers and/or large print. We can also reduce barriers for other needs such as light sensitivity and dyslexia.
The accessible formatted pattern will be provided in a separate PDF that can be offered alongside your standard pattern file. I can also help with creating an accessibility statement, choosing correct tags so that your pattern can be found by those who need it, and listing your pattern on the Accessible Patterns Index.
Flat rates are available for this service and it does not need to be combined with editing, which means we can do your whole back catalogue if you choose. Ongoing support is included. Let me take the guesswork out of accessibility.
Pattern Grading
You design your pattern and sample in a single size, and provide all the measurements, gauges, and yardage information. I take care of the math. I can create a full range of sizes according to standard or customized body measurements.
I began providing grading services to clients in 2020 upon completing The Tech Editor Hub's Masterclass in Grading. I am passionate and committed to creating inclusive patterns, and that means ensuring a perfect fit in all sizes.
Working With Me
Whether your pattern is fully written or you have questions before finalizing it, email me. I love to help every step of the way and have lots of resources including sizing charts, style sheets, and articles that may help answer your burning design questions.
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Not sure if you're ready for editing? My editing teacher Joeli Kelly wrote this great checklist.
If your design is intended to have multiple sizes, consider whether you want to write out all the sizes yourself (known as grading) or if you'd like to outsource this step. I offer grading services and can arrange another tech editor to edit projects graded by me.
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Have questions about grading? My grading teacher Sarah Walworth wrote this handy guide.
Once you are ready to edit and/or grade, email me the pattern for a quote. For grading projects, an editable file format like .pages, .docx, or Google Docs, allows me to add in the finished numbers and measurements. For technical editing, a PDF or any other format is fine. I will look at the pattern's length and complexity, and estimate how many hours it might take to complete the work. I will send you a quote and a timeline - usually 2-3 business days for editing or 7 business days for grading.
Once you agree to the quote, expect a few emails from me. Sometimes there's a lot of back and forth to make sure everything is just right. I'll send you back a copy of your pattern file with highlighting and comments on it. These will include spelling and grammar, formatting and consistency, clarity and math comments. Look through them and make your corrections, then send it back to me to be checked. This is probably the most important step that sometimes gets overlooked - but it can save a lot of frustration later! If you have any questions about any of my comments, or think I've misinterpreted something, please ask me to clarify. Remember, I am on your team now and we are working together to make this pattern the best it can be. I know what questions to ask and things to check, but all I have is instructions and photos. You are the expert on your own unique design, you have the sample in front of you and you've experienced it on the needles.
Once we've checked and sorted out all the corrections, I'll send my invoice. My invoicing program accepts online payment and gives 30 days to pay, but please let me know if you prefer to make other arrangements such as e-transfer (within Canada), Paypal, or even barter. I'm still here for you during and after the testing phase, even after publication, so always feel free to email for another check.
Did this answer all your questions about editing? Ready to dive in? For complete details including my rates, what I check, and what specific details I need to begin grading, please send me an email. I look forward to working with you!
Testimonials
LUKE GILLIGAN
Wool Enthusiast
Working with Nicky was amazing. As a tech-editor, this is my full-time job, but when I design patterns I am always looking for another tech-editor to work with! Nicky was very thorough, detailed with her edits and very personable to work with. She made the process easier and the finished product flawless! I would highly recommend and I know that I will be using her continually in the future!
DEBBIE SCROOBY
Stitchy Lass
As a newbie designer, I was looking for a tech editor with whom I can build a relationship. Nicky is extremely helpful and knowledgeable in answering questions. Her turnaround is fast and she had some very helpful tips and advice regarding my pattern. Nicky is very friendly and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her again.
AMY STRAKER
Little Yarns
I have been designing knitting patterns for several years and it was a pleasure working with Nicky as my tech editor. Nicky worked incredibly fast to get my pattern back to me and provided helpful edits that improved the quality of my design. She was happy to look over my pattern several times which gave me great peace of mind that it was the best it could be before giving it to test knitters to replicate. Thanks again Nicky, your attention to detail, efficiency, and kindness throughout the review process was much appreciated and I look forward to working together again soon!
