Services

I have been editing for three years and worked with a number of designers on a variety of projects. At this point in time, I am only available to edit knitting patterns and very simple crochet patterns.

I have experience editing all sorts of projects–anything from small accessories to very complicated sweaters. I am familiar with many different constructions for sweaters and socks. I have been knitting for many years and also have published a few of my own patterns. I don’t only work with independent designers — I have edited for yarn companies and a major knitting magazine. My other qualifications include a BSc in Mathematics so I have a very good head for numbers and am very detail oriented.

My turnaround aim is 1 week but I can usually accommodate a tighter deadline and am pretty good about fitting you in right away. In general, I will edit the pattern for clarity, check for errors in all aspects (sizing, charts, row counts, etc), correct spelling and grammar, and whatever else needs to be done to get the pattern ready to publish. I am more than happy to work with your own style sheet should you have one or help you develop one based on existing standards if you don’t. I don’t make any serious changes (i.e. ones that would constitute a design change) without consulting you. I prefer to work with pdfs but can also work with .doc, .odt, latex files, whatever you like really!

I am also flexible about at what part in the design process you wish to take me on. Many designers prefer me to look over the pattern first, then send it out to test knitters, then have me look at the final copy. Others don’t use test knitters at all, and still others send me patterns which have been test knitted in every size and are nearly ready to be published. Any method is fine. Regardless of where I start in the process, I am always happy to look over the final copy before you hit “publish”. This service is included in your original fee and is not something you pay extra for.

I prefer to work on a hourly rate and am happy to provide an upper-end estimate before starting. Please contact me for rates–my default currency is USD but let me know if you prefer to work in CAD, GBP, or EUR. I accept payment by Paypal. I send invoices after the job is fully completed and we are both happy.

Specific services I offer:

General review of pattern: For a fixed fee, I will look over your pattern and make suggestions for things that I feel could be improved. I make no changes and won’t check sizes, but will look for any major errors. As I am mainly looking at clarity, spelling, grammar, correct abbreviations, etc. this service is great for patterns that you might be submitting to a magazine who do their own editing but for which you need to make sure match up to their standard.
Standard Edit: For an hourly rate, I will look over your pattern, correct any errors, and make suggestions for things that I feel could be improved. I will check that all sizes are correct, stitch/row counts match up, and do all the usual review of spelling/grammar/readability. However, I will only offer suggestions for the latter rather than make the changes to the pattern myself. This service is quicker then an intensive edit but is just as thorough, and so is a good option if you are on a budget and have the time to make the changes yourself.
Intensive Edit: For an hourly rate, I will look over your pattern, correct any errors, and correct any problems with abbreviations or unclear instructions. I aim to get the pattern back to you in a “ready to publish” condition. This is more time intensive but is great for if you are good at the designing bit but not the pattern writing bit.

Other things I can help with include sizing (grading), creating schematics and charts, and designing a layout.

Please let me know if you have any questions or want any more information. I am happy to provide references (a few people provided recommendations on this ravelry thread). You can contact me by email (joeli.caparco at gmail dot com)