Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, on her well-loved yarnharlot.ca blog, asked today why publishers don’t often offer charts and text instructions both; was it cultural? The expenses involved?
The cost is a huge point; every page adds up. On the other hand, offering both greatly expands the audience, given that people tend to feel passionately about the method that they prefer.
When I first contacted Martingale Press, I told them upfront that I had visual memory damage, and that one of the effects of that was that my instructions were all going to be line-by-line; chart symbols were scrambled scribbles to my brain, but text, no problem. (To me, following line-by-line is like reading music, just moving the hands in another language.)
Martingale said sure, text is fine.
But after some time and some discussion, they felt they really did need to add charts, and that my instructions were short enough that they had the space. They asked Donna Druchunas, author of Arctic Lace and The Knitted Rug, if she would be willing to draw up those charts. She did. I will forever be grateful to her for that, and to be able to tell knitters that my “Wrapped in Comfort” book is accessible to both styles.
One more month and it’ll finally be out!
8 Comments so far
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Anxiously awaiting my copy! It’s pre-ordered, yep. I can do words or charts but much prefer charts. So I’m glad they added them for you.
Comment by Anne in Wy 05.08.07 @ 4:40 pmThank you!
Comment by AlisonH 05.08.07 @ 10:48 pmAlso glad they put in the charts. I’ve gotten so used to them with lace work that if the author doesn’t provide them, I make them myself, and that just adds the possibility of disaster.
Comment by Kristine 05.09.07 @ 4:38 amAnyway for those of us who live far away from you to get books signed by the author? I’m sure others would be interested too. Good luck on the book. You must be so excited!
Comment by mishka0617 05.09.07 @ 7:12 amAny chance you’ll be coming to Stitches East in Baltimore in October? My husband are planning on it as an excuse to go back home to Maryland for a visit. My folks have moved away, but his are still there.
Comment by AlisonH 05.09.07 @ 10:19 amI can do written instructions or charts, but much prefer charts. I waste too much time trying to find my place in written text. Charts seem to help me memorize a pattern faster too.
Comment by Marlene 05.09.07 @ 10:55 amI like to have charts and words. I’m glad your book will have both.
I don’t suppose you got a chance to meet Donna in person.
Comment by sweetfigs 05.11.07 @ 8:37 amNot yet, but I hope to.
Comment by AlisonH 05.11.07 @ 6:33 pmLeave a comment
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