I enjoyed reading about Jean Campbell's experience as a technical editor for Beadwork. You may remember that I wrote about my own experience with Stringing tech editing awhile back. Few people seem to realize that "nuts-and-bolts" technical editors work in other fields besides computers or engineering, so it's always refreshing to be reminded.
I've just finished edits on the summer issue of Stringing and I'm thinking about writing a post or two about common mistakes. I've been debating for awhile whether or not to write it. Some people are so terrified of any type of writing that they might see a post like that as another roadblock to magazine submissions. That's not my intention. Instead, I'm thinking about those designers who have been submitting to magazines for awhile and would like to improve their instructions before tackling a book or creating their own tutorials to sell.
Here's one easy tip: Avoid having two numbers next to one another. Instead of: "5 5mm silver daisy spacers" try: "5 silver 5mm daisy spacers." Isn't the second one easier to read? Your mind likes to put numbers together, so it would be easy to misread the first example as "55mm . . ." (a huge bead) or "55" (a large number of beads). What a big difference that would make in your finished project!
Enjoy Jean's post and the rest of this week's links:
Jean Campbell
What exactly does a beadwork tech-editor do? Read on!
About.com Jewelry Making
Are you struggling with the cost of metal right now? Tammy gives you a tip for getting the look of metal beads without the cost.
Art Bead Scene
Gaea shares some of her current favorite beading and craft related tools
Beading Arts
Interested in publishing this year? How about starting out with a magazine?
Beads and Books
Join the spring challenge and makeover a ready-made wintry bracelet into a piece of springtime jewelry!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Everyday Gemstones from the publishers of
BeadStyle magazine is beautiful, easy, and is a special Winter 2012
issue --and Jean thrilled to be in it!
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
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