Technical Editing Pricing Structures

Accessible, Equitable, Valuable

 

Quilting is not necessarily known for being accessible or equitable, especially for quilters from historically marginalized communities. Quilting is expensive, whether you’re quilting for fun or trying to make a living, and the value of our dollars varies depending on our personal contexts and responsibilities.

I offer a sliding scale pricing structure as a small way to make my services accessible to anyone who needs them. Sliding scale pricing works by providing a few set prices from which a customer can choose what is most appropriate for them and their situation.

All customers, regardless of the price point they choose, will receive the same level of care and attention to detail from me: the services are the same. You may choose which price point is accessible to you based on the scale of your business, your budget, and your financial privilege, among other contexts. I will not make assumptions or ask any questions about the price point you choose. A sliding scale system works on the honor system, and I trust you to make the choice most appropriate for you at the time.

For more information about sliding scales, equitable pricing structures, and financial privilege, please see these resources:
Embracing an Equitable Scale - Britt Hawthorne for Embracing Equity

The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice - Alexis J. Cunningfolk for Worts + Cunning Apothecary

Sliding Scale: Why, How, and Sorting out Who - Hadassah Damien for Ride Free Fearless Money

Sliding Scale Price Points

Please refer to the graphic or articles linked above for specific factors to reference to help you understand what price point is appropriate for you. Please refer to the descriptors below for examples of factors specific to the quilting industry. Our context within these factors changes, and I will not ask questions about which price point you choose.

While you may have a pricing structure in mind when you first hire me, you are not locked in to a price point until you’re ready to pay! When I send you my time summary and pattern edits, I include a quote for each of the three price points based on the time I spent editing your pattern. At that time, you are able to choose what works best for you!

  • Access Price - $15/hour

    • I am just starting a quilting business.

    • I do not yet make a profit from my quilting business.

    • I am working towards being able to afford to compensate pattern testers.

  • Standard Price - $25/hour

    • I have an existing quilting business.

    • I make an income from my quilting business.

    • I make some sacrifices in order to afford to compensate pattern testers.

  • Plus Price - $35/hour

    • I have a well-established quilting business.

    • I regularly make disposable income from my quilting business.

    • I can afford to fairly compensate pattern testers.

Submit an Inquiry

FAQs about Sliding Scale Pricing

Won’t people take advantage of you?

I don’t think so! I try to assume that people are good and will make the right choices. So far, this has worked out for me! Last year, 64% of clients used the standard price tier, 27% used the plus price tier, and 10% used the access price tier. So far, I do not think anyone has taken advantage of my goal to provide accessible tech editing by choosing a tier lower than they afford, but, if they do, I hope they had a good reason to do so.

When do I have to choose which tier to use?

For all hourly based editing services, you do not have to choose the price tier until you receive the invoice from me. While I try to predict how much time a project will take so you can plan how much it will cost, things don’t always go according to plan. For this reason, you do not have to choose the tier until you see all of the price options.

Do I have to explain which price tier I choose?

Nope! I will never ask you to explain why you choose a certain tier, or even why you may be choosing a different tier for one pattern than you chose for another. I believe that you will make the choice that is best for you and your business at this time. I do not require (nor do I want!) any explanation for your choice; I trust that you have reflected on your business and finances and can decide what seems most appropriate for you.

Can I choose a different tier than last time?

Definitely! You do not need to choose the same price tier every time you work with me. I understand that life and business both fluctuate and that circumstances may change for you. That’s okay!

Do all tiers receive the same services?

Absolutely! The only thing that is different about the different pricing tiers is the price that you pay me. I perform the same tasks, at the same meticulous level, for every client I work with. I use a sliding scale pricing system because I believe everybody deserves the same access to professional services, whether they are a brand new designer not yet breaking even or an established designer with full-time employees.

How did you decide on the price for each tier?

I set my standard price first, deciding on what I hope to be a fair hourly rate based on my experience level, cost of living, and comparisons of other editor’s prices. From there, I decided on the difference in price from the standard tier to the lower tier, choosing what seemed like an accessible price based on average project time. I used the same difference ($10) to set the upper tier.