RESPECT THE VOICE
What is voice?
Unique worldview
Unique word choices
Language that sets author/designer apart from others
Recognizable even when the designer not identified
Originates from inner psychology and personality
What is style? (style of the written pattern, not item design style)
The mechanical and technical aspects of a draft
Broader than voice
Deliberate choices such as round/row format, color palette, business icon, columns or full page, photography, pattern layout, etc.
Tone or attitude such as casual, formal, intriguing, ornate, simple, flowery or plain
Manner chosen to put words together, usually related to the purpose of the writing
Types of voice:
-------speaking, descriptive, pretentious, inspirational, promotional, motivational, scholarly, cynical, paranoid, childish, petulant, humorous, authoritative, sensitive, poetic
Types of style:
-------expository (body of pattern), descriptive, persuasive, informational, narrative, casual, formal, matter-of-fact
My voice:
-------somewhat formal but with an underlying dry wit or humor sometimes taken (and sometimes intended) as sarcasm
How do voice and style differ?
Style consists of deliberate choices and can change from pattern to pattern depending on the item designed but usually maintains a superimposed formatted plan that allows for divergence as needed.
Style permeates an entire pattern and, often, an entire portfolio of patterns.
Style is subject to external influences and can be learned and studied.
Style can affect knittability related to pattern clarity.
Voice originates deeper than style; frequently, unless a writer/designer has become cognizant of their own voice, a subconscious issue.
Voice is internally sourced, an intrinsic part of a designer's personality. Any external sources are typically not chosen or studied. Voice includes such issues as personal background, where someone comes from, who they are, upbringing, internal sources of strength or weaknesses, their personal philosophy and psychology. Voice is usually only evident in limited areas of a pattern such as romance copy/introduction and any designer notes.
Voice does not affect the knittability of a pattern, only how a pattern recipient perceives it; therefore, voice could affect whether a customer chooses to purchase a pattern.
How are style and voice similar?
------There can be some overlap in types of voice or style. Either can be descriptive, casual, or formal. Both can lead to brand or designer recognition among the knitting community and their customer base. Pattern purchasers, other designers, publishers, and social media followers come to recognize both style and voice. As such, they develop expectations related to both elements from particular designers.
Why is voice important?
-------Tech editors can and do assist designer's with style issues. Sometimes assisting a designer to develop a style through pattern advice for improving clarity and knitter friendliness. Or TE's can work with a designer on development of an actual style sheet. Also, TE's help to maintain internal consistency of an established style and external consistency from pattern to pattern within a portfolio. Voice generally does not require any assistance other than grammar and punctuation checks. And possibly, syntax or sentence structure if they affect readability.
Style influences mood, tone, knitter expectations, pattern clarity, and knittability. It is obvious at first glance. Voice is more subtle. It is not always possible to distinguish it from style. Nor is it necessary for a reader to recognize that, "Hey, this designer has a real voice!" Sometimes many authors and pattern designers never really develop voice. And their patterns sell very well without it, thank you very much. Style is absolutely necessary for successful pattern writing. Voice is not.
So why does a technical editor even need to consider it? Because voice is where the designer's personality shines through. Voice is the difference between a university lecture on archeology and an actual visit to a dig. It's the difference between a police report of a crime and an Agatha Christie mystery. If a designer has voice, there is no need to search for it. It changes a knitting pattern from an aesthetically pleasant and accurate recipe to a delightful experience. You actually enjoy reading it.
And Tech Editors should leave it alone. Oh, I'm not saying that we shouldn't error check for mistakes. We should. But that is all. By all means, comment on style, math, layout, grammar, punctuation, clarity, accuracy, techniques, charts, keys, and everything else that constitutes a workable, knittable pattern. But in areas such as notes, intros, and descriptions, there is little reason for a tech editor to make changes. Indicate any errors found. Point out that a pattern the designer calls "simple" is more advanced, if necessary. Otherwise, respect the voice. And enjoy.