Currently, I offer literary translation and editing services for publishers, and technical editing solutions for knitting pattern designers
Hi, I’m Ádám Sárpátki,
[ʃaːɾpaːtki]
a literary translator and editor, mainly working in the fantasy and science fiction genres, but I have experience with YA fiction, non-fiction and popular science books as well.
As of 2024, I added technical editing for knitting patterns to my services.
My Services
Literary translation & editing
Since 2012, I’ve worked on over 60 novels and short stories as a literary translator, and edited more than 20 novels. I’ve also written numerous articles on various topics. I have extensive experience working with different genres and collaborating with translators and editors from diverse backgrounds.
Even though my calendar for any given year is usually filled with projects from my current clients, I would be happy to talk shop, and maybe make space for new projects. 😎
Important to note: currently I only translate from English to Hungarian, and I only edit texts written in Hungarian.
Technical editing
In 2024, I completed the technical editing course offered by The Tech Editor Hub. Joeli is a wonderful teacher who has taught me a great deal about the mechanics of tech editing for knitting patterns and the philosophy of working with pattern designers. 😊
I currently offer tech editing for accessories, mainly for socks, mittens, hats, shawls, scarfs and other small items.
My services include checking your pattern for inconsistencies and errors both in the math and in the style. I’ll also flag any grammatical errors or typos.
How I Work
What sets me apart and how my expertise can contribute to our successful collaboration
Unique advantages
As a relatively new knitter, I’m aware of the challenges beginners face, which helps me ensure the patterns I edit are clear and beginner-friendly. And even though English is not my native language, this is actually a strength, not a weakness. Because I spend most of my days immersed in English, either for work or entertainment, I can spot sentences that might be confusing from a non-native perspective.
Communication
I prefer proactive communication, so I strive to be proactive as well. I usually respond to emails within 24-48 hours during the week (except on weekends and holidays). If I’m out of the office for longer than that, I always set an automatic message to let my clients and colleagues know.
Detail-oriented
Whether it’s a novel I’m working on or a knitting pattern, I rarely take anything for granted. In this sense, I remain a librarian—I find that my most memorable works are the ones that required extensive research, for example, about Chinese history, the Hundred Years’ War, or the Cosmere.
Independence
I started freelancing in 2013 and became a full-time freelancer in 2018. Throughout these years I’ve demonstrated that I can deliver quality work, meet deadlines, and be a reliable team member.
What Others Say About Me
Testimonials from clients and colleagues
Each time Ádám works on one of our books, whether it needs translating or editing, I know it’s in safe hands. He has an outstanding sense of language and style, and it’s great to see the dedication and care he devotes to each project. Additionally, his work on decidedly lengthy novels is always of exceptional quality. I consider him one of the most talented professionals among his younger peers.
When I am designing, my brain is all over the place. I am thinking about dozens of design elements, stitch patterns, knitting techniques and how they affect each other, so their combination becomes a unique design piece and they eventually form a knitting pattern that is easy to follow but exciting to knit at the same time. It is such a relief to know that I can wander freely in all this creative chaos and I do not have to worry about spelling, wording or punctuation because I have Ádám to create perfect order at the end!
Ádám was my colleague in the Hungarian Central Statistical Office Library, and we stayed friends even after we eventually moved on to work in separate (but related) creative fields. I often turn to him for advice, as he always provides excellent insights. He is thorough, willing to double-check everything. Remarkably patient and generous. He even made this website from scratch - I’m always impressed by his versatility!
When it comes to accuracy and literary style, Ádám is an exceptionally meticulous and precise translator, who reliably meets his commitments and deadlines. He is an expert at his craft, and his linguistic ingenuity and creativity are combined with remarkable organisational skills. He puts all his heart into his work while remaining flexible and collaborative during the publishing process. It’s a pleasure working with him. He is consistent in his editing work, always striving to reach consensus, and is more than happy to help the development of colleagues who are open to his guidance.
Yarnbound Tales newsletter
Once a month I send out a short but sweet newsletter that includes my current available tech editing spots, as well as some stuff I found useful or interesting in the previous month—whether it’s a video, a podcast episode, an article or a conversation.
The topics include knitting, cooking, books, video games, TTRPGs, or anything, really, that interests me at the time.
It’s free, there’s no catch, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Clicking the button below will take you to my Substack page.
The Flightless Manticore
As a kid, I always adored it when a book had a map in it. The first one I encountered was, of course, Tolkien’s map in The Lord of the Rings — the first Hungarian edition has a beautiful version of it, and that definitely kickstarted my fascination with the topic. Then, when my interest in D&D was sparked in 2017, I started a few other related hobbies as well, like painting miniatures, or drawing maps.
I wanted to take mapmaking more seriously for a while now, and in 2023 I’ve finally taken the first steps to do just that.
The Flightless Manticore blog is one of those first steps.
Yarnbound Tales
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get updates on my availability, articles about knitting, books, cooking, video games, TTRPGs and other topics.