See the Work. Review the Result.
We believe authors should never be asked to pay in full before experiencing the depth and rigor of their editorial deliverable. Our milestone model keeps every engagement transparent, low-risk, and held to professional scrutiny.
The Scriptorium Commercial Philosophy
Professional literary editing is an intellectual partnership requiring sustained critical attention, artistic discernment, and deep mutual respect. It is neither an automated software output nor an anonymous gig economy transaction.
To honor this craft, we reject industry norms that demand 100% upfront payment before an editor has typed a single line note. Instead, Scriptorium operates on three foundational commercial guarantees:
1. Fixed, Published Rates
No sudden quote inflations, surge fees, or hidden administrative overhead. You calculate your exact investment before opening a dialogue.
2. Review-Before-Final-Payment
You receive and inspect your complete deliverable before the remaining balance is ever due.
3. Free First Touchpoint
Any fiction author can test our eye through The First 1,000 Words complimentary reading without entering payment details.
Project Milestones by Engagement Size
Every commission follows a clear, contractual schedule so both author and editor remain aligned.
Tier I: Focused Engagements (Under $500)
e.g. Query Critique ($165), Query + Synopsis ($295), Short Manuscript AssessmentReserves editor calendar time and initiates in-depth manuscript examination.
Released only after deliverable receipt and your review period concludes with your satisfaction.
Tier II: Core Manuscript Projects ($500 – $1,500)
e.g. Full Novel Assessment, Copyediting Pass, Full Submission Package ($495)Manuscript placed in active atelier queue with dedicated editor assignment and confirmed delivery date.
7-day review window opens on complete deliverable. Balance paid only after questions answered and revisions signed off.
Tier III: Major Atelier Engagements (Over $1,500)
e.g. Full Developmental Editing, Intensive Line Editing on 80k+ wordsSecures project window and editorial immersion.
Delivery of Part 1 markup and diagnostic alignment memo.
Released following the 10-day review and consultation window.
Your Dedicated Review Window
When your completed editorial deliverable is delivered, your account enters a structured review period:
- ✦ 7 Business Days: For Assessments, Line Editing, and Copyediting.
- ✦ 10 Business Days: For Developmental Editing and complex book architectures.
- ✦ Active Editor Availability: Your editor is on deck to answer questions, clarify marginal notes, and discuss structural implications.
In-Scope Revisions & Boundaries
To protect both parties from ambiguity and prevent endless scope creep:
Clarifying queries, author Q&A, refining suggestions, and review of revised passages directly addressing the editor's notes (up to 10% of total word count).
Newly written chapters or plots composed after delivery, complete conceptual overhauls, or secondary full-manuscript read-throughs.
What Happens If You Are Not Satisfied?
Because literary editing is subjective yet disciplined, we maintain an escalation protocol to ensure no client is left stranded with substandard work:
Direct discussion with the assigned editor to untangle miscommunications or address conflicting creative visions.
Our Managing Editor independently evaluates the manuscript and deliverable against our atelier quality standards.
If an irreconcilable aesthetic mismatch occurred, reassignment to another senior specialist is arranged at zero extra cost.
If work fails our professional benchmark, fee waivers or refunds are processed promptly.
Payment Security & IP Protection
Ready to Begin with Total Peace of Mind?
Start with our complimentary reading of your first 1,000 words, calculate your investment, or consult directly with our managing editors.