Parallel Editorial
A four-tier commission structure, scaled to the shape of the work
The studio accepts bounded commissions for first English editions. Four tiers are offered, scaled to the shape of the work and the client's procurement cadence. Engagements are quoted per commission based on language, scope, and timeline.
1,500–2,500 words · free · standard for first-time clients
A free sample translation of a chapter or substantive excerpt from a text of the client's choosing. The audition is produced through the same full pipeline used for finished volumes, so it represents true output quality. It is the studio's standard starting point with first-time clients and establishes the basis for an accurate scope and quote on a larger commission.
15,000–25,000 words · quoted · methodology-depth evaluation
A paid sample at meaningfully larger scale, designed for clients who want to evaluate methodology depth before committing to a full volume. Includes structured methodology notes, terminology log, and a brief editorial principles memo. Scoped to be approvable without major board friction.
Full manuscript · quoted · complete English edition
A full manuscript translation of a single text or coherent corpus selection. Includes the publication-ready manuscript, bilingual reference file, terminology authority file, query log, methodology trail, and editorial principles memo. Suitable for foundations and clients producing a complete English edition without scholarly apparatus, or who plan to add apparatus through other partners.
Full manuscript with apparatus · quoted · definitive scholarly edition
A full manuscript translation accompanied by scholarly apparatus: introduction, chronology, editorial principles, source notes, annotations, glossary, and bibliography. Apparatus production may involve coordination with academic partners where domain expertise is required; the studio manages that coordination as part of the commission. Suitable for clients producing a definitive scholarly edition.
What each tier includes, at a glance. Every tier shares the studio's full multi-model pipeline and core deliverables; tier differences appear in scope, in the editorial principles memo, and in scholarly apparatus.
| Deliverable | I. Audition | II. Pilot | III. Volume | IV. Critical Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length, in words | 1.5–2.5k | 15–25k | full text | full text |
| Multi-model pipeline pass | ||||
| Publication-ready manuscript | ||||
| Methodology trail | ||||
| Bilingual reference file | ||||
| Terminology authority file | ||||
| Query log | ||||
| Editorial principles memo | — | |||
| Scholarly introduction | — | — | — | |
| Chronology and source notes | — | — | — | |
| Annotations | — | — | — | |
| Glossary and bibliography | — | — | — | |
| Cost | Free | Quoted | Quoted | Quoted |
Every commission, regardless of tier, delivers a publication-ready English manuscript in the client's preferred format, a bilingual reference file linking English passages to source, a terminology authority file with all locked decisions, a query log documenting uncertain readings and editorial judgment calls, and a methodology trail documenting the production process — including disclosure of AI use within that process. The methodology trail is structural to the deliverable, not an addendum.
After a commission delivers, the studio remains available for refinement, additional volumes, and publication coordination on the client's pace. Refinement requests on delivered manuscripts within reasonable scope are handled at no additional charge for a defined post-delivery window. Additional volumes from the same client are scoped as new commissions, with the advantage that the studio retains the terminology authority file, voice references, and source familiarity from prior work. There is no retainer and no ongoing fee. The studio simply does not disappear after delivery.
The studio takes paleographic transcription, manuscript collation, and archival readings on in-house as part of the commission. Where a particular source genuinely exceeds what the studio can responsibly handle alone, external specialists are brought in at the client's preferred institution or at peer institutions, with any associated costs scoped separately and quoted transparently.
Standard non-disclosure terms accompany every engagement. Source materials are not used to train any model, are not uploaded to public AI tools, and remain client property throughout the engagement. Where the studio's pipeline uses commercial AI APIs, those APIs operate under enterprise agreements that prohibit training use, or are configured for zero-data-retention modes.
To request a quote, write to hello@paralleleditorial.com or use the contact form. A short note describing the source material, language pair, intended scope, and target timeline is enough to begin a conversation.