The Lab Masterlist: 2026 Rates
I. Editorial Services
Calculated by word count. Minimum Project Fee: ₱1,500.
| Service Tier | Rate (per word) | 10k Word Total | Ideal For |
| Tier 1: Proofreading | ₱0.15 | ₱1,500 | Final hawk-eyed pass for typos and grammar. |
| Tier 2: Developmental | ₱0.25 | ₱2,500 | High-level roadmap for plot, pacing, and logic. |
| Tier 3: Line & Copy | ₱0.50 | ₱5,000 | Intensive, line-by-line stylistic overhaul. |
*A 10% bundled discount is available for projects requiring multiple editing services.
II. Design & Illustration
Covers include high-resolution files for Digital (E-book) and Print (Full Wrap).
| Category | Description | Starting Rate |
| Cover Tier 1 | Typography & Stock: Professional layout using curated imagery. | ₱1,500 |
| Cover Tier 2 | Character-Driven: Custom illustration + base character design. | ₱2,500 |
| Cover Tier 3 | Cinematic Spread: Complex scenes, backgrounds, and lighting. | ₱8,500 |
| Art Asset | Character Design (Solo): Base concept/reference art. | ₱1,500 |
| Character Design (Duo/Group): Multiple interacting figures. | ₱3,500 | |
| Sequential | Short Webtoons/Comics: Custom panel-based projects. | Inquire |
III. Print & Production
Taking the manuscript from digital file to physical shelf.
| Service | Description | Rate |
| Interior Layout | Professional typesetting and technical formatting. | Starts at ₱1,500 |
| Physical Printing | Softcover production (Page count/stock dependent). | Variable Quote |
IV. Policies
- Editorial Scope: Developmental, line, and proofreading services include a single comprehensive pass. These services do not include revisions, rewrites, or re-reads of updated manuscripts. Follow-up questions and brief clarifications are welcome within a reasonable scope; extended consultations or additional reviews may be booked separately.
- The 1,000-Word Rule: No editorial projects are accepted without a sample edit. The first 1,000 words are free to ensure creative alignment.
- Deposit Structure:
- Projects under ₱2,500: 100% Upfront.
- Projects over ₱2,500: 50% Non-refundable deposit to secure slot; 50% upon completion.
- Revision Policy: Covers and Art include two (2) rounds of minor revisions. Major conceptual changes after approval incur additional fees.
- No Re-Read Policy: Editorial services conclude upon delivery. Post-delivery revisions or re-reads are treated as new projects.
- Inactivity: Projects stalled by the client for over 30 days are considered abandoned; deposits are non-refundable.
- Project Integrity: To ensure clarity and consistency, all project decisions and records will be documented through agreed communication channels, such as Facebook or email (mariel@alontala.com).
- Confidentiality: Your intellectual property is sacred and strictly protected.
V. Licensing & Usage Rights
- Commercial Use: Included for Book Covers and Manuscripts (selling the book). Tier 1 covers are subject to standard stock photo license limits.
- Merchandise Add-on: Use of custom art for separate merchandise (stickers, standees, etc.) requires a Standard Buyout Fee (+50% to +100%).
- Attribution: Mariel Leister retains the right to display completed work for portfolio and promotional purposes. Credit as Mariel Leister is requested for (1) projects involving substantial editorial work and (2) book cover design (e.g., “Edited by Mariel Leister” or “Cover Art by Mariel Leister”).