Frequently asked

Answers before you ask.

If yours isn't here, email admin@serpenticreative.com or book a free consultation.

Rights & ownership

Do I keep the rights to my book?

Yes — 100%. Every one of our packages and engagements is a services arrangement — you own the manuscript, the edition, and the royalties. We do not take rights.

How is this different from a traditional publisher?

A traditional publisher takes your rights and a share of royalties in exchange for doing the work — if they accept you at all. Serpenti does that same professional work for a fee, with no gatekeeping, and you keep control, rights, and royalties.

Who owns the audiobook, translation, and foreign editions?

You do. Every derivative work we produce transfers to you on final payment. We retain no ongoing rights in the finished deliverables.

Pricing & payment

What does it cost?

Storyteller packages start at $2,499 CAD and go up to $14,999 CAD, depending on scope. Every service is also available à la carte. Commissioned work for houses and rights holders is quoted per project.

Are prices in CAD or USD?

All published prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Custom commissions can be invoiced in CAD or USD by request.

When do I pay?

Fifty percent to begin, fifty percent on final delivery. Payment plans are available for Full Edition, The Serpenti Standard, and commissioned work over $10,000 CAD on request.

What payment methods do you accept?

Credit and debit cards through our payment processor. Wire transfer, ACH, and Canadian Interac e-Transfer available for commissioned work over $5,000 CAD.

What's your refund policy?

Written cancellation before any work has commenced returns your payment less a 10% administrative fee. Once work has begun, refunds are pro-rated to the percentage of work completed, with a written breakdown provided within five business days. Fully delivered work is non-refundable. Full details on our Refund & Cancellation page.

Working with the studio

Can I start with just one service?

Yes. Every service is available à la carte. If you're not sure whether you need a package or a single service, book a consultation and we'll say honestly.

What if my manuscript needs more work than the tier assumes?

We say so before we start. If the manuscript needs a developmental editing pass but you're looking at Edition, we'll recommend Full Edition — or a developmental edit à la carte first — and be clear about the reason.

How long does it take?

Edition: 8–12 weeks. Full Edition: 12–18 weeks. The Serpenti Standard: 18–26 weeks plus translation lead time. À la carte services vary. Commissioned work is quoted with a delivery date.

Where will my book be available?

All packages include distribution to Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, IngramSpark, and 40,000+ retail and library outlets worldwide. Audiobooks reach Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Do you work with authors outside Canada and the US?

Yes. We work with storytellers and houses worldwide. All contracts are in English, governed by British Columbia law. Payment is accepted in CAD or CAD.

Discretion

Will you promote my book publicly?

Only with your permission. If you'd like us to feature the finished work in our portfolio or as a case study, we ask you in writing before publication and abide by whatever you decide.

Can I keep the fact that I worked with you private?

Yes. Non-disclosure is available on any engagement. For houses and rights holders, discretion is the default.

Still have questions?

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