Playbook/Reference

Reference

Templates Library

Every copy-paste message in the playbook, collected in one place. Each card copies clean to your clipboard - adapt the bracketed placeholders before sending. 49 templates across the SOP.

#Before You Quote: The Gate in context

No References Response
I genuinely cannot start editing without a visual reference. Without it, I'm guessing, and there's a high chance the first draft misses the mark - which wastes your time and money. Could you browse my portfolio and point to anything that resonates? [portfolio link]

#Services & Pricing in context

Pricing Explanation (chat template)
My video editing rate is $20/min of raw footage you send me, with a $100 minimum (covers up to 5 minutes). The less footage you send, the cheaper it is. If I need to source stock footage, it's $30/min with a $150 minimum.

#Custom Offer Structure in context

Standard Offer Template
1 video with up to [X] minutes of provided [raw footage / voice-over / script]
Rate: $[rate] per minute = $[total] total

Included:
- Full cutting, trimming, and pacing adjustments
- Text animations (titles, lower thirds, callouts)
- Background music (client selects the song - suggest pixabay.com/music)
- Sound design and mixing
- Basic sound effects (where appropriate)
- Transitions
- Basic color correction/grading
- Basic motion graphics (simple callouts, shapes, highlights)
- Basic visual effects (cleanups, stabilization, denoise if needed)
[- Stock footage or B-roll research (if Tier 2+)]
[- AI voiceover generation (if Tier 3+)]

Not included:
- Thumbnail design (separate pricing)
- Stock footage / B-roll research (that would be $30/min tier)
- Scriptwriting or content research (separate pricing)
- Source project files
- Intro/outro design (separate pricing)
- Complex animations or advanced motion graphics
- Full video subtitles/captions (unless added as an extra)

Deliverable: 1 edit delivered in [horizontal/vertical] 1080p mp4 format
First delivery = draft by deadline. Revisions are expected (24-72h turnaround) and part of the process.
Project-Specific Offer Example (For Unique Projects)
Included:
- 2 separate videos edited from your provided clips
- Seamless transition from video into product shot at optimal timing
- Music continuity through product shot/CTA screen
- On-screen text for Video 2: "Afraid of going red?" → "Drink smarter" → product shot
- CTA sequence: "Get Sunset Today" → "33% off for a limited time" → "www.getsunset.com"

#Setting Expectations in context

Disclaimer Message - Process Alignment
Before we get started, I just want to quickly explain the process so we're totally aligned.

The first delivery you'll get is always a draft. That's just to set pacing, flow, and overall style. Creative work is subjective, so revisions are always part of the process. I'll do my best to interpret your vision, but usually it takes a round or two to fine-tune everything.

Revisions are part of the collaborative process. Each round typically takes 24-72 hours depending on complexity. The smoothest way is if you send me clear, time-coded notes along with any references or examples of the style you want. Revisions cover tweaks like pacing, trims, titles, captions, color, audio, and small structure changes. A full new concept or heavy restructure would count as a new project.

Scope is based on the raw footage provided, not the final runtime. Deliverables and formats will match what's in the offer. Thumbnails or extras are included only if they were part of the offer. If you ever need faster delivery, I also offer expedited options.

Sometimes the first cut is spot-on, which is great, but most of the time, revisions are part of the creative process. That's normal and expected.
AI Voiceover Expectation - Single Narrator
AI voiceover sounds natural and professional for narration. It won't be indistinguishable from a human, but it's polished and clean.
AI Voiceover Expectation - Dialogue / Multi-Character
When we're doing a two-person dialogue, there are limitations. It won't sound like two actors performing a scene - it'll sound like two distinct AI voices reading their lines clearly and professionally. Think 'polished narration' not 'dramatic performance.'
AI Voiceover Expectation - Scripts That Need Smoothing
The script you sent is a guide, not locked narration-ready copy. I may need to lightly adjust phrasing so it flows naturally as spoken audio. I'll keep it faithful to your message.
Low Footage Quality Disclaimer
I watched the [reference channel] and the video you sent of your footage. The premium, cinematic look you see on [reference] mostly comes from their footage quality - professional cameras, proper lighting, multiple camera angles. Your footage is [describe issues]. No amount of editing is going to make it look like [reference] - that's a camera and lighting difference, not an editing difference. What I CAN do is match the editing style: [list what you'll actually deliver].

#First Contact: Briefs & Inquiries in context

Question Bank - Video Editing
1. Please send over the link or files so I can review them.
2. Do you have a specific deadline I should aim for?
3. Do you have a preference for the final file format?
4. Could you send me 1-2 links to specific examples/references?
Question Bank - Strategy
1. What's your channel link?
2. What niche are you in?
3. Where are you in terms of subscribers, views, watch hours?
4. Any channels you admire or want to model?
5. Are you creating content yourself or with a team?
Question Bank - Documentary / True-Crime / Full-Service
1. Could you please confirm the amount of recorded footage you have for this project?
2. Regarding the narration, do you prefer to provide the voice-over script or the voice-over audio?
3. If you have any specific examples or clips that capture the style you're aiming for, please share them.
4. Once you have the files ready, could you upload them to a Google Drive folder and send me the link? If you're not sure how, here's a tutorial: https://youtu.be/z3Va5e_4xq0

Best regards,
Mark
Question Bank - High-Volume / Recurring
A few things I need from you to put together the right pricing plan:

1. Can you upload a batch of raw footage to a Google Drive folder? I need to see what I'm working with to give you accurate per-reel pricing at volume.
2. Are you providing voiceover audio, or do you need me to generate it?
3. Do you have existing templates you want me to follow, or am I building those from scratch?
4. Are you sending raw clips daily or in weekly batches?
5. Are you providing the hooks and CTA text, or do you want me to write those?

Best regards,
Mark
Self-Intro - Wedding Film Brief (Software Mismatch)
Hi, I just read your brief regarding the wedding video editing project, and I would love to help. My name is Mark, and I'm a professional video editor, graphic designer, and creative consultant with extensive experience in narrative-driven video production.

I want to be upfront about one thing: I don't edit in DaVinci Resolve - I work primarily in Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro. Depending on how your project is structured, there may be a workaround. If you're able to export the individual clips/stems and share the narrative outline separately, I can rebuild the edit in Premiere and deliver to your exact specs.
Self-Intro - YouTube Strategy Brief (Budget Too Low)
Hi, my name is Mark. I'm a professional video editor, graphic designer, and creative consultant. I've generated over $1.2 million in revenue on Fiverr with 4,000+ five-star reviews across 8,000+ projects, and I've personally generated 10M+ YouTube lifetime views as a creator.

Your brief caught my attention because you're approaching this the right way - organic growth, no shortcuts, long-term thinking. Before we jump into weekly deliverables, I always start with a one-time Strategy & Style Guide ($250) - a comprehensive document covering your niche positioning, content pillars, packaging direction, SEO keyword map, and a content roadmap. The ongoing weekly deliverables would fit comfortably within your budget after that.
Self-Intro - Standard Video Editing Brief
Hi, I just read your brief regarding enhancing your YouTube videos and I would love to help. My name is Mark, and I'm a professional video editor, graphic designer, and creative consultant with extensive experience in YouTube video enhancement. Your project sounds exciting, and I'd be thrilled to help bring your vision to life by adding text, B roll footage, and graphics to improve the overall quality of your video.
Self-Intro - Social Media / High-Volume Brief
Hi, I just read your brief regarding editing Meta POV videos for posting, and I would love to help. My name is Mark, and I'm a professional video editor, graphic designer, and creative consultant with extensive experience in enhancing video content for ads and social media.
Initial Response to New Client
Hey, thanks for reaching out! I'd love to help with this.

Before I quote, I need a few things:
1. References - send me 1-2 specific videos that capture the style you want
2. Files - upload everything to Google Drive and share the link: [tutorial link]
3. [Project-specific questions]

Once I have those I'll send the offer!

Mark

#Music Selection in context

Music Selection Request
Could you go to pixabay.com/music and browse for 1-2 tracks that match the vibe you want? Send me the specific song links (not the homepage). This saves us from wasting a revision on a track you don't like.

#Delivery Messages in context

Order Start Message
Hi [name], thank you for your order! I'll get started right away and will have your first version by the delivery date, [DATE].

As you know, this is a creative project, and revisions are part of the process. Once you receive the first delivery, let me know your thoughts and any revisions. Your complete satisfaction is my top priority!

Thanks again for choosing to work with me!
Mark
Chat-Preview V1 Template
Hey [Client Name]!

V1 of [project] is ready for your review - [X days ahead of the deadline]:

[DRIVE LINK]

[Itemized recap built per their brief - confirm execution against their direction.]

Take a look [full screen with sound on, if relevant]. If V1 lands, just say the word and I'll submit the official delivery on the order page. If you'd like any tweaks - [list relevant tweak categories: pacing, color, text, music, etc.] - send notes (timestamps help) and I'll turn V2 around quickly.

[Forward-looking close.]

Mark
Short First Draft Delivery
Hi [Name], here is V1 for your review: [LINK]
Let me know your thoughts!
Mark
Formal First Draft Delivery
Hi [Name], the first version of your [deliverable] is now ready for your review.
Please take the time to review it at your convenience. If this version is perfect, feel free to approve the delivery. If you have adjustments, please provide one consolidated round of feedback [with time-coded notes if possible] and I'll get on it!
Mark
Housekeeping Submission Template
Hi [Client Name]!

V1 of [project] was sent over in our chat [X days ahead of the deadline]. Since the Fiverr clock is [approaching / at the wire], I'm officially submitting it here on the order page now just for housekeeping to keep everything clean on Fiverr's timeline. The review file is in the folder:

[DRIVE LINK]

No rush at all on your end - take all the time you need to review. To keep the order open so you can send feedback [and I can deliver the final files/project files], just click "Request Revision" below with a quick note (even "see chat" works). I've got everything from our chat and I'm working from that regardless - the order-page click just keeps the timeline + revision count tracked properly on Fiverr's side.

[Feedback questions if relevant. Forward-looking close.]

Mark
Official Delivery Template (the Tal Template)
Hi [Client Name]!

[Deliverable] is officially delivered, [ahead of schedule / right on schedule]! Please find [the file / the video + thumbnail / both files] in the folder:

[DRIVE LINK or "attached above"]

[Itemized recap - map each line to the client's notes or the offer scope. Use the client's exact words/terminology where possible. For revisions, confirm each specific change requested.]

Thank you for trusting me with this - I want to be really clear on something important: even though this is officially delivered, I'm still fully here for you. If anything needs a tweak, just message me and I'll take care of it. Your complete satisfaction is my #1 priority, and that doesn't end when the order closes.

Two simple options to close out:
1. Approve the delivery on the order page
2. Request a revision if anything needs adjusting

(If you're busy, no action is needed - the order auto-completes after 3 days.)

If you have a moment after approving, I'd genuinely appreciate it if you could leave a post-order review. Reviews are a huge part of how Fiverr's algorithm ranks sellers, and your honest feedback would mean a lot - really helps me keep growing on the platform.

[Forward-looking close - next episode / next batch / next phase / next project.]

Mark
Revision Delivery
Hi [Name], here is V2 with all your revisions implemented:
- [Change 1]
- [Change 2]
- [Change 3]
Let me know your thoughts!
Mark
Final Delivery (Closing Order)
Hi [Name], here is the final version. Please accept the delivery to close out the order. Once completed, I'll send the offer for [next project] right after!
Mark

#Follow-Up Cadence in context

Auto-Complete Heads-Up
Quick heads up - the order has an auto-complete deadline of [date/time]. If you don't submit a revision request through the order page before then, Fiverr will automatically mark the order as complete. If that happens, no worries - I'm still committed to taking care of you. Just wanted you to be aware.

#Revisions in context

Extra Revision Heads-Up
Got it. Usually these orders only cover 3 revisions, and we already did [X], so this would be an additional $[amount based on project]. Do you want to move forward with this extra revision?
Revision Response Template
Hey [Client Name]! Thank you for the feedback [and screenshots/examples if applicable].

[Optional: Brief personal context - 1-2 sentences max]

[Optional: Positive reframe]

As I mentioned at the start of the project, each revision round typically takes 24-72 hours. I'm prioritizing your project, but wanted to make sure we're on the same page with that timeline.

Here's what I'm working on:
- [Point 1 mirrored from their feedback]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

[Question if needed: "Do you happen to know the exact font name / hex code / etc.?"]

[Warm close - no predictions, no over-promising]
Pedro Pattern - Converting Excess Revisions to Paid
You're never a hassle - I appreciate you being respectful about it. But I do need to flag something: this order included [X] revision rounds, and we're now well past that. I've been happy to go above and beyond because you're a great client. Going forward, each additional revision round will be $[X]. If that works, I'll send a quick offer and get it done within 24-48 hours.

#Scope Management in context

Mid-Project Complexity Requote
That reference is a significant step up in complexity from what we agreed on. Our current rate of $40/min covers [what we agreed on]. This new style would be closer to $80-100/min. Which direction do you want to go?

#Upselling & the Strategy Sell in context

Before Closing - Satisfaction Check
Are you 100% satisfied with everything from my communication to the quality and value I provided? Your total satisfaction is always my top priority.
Review Request
If you're all set, I'd love to kindly mention the significance of the post-order surveys on Fiverr - they make a huge difference for me. If you have a moment, I'd truly appreciate it.
Upsell (Natural, Not Pushy)
Do you have any other projects coming up? I also offer [relevant service]. Would love to keep working together.

#Difficult Situations in context

Template: "This Isn't What I Expected" Response
I appreciate you being upfront - that's exactly the kind of communication that leads to a great final product. Could you send me [specific reference/example] of what you're envisioning? The more I can see what you're picturing, the faster we get there.
Template: Unlimited Revisions Response
I want you to walk away loving this. I'll do one more refinement pass - to make sure this round gets us to 100%, please send me one consolidated list with everything you'd like adjusted.
Template: Results You Can't Guarantee Response
Nobody has a secret formula for YouTube. What works is consistency, iteration, testing, and honestly some luck. What I can do is stack the odds in your favor.
Template: Owning a Footage-Math Mistake (Jim)
You're right - my mistake on the math. I went back through the Word doc and your timestamps add up to about 19:49. I must have been looking at the raw file lengths instead of the timestamped segments. Apologies for the confusion. Here's the corrected quote...
Template: Owning a Wrong-Message Mistake (jsavage8)
Sorry, that message was not for you. I accidentally sent it to the wrong chat.
Template: When the Thumbnail Won't Help
I'd rather be straight with you than sell you something that won't deliver what you're expecting. The thumbnail is just one piece of the system.
Template: When Budget Doesn't Match Scope
There's a gap between the budget and the scope. I can't reduce my rates without reducing quality.

#Things We Don't Do in context

Free Test Edit Decline
I don't do free test edits. I have over 8,000 completed projects and 4,000+ reviews on my profile - that IS the test. My portfolio is here: [link]. I'm happy to do the [project] as a paid project at my standard rate.
NDA Decline
Fiverr already provides built-in protections for both of us - all communication and files are documented on-platform, and their Terms of Service cover confidentiality. I've handled sensitive corporate announcements before without issues. Happy to discuss further if you have specific concerns, but I don't sign external NDAs for Fiverr projects.

#Files & Workflows in context

Locked Google Drive Response
Thank you, but the Google Drive link you sent me is locked. Please make sure you correctly share an unrestricted link with me. In this tutorial, I teach how to share an unrestricted link: https://youtu.be/z3Va5e_4xq0?t=67

#Fiverr Compliance in context

Off-Platform Decline
Unfortunately I can't work outside of Fiverr. It's against their Terms of Service and my account (8,000+ projects, 4,000+ reviews) would be permanently suspended. I completely understand the fees are frustrating, but keeping everything on-platform protects both of us.

#Special Situations & Hard Rules in context

Impersonation Alert
Hey [name]! No, that was not me. The last time we talked was here on Fiverr on [date].

Someone is impersonating me. I've received multiple reports from different clients about this. If you received any messages from someone claiming to be me outside of Fiverr, please do not engage - mark them as spam and block them immediately. It is not me.

If you could send me screenshots of the messages from this impersonator (their email address, what they said, etc.), I'd really appreciate it. I'm building a case to report this.

For the record, I only communicate and work inside Fiverr. Any messages from me outside of this platform are fake.
Personal/Emergency Delay
Quick heads up - my wife is in the hospital about to have our baby, so I may be a couple days slower than usual. This is a once-in-a-lifetime situation, not how I normally operate. I'll keep you updated on timing!

#Advanced Playbook in context

Declining a Free Test Edit, Offering a Paid First Video
I don't do free test edits, but I'm happy to do a paid first video at my standard rate ($100). If it goes well and you move to regular volume, you'd qualify for bulk pricing from there.