Deliver Exactly What the Client Wants — Without Getting Overwhelmed
As your letter writing side hustle grows, you’ll start getting custom requests from clients — and that’s a good thing.
But if you’re not prepared, custom orders can lead to:
- Confusion about what the client wants
- Extra work with no clear boundaries
- Stress from unclear expectations
This guide will show you how to confidently manage custom letter writing requests while keeping your workflow smooth, your boundaries clear, and your clients happy.
🧠 What Is a Custom Letter Writing Request?
A custom request is when a client asks for something that isn’t part of your standard offerings — such as:
- A letter in a different tone or voice
- A unique occasion (e.g., “letter to my ex’s new partner”)
- Specific instructions like “make it rhyme” or “include quotes from a movie”
- A letter longer than your usual word count
Instead of turning them away or panicking, learn to say:
“Yes — here’s how we’ll handle it.”
💬 Step 1: Get Clear on What the Client Really Wants
Start by asking the right questions. You need to fully understand the message, tone, and intention.
Send them a short questionnaire or ask:
- Who is the letter for?
- What’s the occasion or situation?
- What emotions should the letter express?
- Are there specific phrases, memories, or details to include?
- What tone should it have? (e.g., romantic, formal, humorous, emotional)
Tip: Keep your questions simple. Most clients prefer filling in a quick form instead of writing paragraphs.
✍️ Step 2: Confirm Scope and Pricing
Before writing, clearly define what’s included in the custom request:
- Word count
- Turnaround time
- Number of revisions
- Format (digital or handwritten, if offered)
If it goes beyond your normal packages, charge extra.
“This request is a bit more detailed than my standard letter. I can create it for $X and deliver it by [date]. Let me know if you’d like to move forward!”
Never start writing without agreeing on terms.
📑 Step 3: Set Boundaries with Revisions
One common issue with custom letters: clients keep changing things.
Avoid this by setting clear limits:
- “Includes one round of revisions”
- “Major edits after delivery may incur an extra fee”
- “Final delivery after approval will be considered complete”
Be kind but firm. You’re running a service — not offering unlimited rewrites.
👉 Read Also : How to Sell Wholesale Letters for Steady Income
🕒 Step 4: Stick to Your Timeline
Custom work often takes more time and energy, so make sure to:
- Set realistic delivery times
- Don’t overpromise fast results
- Communicate delays early, if needed
Tip: Use a simple tool like Google Calendar or Trello to manage deadlines.
🔁 Step 5: Get Feedback — and Use It to Improve
After delivering the custom letter, ask for feedback:
“I hope the letter met your expectations! If you have any thoughts or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.”
Positive feedback = reviews for your website, portfolio, or freelance profiles.
Constructive feedback = ways to improve your process.
💡 Examples of How to Handle Common Custom Requests
| Client Says… | You Can Say… |
|---|---|
| “Can you write this in the voice of a pirate?” | “Yes! That would be a creative twist. It’ll be $X extra for the themed style.” |
| “I want it to include personal details, but I don’t know what to say.” | “No problem! I’ll send you a short form to gather the key details.” |
| “Can I get this by tomorrow?” | “Rush delivery is available for an added fee. I can prioritize it if that works for you.” |
| “I need this to sound like it came from a teenager.” | “Got it — I’ll adjust the tone to be more casual and age-appropriate.” |
🚫 When to Say No to a Custom Request
Sometimes, it’s better to turn down a request than force it. Say no if:
- The topic feels unethical, harmful, or dishonest
- The client refuses to pay fair rates
- You’re already booked or can’t meet the deadline
- The request goes far beyond your writing style
“Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, this isn’t something I specialize in, but I appreciate your interest.”
🧩 Final Thoughts
Custom letters are a great opportunity to:
- Show your creativity
- Build client loyalty
- Charge premium rates
The key is to listen carefully, set clear boundaries, and stay professional throughout the process.
By handling custom requests with confidence and structure, you’ll stand out — and your letter writing side hustle will thrive.