Mainframe Creative
← Studio
← Freelancer support

Playbook

Client communication

Updates that build trust and reduce ghosting.

Field guide

Checkpoint rhythm

Kickoff → weekly async update → midpoint review → pre-launch checklist → handoff. Same cadence every project — clients learn what to expect.

Saying no without burning bridges

"Not yet" beats "no" when you offer the path: timeline, fee, or phased alternative.

Drop-in assets

Copy, download, ship

Every asset exports as plain text, a Word document, or a PDF — no markdown files required.

Drop-in asset

Difficult Conversation Swipe File

Three email templates: unpaid revisions, ghosting, rate hikes.

Downloads as TXT, Word, or PDF — ready to edit and send.

Difficult Conversation Swipe File

1. Pushing back on unpaid revisions

Subject: Revisions outside our agreed rounds

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the feedback. Rounds 1 and 2 are covered in our scope — the latest batch goes beyond that.

Here's a quick estimate to fold these in: $[amount] · [X] days added to timeline.

If you'd rather prioritize, tell me which items are launch-critical and we'll sequence those first.

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2. Addressing ghosting (14+ days silent)

Subject: Checking in — project pause?

Hi [Name],

Haven't heard back since [date]. Totally understand if priorities shifted.

If we're still on, I have [date range] held for your project. After that I'll release the slot to the waitlist.

One-line reply is fine — "still going" or "pause for now" helps me plan.

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3. Announcing a rate hike

Subject: Updated project rates (effective [date])

Hi [Name],

Starting [date], my project rate moves from $[old] to $[new] for new engagements.

Current projects stay at your signed rate through completion. Retainer clients: [terms].

Happy to talk through what this means for upcoming work.