My Writing Client Wants Unlimited Revisions – What Do I Do?
As a freelance writer, few phrases are as anxiety-inducing as “unlimited revisions.” While revisions are a natural part of the writing process, they can quickly turn into an endless cycle of tweaks and adjustments if clear boundaries aren’t set from the beginning.
If you find yourself facing a client who insists on unlimited revisions, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are ways to handle this situation professionally and effectively.
Understanding the Unlimited Revisions Trap
At first glance, offering unlimited revisions might seem like a generous way to ensure client satisfaction. After all, it suggests you’re willing to go the extra mile to meet your client’s needs. However, this approach often backfires and leads to frustration for both writers and clients. Here’s why:
- Blurred Boundaries: Without clear limits, clients may feel entitled to make constant changes, often well beyond the scope of the original agreement.
- Never-Ending Workload: You might end up spending hours (or days) revising one project without any additional compensation, cutting into time you could spend on other paid work.
- Decreased Motivation: Working on the same piece repeatedly can drain your creative energy and enthusiasm for the project, potentially lowering the quality of your output.
- Scope Creep: Unlimited revisions often lead to requests that are outside the original agreement, such as adding new sections, rewriting entire chapters, or reworking work that was already approved.
In short, unlimited revisions set a precedent for unrealistic expectations and create an unhealthy dynamic between writer and client.
How to Respond to a Client Requesting Unlimited Revisions
1. Refer Back to Your Contract
The first line of defense against unlimited revisions is a solid freelance contract. A well-structured contract serves as a professional safety net, protecting both you and your client. Ideally, your contract should clearly state:
- The number of revisions included: Specify the exact number of revisions covered in your initial fee (e.g., two or three rounds of revisions).
- What constitutes a “revision”: Clarify the difference between minor edits (e.g., grammar fixes, sentence restructuring) and substantial rewrites (e.g., changing the tone, restructuring sections, or adding entirely new content).
- Additional charges for revisions: Outline how much additional revisions will cost per hour or per revision after the agreed number is exhausted.
If you don’t have a contract in place, it’s not too late to draft one. Politely inform your client that moving forward, revisions will be handled according to clear terms. For example:
“I’m happy to make sure you’re satisfied with the final product, and my contract includes up to three revisions. Any additional revisions beyond that will be billed separately at $X per revision.”
Having a solid contract not only protects you but also sets expectations, preventing misunderstandings and disputes later.
2. Communicate Firmly but Professionally
When a client pushes for unlimited revisions, it’s essential to remain calm, professional, and assertive. Your communication style can set the tone for the entire conversation. A firm yet polite response might look like this:
“I want to ensure you’re completely happy with the final product, but my standard package includes up to three rounds of revisions. Additional revisions beyond that will require an additional fee. Please let me know how you’d like to proceed!”
This type of response achieves three things:
- It reaffirms your willingness to collaborate and meet their needs.
- It sets a firm boundary regarding your revision policy.
- It opens the door for the client to make an informed decision about proceeding.
If the client continues to push back, stay consistent with your messaging. Don’t waver on your boundaries, as this can signal to the client that your policies are negotiable.
3. Offer a Clear Revision Policy Going Forward
If your revision policy wasn’t clearly outlined at the start of the project, now is the time to clarify it. A structured revision policy can help both you and the client understand what’s included and prevent endless back-and-forth emails.
A sample revision breakdown might look like this:
- First revision: Addressing structural and major content issues, such as clarity, flow, or alignment with the client’s goals.
- Second revision: Fine-tuning language, tone, and style to ensure consistency and professionalism.
- Third revision: Final polish, including grammar, punctuation, and formatting adjustments.
Make it clear that revisions outside this structure will be considered out of scope and subject to additional charges. This roadmap provides transparency and helps clients see the revision process as a finite journey rather than an open-ended service.
4. Suggest an Hourly Rate for Extra Revisions
If a client insists on more changes after the agreed-upon revisions are complete, propose switching to an hourly billing model. For example:
“I’m happy to continue making revisions, but at this stage, any additional changes will be billed at my hourly rate of $X/hour.”
This approach serves multiple purposes:
- It protects your time by ensuring you’re compensated for extra work.
- It signals to the client that your time and expertise have value.
- It encourages the client to be more intentional with their feedback to avoid unnecessary costs.
Most clients will either accept the hourly billing or become more decisive about their revision requests.
Preventing Unlimited Revisions in Future Projects
The best way to handle unlimited revision requests is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Proactive measures can save you stress, time, and energy in the long run.
1. Always Use a Contract
Contracts are non-negotiable for freelance writers. A well-drafted contract should cover:
- The number of revisions included.
- A clear definition of what counts as a revision.
- The costs associated with extra revisions.
Make signing the contract a mandatory step before starting any work.
2. Set Clear Expectations from Day One
Don’t assume clients understand what’s included in your services. During your onboarding call or email, outline your revision policy clearly:
- “Your package includes up to two revisions. Beyond that, additional revisions will be billed separately.”
When expectations are crystal clear from the start, it minimizes room for misinterpretation.
3. Ask for Detailed Feedback Early On
Encourage your client to provide detailed and consolidated feedback after the first draft. Ask specific questions such as:
- “Is the tone aligned with your expectations?”
- “Are there any sections you’d like expanded or reduced?”
When clients provide focused feedback, it reduces the likelihood of endless nitpicking later.
4. Limit Revisions to Specific Stages
Establish checkpoints for revisions, such as after the first and second drafts. Avoid piecemeal feedback after every small change.
When to Walk Away
In some cases, a client who insists on unlimited revisions might not be worth your time and energy. If boundaries are repeatedly ignored, consider parting ways professionally:
“It seems we have different expectations regarding revisions, and I don’t think I’m the best fit for this project moving forward. I wish you all the best!”
I personally have a friend who fell under the pressure of “not wanting to lose the client.” He ultimately gave in and kept doing virtually limitless revisions for a client. It took her a number of years to gain a real sense of self-worth in this regard. I strongly discourage you from making the same mistake.
Dealing with clients who expect unlimited revisions can be challenging, but it’s manageable with clear communication, firm boundaries, and a solid contract. By being proactive, professional, and transparent, you’ll protect your time and deliver exceptional work to satisfied clients.
