How to reply to client feedback on your draft

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply within a day, even if the revision takes longer. Show you understood by listing the changes you will make and when they will see them. If a comment is unclear or conflicts with their goal, ask before you rework. Never sulk in writing. Treat feedback as information about what they need.

Reply

Within 1 day. The client is waiting to see whether you heard them. A quick reply with a revision date keeps the project moving and the client calm.

What your reply should say

1. Thank them for the feedback and say you will apply it.
2. Summarize the main changes in your own words to check you understood.
3. Raise any comment that is unclear or conflicts with another one.
4. Give a date for the next draft and how many revision rounds remain.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the detailed notes. Here is what I will change:

1. [Change one]
2. [Change two]
3. [Change three]

I will send the revised version by [date]. That will be round [number] of [total] in our agreement, so please send any other comments before then and I can fold them in.

Best,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the feedback. I can start on most of it right away.

I want to be sure I get two points right. You said [comment A] but also [comment B]. Which matters more? And when you say "[vague phrase]", do you mean [option one] or [option two]?

Once I hear back, I can send the revision by [date].

Best,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the notes. I will make the changes to [items].

On [one point], I would like to suggest keeping it. The reason is [reason tied to their goal]. If you still prefer it your way, I will change it. It is your decision.

Revised draft by [date].

Best,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are several days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

Sorry for the slow reply to your feedback. I have been through all your comments now.

I will change [main items] and send you the new version by [date]. One question before I start: [question].

Thank you for your patience. I want this draft to be right.

[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Defending every choice in the draft before agreeing to any change.
• Saying yes to conflicting comments and hoping it works out in the revision.
• Sending a new draft without telling them what you changed.
• Going silent for days until the revision is perfect.

Questions people ask

What if the feedback is vague, like "make it pop"?

Ask for examples. A good question is "can you show me one thing you like that does this?" or "which part feels weakest?". Offer two options and ask which is closer. Vague feedback is common, and a quick clarifying question saves a wasted round.

Should I count this as a revision round?

If your agreement limits rounds, say which round it is in a friendly way, as in the first reply above. Small fixes may not need to count. Check your contract, and be consistent from round to round, so the client always knows where they stand.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a client who disappeared and is back
• How to reply to a customer's praise email
• How to reply to an email about a bad review
• How to reply to a client asking why you missed a deadline
• How to reply to a client saying the budget was cut
• How to reply to an email rejecting your expense report

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.