Hold Card / Client not responding on revisions

How-to

Client not responding on revisions.

You asked for revision notes. Silence. The due date is still on the calendar. Here is how to pause the clock without sounding sharp, and how to leave a paper trail.

When silence is the blocker

Revisions stall for ordinary reasons: they are busy, the decision sits with someone else, or the draft is sitting in a folder. Your job is not to chase forever. Your job is to make the wait visible.

• State that work is paused on your side until you hear back.
• Name what you need (round-two notes, approval, or "no changes").
• Say how long you have already waited, with a number of days.
• Say when the timeline resumes. That sentence is the hold.

Subject: Following up: [Project] waiting on your side

Hi [Client],

Hope you are well. A short follow-up on [Project]. I have been waiting [N] days on revision notes from your side.

What I need: [written notes on the draft / approval to move to final / confirmation there are no changes].

Timeline resumes when you send those notes (or say you are ready to lock the draft).

Happy to jump back in as soon as those arrive. Thank you for sending them when you can.

Thanks,
[Your name]

First, second, then last polite

One nudge is usually enough. If not, a second note a week later. A last polite note documents that you paused and asked. After that, stop escalating into threats. You are not a collections desk, and this is not an unpaid invoice. It is a timeline hold.

1. First: Pause, list what you need, say when the clock resumes.
2. Second: Short follow-up. Same facts. Offer a door if something is blocking them.
3. Last polite: Confirm the hold again. Ask for a date when they can send the items. Stay factual.

What not to write

• Do not invent late fees for waiting unless your agreement already covers that.
• Do not write "final notice" as if it were a legal action.
• Do not apologize for pausing. Waiting on them is normal.

Need the first feedback hold, not the revision chase? Read waiting on client feedback.