{"id":"wri-free-rate-increase-notice","audience":"freelancers","category":"writing-emails","technique":"tone","title":"Tell a long-time client your rate is going up","free":false,"task":"You're raising your hourly rate for a long-time client. Write at most 5 sentences. The first sentence states the new rate and the date it starts, using the notice period your contract requires. Say the current project stays at the old rate, don't justify the increase or apologize, and end by thanking them for the work together. Write a prompt that gets that email.","materialLabel":"Your contract notes (attached to your prompt automatically)","material":"NOTES - Rate increase for Coastal Credit Union (client since 2021)\nContact: Megan Torres, Marketing Manager\n\nCurrent rate: $80/hour. New rate: $95/hour.\n\nContract (Section 6): \"Either party may change rates with at least 30 days' written notice. Changes do not apply to projects already approved in writing.\"\n\nTiming:\n- I wanted Jan 1. Today is Dec 10, so Jan 1 is only 22 days away. Doesn't meet the 30 days.\n- First of the month after 30 days: Feb 1. New rate starts Feb 1.\n\nCurrent work:\n- The spring brochure project was approved in writing on Nov 20. It stays at $80/hour until it's done, even if it runs past Feb 1.\n\nWhy I'm raising it:\n- Haven't raised rates since 2021.\n- Software costs went up.\n- Other clients already pay $95.\n\nMegan is great. 4 years of easy, fun projects. Their annual report last year was my favorite job.","rules":[{"type":"maxSentences","max":5}],"mistakes":[{"title":"Not limiting the length","why":"The AI writes a long, nervous email explaining the increase.","fix":"Be exact: \"At most 5 sentences.\"","checks":["maxSentences"]},{"title":"Using the date you wanted","why":"Your notes mention Jan 1 first. The AI may use it, which breaks your contract's 30-day rule.","fix":"Say it: \"Sentence 1: my rate goes to $95/hour on Feb 1.\"","checks":["r0"]},{"title":"Forgetting the current project","why":"The AI announces the new rate and doesn't mention the approved brochure work.","fix":"Add: \"The spring brochure stays at $80/hour until it's done.\"","checks":["r1"]},{"title":"Justifying and apologizing","why":"AI rate emails explain rising costs and say \"I hope you understand\", which invites pushback.","fix":"Add: \"Don't justify or apologize. End by thanking her for 4 years of work together.\"","checks":["r2"]}],"promptHints":[{"label":"Limits the sentences","patterns":["\\b(\\d|one|two|three|four|five|six)\\b.{0,12}sentences?","sentences?"]},{"label":"Leads with the new rate","patterns":["first sentence","lead with","\\$?95"]},{"label":"Uses the right start date","patterns":["feb(ruary)?\\s*1","30 days"]},{"label":"Protects the current project","patterns":["brochure","\\$?80","current project"]},{"label":"Bans justifying","patterns":["don'?t (justify|explain|apologi)","no (justification|apolog|reason)"]}],"hint":"Rate increases land best when they're stated plainly. Tell the AI the date your contract allows, what's protected, and to skip the explanations.","rubricLabels":["The first sentence (after a greeting like 'Hi Megan,') states the new rate of $95/hour and that it starts Feb 1 (not Jan 1)","Says the spring brochure project stays at $80/hour until it's finished","Gives no justification for the increase (no costs, no years since the last raise, no other clients' rates), has no apology, and the last sentence thanks Megan for the work together (a sign-off after it is fine)"]}