Most slow edits start with a vague brief: “pick your favourites.” Clients then choose too many frames, miss the deadline, or describe images by position. A short instruction block sent with the contact sheet prevents that.
State the number, the deadline, and the reply format
Give a maximum count that matches the package. Give a date that leaves you time to edit. Tell them to reply with filenames if they are using a PDF, or to submit inside the proofing link if you sent one. Do not offer both methods for the same job.
Tell them what “select” means
Clients mix heroes, social crops, and “maybe” frames in one list. Separate those if you need to. For a wedding, ask for a combined list from both partners. For a brand shoot, ask marketing to mark campaign heroes and website spares as two groups. For a listing, ask for one cover image and a short drop list.
A template you can reuse
Shorten or expand that paragraph, but keep the four facts: deadline, count, how to identify frames, and who submits.
Match the instructions to the format
A PDF works when one person can send filenames. A proofing link works when you need a pick limit, per-image notes, or a single official submission. Write the instructions to match. The proofing workflow and format guide cover that choice.
Put the names on the page first
Instructions fail if the sheet hides identifiers. Keep filenames visible in the contact sheet editor and rename the review set before export if camera names will confuse the client. See the file naming convention if the current names will not survive a reply.