Questions & Answers

Each letter includes what’s outlined for your plan; see the full breakdown on our pricing page. Every plan includes grammar and cultural notes, with more detailed correction feedback on higher plans.

Yes, that’s half the magic. Handwriting forces you to slow down, choose words deliberately, and feel the language in a way typing never does. Don’t worry about imperfect handwriting; your correspondent will appreciate the effort. We provide optional writing prompts on the Immersive plan to help you get started.

Good chemistry makes a big difference in motivation. If your correspondent doesn’t feel like the right fit, just reach out to us and we’ll find a solution together.

Completely open, letters are yours to shape. Most pairs develop natural recurring themes (books, food, travel, daily life). On the Immersive plan you’ll receive optional monthly prompts if you want direction, but they’re never required.

Yes. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time from your dashboard. Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period; you keep access and letters through that date. We don’t do lock-in contracts.

We don’t offer a free trial, but we do offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee: if you’re not happy after your first exchange, contact us within 30 days and we’ll make it right.

Digital Dispatch is our fully digital plan: one letter per month, delivered as a beautifully formatted PDF with grammar and cultural notes included. It’s a great way to experience Inkwell without physical post.

We intentionally don’t run student discounts, referral codes, or seasonal sales; Inkwell is priced the same for everyone, all year round. It’s part of the same slow-living philosophy that keeps us off social media: we’d rather you join because the letters are worth it, not because of a countdown timer. That said, choosing a longer billing period does lower your monthly price, since it reflects your own commitment rather than a limited-time deal, up to 21% less on annual billing compared to monthly.

Yes, in many countries, Klarna is available at checkout as a payment option when you’re billed in euros or pounds, and it lets you split your payment into installments where Klarna offers that in your country. If Klarna doesn’t appear at checkout, it isn’t yet available for your currency or region; card payment always is.

Delivery time depends on where you live, counted in working days from the day of shipment: 8 working days for Europe, 16 working days for the United States and Canada, and 22 working days for the rest of the world. These are estimates, not guarantees; actual times depend on postal carriers. You can track the expected delivery window from your dashboard once a letter has shipped.

We ship to nearly 190 countries and territories across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia; see the full list during sign-up. Postage is included in your plan price. Don’t see your country on the list? Select “Other” or reach out and we’ll see what we can arrange.

It’s rare, but if your letter doesn’t arrive, just let us know; we’ll have your correspondent write and send a new one, completely free of charge. No credits, no complicated process.

Your very first letter is written and sent within 24–48 hours of signing up, so you’re never stuck waiting for the next cycle. After that, letters follow your plan’s rhythm (monthly, every two weeks, or weekly), always dispatched within the first few business days of each cycle.

Most members notice a meaningful improvement in reading comprehension and writing confidence within 3–4 months of consistent exchange. Progress depends on your current level and how actively you engage with each letter: re-reading, looking up words, and writing thoughtful replies accelerates results significantly.

Not quite yet, we currently recommend at least a basic-to-intermediate level (able to recognise words and form simple sentences) to get real value from reading and writing letters. If you’re a complete beginner, we suggest a few weeks of self-study, a class, or an app first, and then joining us once you have that foundation. Our correspondents are patient and adapt their writing to your level from there.

It’s a powerful complement rather than a direct replacement. Classes and apps build vocabulary and grammar rules; Inkwell builds fluency, cultural intuition, and the confidence to express yourself authentically. Many of our most engaged members use Inkwell alongside a class or tutor for the best of both worlds.

Yes, grammar and correction feedback is included with every plan, with more detailed feedback and faster turnaround on Pen Pal and Immersive. Your correspondent notes recurring errors with a brief explanation, without rewriting your words, so you keep your own voice.

Not at the moment, Inkwell is entirely about the written word, which is where the slow, deliberate practice happens. If that ever changes, we’ll let our members know first.