Crossword puzzle clue "letter that hints at how 18 answers in this puzzle should be filled in"

Letter that hints at how 18 answers in this puzzle should be filled in

Many hints in "Hints From Heloise"

Question about change, which hints at the hidden feature of four two-part puzzle answers

Instrument that hints at the missing parts of certain answers in this puzzle

When translated to English, beer brand that hints at the common feature of the five other longest puzzle answers

Very loud, musically ... its symbol hints at four puzzle answers

Common recipe box item whose name hints at an unusual property of this puzzle's longest answers

Start of an open letter from the puzzle constructor: "Dear ___, you seem a bit confused about what the V. P. does every day, so here are some helpful hints ..."