Letter Writing Made Easy!: Featuring Sample Letters for Hundreds of Common Occasions, New Revised Edition - Softcover

Never underestimate the power of the written word. The fact is, there are many occasions and situations in which personal letters make a great impact. And since more people today would rather just use the phone, the fact that you have taken the time to choose your words carefully and write a letter carries even more weight--the recipient will be doubly impressed, and your message will hit the mark.

Part of the reluctance of most people to write a letter is a simple lack of knowledge. Frankly, it seems that only a small percentage of our society--mostly secretaries--understands how to format a formal business letter.

What constitutes a good letter? How should it be laid out? Do you have to type it? Are there any special tricks that you must know?

In this book, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you how to write intimate personal letters and powerful business correspondence. I will also offer practical advice on format, style, tone, forms of address, etc.

Best of all, I have provided ready-to-use samples for hundreds of common occasions. All you need to do is plug in the details. In some cases, you'll want to vary certain particulars to fit your circumstances-Letter Writing Made Easy! is in no way a substitute for common sense. It merely hopes to help you write the best letter you can, and in turn, help you get the most out of situations in life that demand effective communication.

Dear name,

I feel just terrible about the unfortunate damage I/my son/daughter/etc. caused to your [item.] I intend to take full responsibility for replacing/repairing it. It was very kind of you to dismiss the damage as merely accidental, but I just won't feel right until your item is restored to its original condition.

I hope you don't mind that I contact a repair/replacement company to arrange for an estimate, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know the best time for them to drop by without inconveniencing you any further. Please accept my apologies, and I hope we can quickly put this unfortunate incident behind us and continue our wonderful friendship.

Best regards,

On Promotion
Dear name,

Well, I knew it was only a matter of time before your superiors would reward all of your hard work and brilliance with a promotion! Congratulations on your new position! Your skills and smarts will surely serve you well as the new [name of position/title.]

Best wishes for continued success. I can't wait to see how impressed everyone will be when you start to make a real difference in the [name of department] department. Again, congratulations, you deserve it. And I am extremely confident that your future holds many more promotions of such prestige.

Best regards,

Formal Engagement Announcement
Mr. and Mrs. (name of bride's parents) have the honor of announcing the engagement of their daughter (name) to (name of groom)

Optional: (Name of bride's parents) request your presence at type of event (i.e. luncheon, dinner, reception) on day, date, at location from time to time to celebrate this happy occasion

Please R.S.V.P. to (name) at (telephone number) by (date)

Encouraging a Politician to Support an Issue
Dear Senator or Mr./Ms. (name):

The purpose of this letter is to voice my support of (describe issue). I know that it is currently under a great deal of scrutiny, and if certain politicians have their way, it could be dealt a severe-if not fatal-(financial/constitutional/political) blow.

(Describe the situation, and your position/suggestions for resolving it). I implore you to use your voice in Congress to do anything and everything you can to stave off legislation that would (cut federal funding/outlaw a practice, etc). It's vital that we (protect our rights/resources, etc.), and the prospect of a future without this protection is downright frightening.

Sincerely,

Thank You for the Job Interview
Dear (name of interviewer):

It was very kind of you to take the time from your busy schedule to meet with me on (date) to discuss the opening for (position). I want you to know I appreciated the opportunity.

The meeting certainly increased my interest in the position, which was already high. I was very impressed with your (describe specifics of the department or company). I firmly believe I can contribute significantly to the company with my (describe skills and work values). Thank you again for your time and interest in my qualifications, and I look forward to hearing from you about the results of my interview.

Sincerely,