Promotional Information

A thoroughly revised and updated edition of this comprehensive guide to writing personal and professional documents with clarity, confidence, and style.

Table of Contents

I. 
Principles
Getting Started 2
Graphic Design & Layout 14

II.
Social
Announcement 18
Congratulations 28
Celebration of Life Events 33
Holiday Greetings 37
Sympathy & Condolence 44
Get Well 52
Welcome 57
Invitation 63
Appreciation 71
Thank-You 75
Wedding & Engagement Correspondence 82
Personal Letter 93
Love Letter  100

III.
Job Search
Networking Communications 107
Resume Cover Letter 116
Resume 126
Online & Email Applications 143
Letter of Recommendation 146
Refusing an Applicant 154
Declining a Position 157

IV.
Employment & Employee Communications
Employee Correspondence 161
Introduction 165
Memo 170
Meeting Notices, Agendas & Minutes 179
Reprimand 184
Letter of Resignation 188
Employee Termination 192

V.
Proposals & Reports
Proposal 197
Contract (Letter of Agreement) 203
Business Plan 209
Formal Report 212
Informal Report 220
Feasibility Report 223
Technical Report & Technical Writing 225
Book Proposal 229
Research 237
Questionnaire & Survey 242

VI.
Inquiries, Requests & Response Communications
Request & Inquiry 246
Cover Letter 253
Response 257
Acknowledgment & Confirmation 264
Acceptance 269
Refusal 274

VII.
Problems, Sensitive Matters & Resolutions
Complaint & Protest 282
Disagreement & Dispute 291
Negotiation 298
Settlement 303
Apology 306
Forgiveness 317

VIII.
Orders, Credit & Collections
Order 326
Credit Inquiry & Providing Credit Information 331
Credit Approval 337
Credit Denial 340
Request for Payment Adjustment 345
Offering an Adjustment 350
Collection Letter 354

IX.
Marketing, Public Relations & Sales Communication
Direct Mail 361
Sales Follow-Up 368

X.
Media Relations, Publicity & Publication
Pitch Letter 373
Fundraising 376
Media Kit 384
Press Release 385
Questions & Answers (Q&A) & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 391
Biography (Bio) 394
Bibliography 396
Speech 397
Public Service Announcement (PSA) 400
Opinion Editorial (Op-Ed) & Letter to the Editor 402
Newsletter 404
Brochure 406

XI.
Electronic Communication
Email 408
 
 
Appendix 416
Index 420

About the Author

Sandra E. Lambwas a technical writer, editor, and ghost writer before launching her career as a writing teacher. She has guided many diverse groups to greater eloquence, from the American National Cattlewomen's Association to the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Lamb is the author of Personal Notes and Write the Right Words. For more information, visit www.sandralamb.com.

Reviews

“This is an extraordinary book. A reference so comprehensive, yet so simple. . . . Every person who isn’t living in a cave should have this by their elbow on a daily basis.”
—Richard Nelson Bolles, author of What Color Is Your Parachute?
 
“To express the principles of etiquette—respect, consideration, and honesty—is to apply sincerity and tact as naturally and spontaneously as possible. How to Write It shows exactly how to do just that.”
—Peggy Post, author of Emily Post’s Etiquette