10 Letter Writing Tips
                            by Joel Heffner
        
        If you were applying for an important job, would you show up
        for the interview with ripped up clothing instead of your
        best suit or dress? Silly thought, right? But how many
        people do the equivalent when they send out a letter that
        looks terrible or is full of mistakes that should have been
        corrected. I once got a form letter that accompanied a
        communications catalog that had 19 obvious mistakes in it.
        Imagine a communications company that didn't even bother to
        proofread their own letters.
        
        To many people you ARE the letter that you write. For
        example, the only chance you may get to attract a prospect's
        attention may be in a letter. Here are some ways to make
        your letters better.
        
        1. Before you write the letter, clarify your reason for
        writing it. Do you want to inform, question, complain,
        plead, compliment, clarify, persuade, invite, etc.? Make
        sure that you accomplish what you really want before you
        send it out.
        
        2. Start out the letter in an interesting way. You
        definitely want the reader to actually read the letter and
        not push it aside or even throw it out before reading it.
        
        3. Proofread the letter carefully. Spelling is really
        important. Be careful with spell checkers, they can't tell
        if you use the wrong word. Use a thesaurus to make your
        language more interesting.
        
        4. Sign your letter with a blue fountain pen. Using a blue
        fountain pen shows that YOU actually signed it and it isn't
        a form letter. Never use a ball point pen. Ball points have
        a "cheap" connotation, even if the one you use costs
        hundreds of dollars.
        
        5. Use quality paper. Typing paper shouldn't be your letter
        paper. Use at least 25% cotton content paper. It feels
        better and helps promote your image.
        
        6. Most people will read the comments that follow a post
        script (P.S.) at the end of a letter. Put a reminder or call
        to action in there.
        
        7. Hightlight important parts of the letter. There's nothing
        wrong with calling attention to the important stuff.
        
        8. Junk mail has conditioned many people to throw away
        envelopes that have flashy envelopes. Using a plain envelope
        with your name and address on it will probably get opened.
        
        9. Check the person's name carefully. If you misspell their
        name, you probably are not going to make a good impression.
        
        10. If you want the reader to do something ask for it.
        Sometimes the reader isn't sure of what he or she is
        supposed to do.
        
        Writing effective letters is extremely important. The extra
        time it takes to improve them is well worth the effort. Need
        help? Next time you have to write an important letter send
        me a copy and I'll give you my opinion on how to improve it. 
        It's free. The only thing I ask is that you only send ONE
        letter. You can email me at:
        
                              JHeffner@aol.com
        
        Remember, it's free. The only thing you have to loose are
        some mistakes! :)
        
        [Joel Heffner is a creativity and communications consultant.
        He can be reached at JHeffner@aol.com].

                                           Copyright 1996 Joel Heffner