Do you need a formal letter written? Will the letter be purposed to make a request, defend your position, advocate for yourself, or get out of a jam?
“Letters for Your Life” Writing Services
In your adult life, from time to time you’ll have reasons to write letters. If you’re not the type who excels at or enjoys writing, this can be stressful.
Maybe you’re more math-minded, or good with hands-on tasks, but when it comes to letter-writing, you could use some guidance.
9 Steps to Write a Formal Letter
I’ve written my share of formal letters over the course of my own life, with favorable results. I can help you write a letter that may work to achieve the outcome you desire.
The simple formula for writing a formal letter goes as follows:
- Start with customary contact information and date.
- Add your greeting.
- Introduce the issue you’d like to discuss.
- Make your request or present your main point.
- Provide supporting details.
- Explain what attachments you’ll be supplying as supporting evidence for the facts presented in the letter.
- Add your call to action and contact information (yes, even a personal letter should have this!).
- Add your closing and signature.
- Reference the number of enclosures, if any.
When Is it Appropriate to Write and Send a Formal Letter?
From time to time, you’ll have occasion to write a letter that’s formal in nature. What are some life situations where you should write and send a letter?
- You’re applying for a job, and you must now craft a cover letter and/or follow-up correspondence.
- A tenant-landlord issue has come up, and as a renter you must present or defend your case.
- You’d like to write a letter of recommendation for a friend in need of a professional reference.
- You’re looking to purchase a home, but there’s a special circumstance – say, you want to request a rent-to-own scenario.
- You got in a car accident and you must now correspond with the insurance company, local police, etc.
- Your child is having difficulties at school, and you need to communicate formally with his teachers and the school administrators.
- You have a situation with the IRS that you wish to appeal.
These are just a few examples of times when a formal letter serves as a useful tool to help you get what you want in life. But why a letter? Won’t a phone call do?
A formal letter can be useful in the following ways:
- A formal letter states facts in writing, which can help others understand and retain the information.
- A formal letter effectively sums up what’s already been said.
- A formal letter clarifies meaning and emphasizes certain key points.
- A formal letter can help you negotiate by conveying your thoughts in the most positive way.
- A formal letter shows you’re serious and emphasizes how important this matter is to you.
- A formal letter can be forwarded on to the appropriate parties if necessary, without additional conversations in person or on the phone.
- A formal letter recollects events and present facts in a timeline if needed.
- A formal letter presents you intelligently and in seriousness, conveying that you care.
- A formal letter gains the attention of those in authority.
- A formal letter escalates the issue. You stand a much better chance at getting what you want if you write a letter.
Tips for Improving Your Writing in a Formal Letter
You have two choices in how you approach formal letter writing. These depend on how your mind works.
The Brain Dump Method:
- Start with a brain dump. Just grab a notebook or open a document, and begin writing or typing your thoughts.
- Go back later, read through everything and organize it into a cohesive written presentation.
The Tidy Outline Method:
- For the tidy and orderly thinkers, start with an outline. Make your points one by one.
- Add supporting details and all important information.
“Letters for Your Life”…
Expert Letter-Writing Services for Those in Need
I’m Dina, and I’ve been writing professionally since 1996. I can help you craft a formal letter that addresses a problem you’re having in life, or a goal you’d like to achieve.
Here’s how the letter-writing service works:
- I’ll email you a series of questions to help you get started.
- We’ll talk (or email back and forth) about your issue that you need help writing a letter for.
- I’ll work up a rough draft for review.
- You’ll provide feedback.
- I’ll tweak and polish anything that needs to be said a different way.
- We’ll discuss any additional documentation you may need to provide (I can walk you through the steps of how to do that, if needed).
- Proofreading round and done!
I Also Provide Letter Editing Services
Sometimes you just need a second pair of eyes to affirm that you’ve said everything you wanted to say in your letter, in the best and most polished way possible.
I offer letter editing services as well, which may be a bit friendlier on your pocketbook.
How the letter editing services works:
- Email me an overview of the problem or goal you’re looking to address with the letter.
- I’ll email you a series of questions.
- You’ll send me your letter draft.
- I’ll edit it and raise any concerns or ask questions.
- You’ll complete the letter and submit to the necessary authority in question.
It will be your responsibility to edit and re-write your own letter if you choose the letter editing service!
Otherwise, you can outsource the writing part to me at an hourly rate. Thanks!
Email Dina for a Letter-Writing Project Quote Today
Send your request to dinagio@dinagio.com.
Please title your subject line LETTER WRITING SERVICE – thanks!