Courtesy Letter
Denise Smith
Deputy Editor Downunder Dreaming
Private Bag 0000, North Sydney,
NSW 2059
The complexities of HTML don't allow me to right align the return address but it's obvious isn't it? Include every conceivable method of contact, phone, fax, mobile number, email, pager, URL, get the idea?
Thank you for your part in producing a fine magazine such as Downunder Dreaming. I enjoyed the article about windsurfing in Indonesia, having spent my summer vacation there last year.
I am a published freelance writer Herald Sun, The Eye, People and numerous articles in College Courier. I will be covering the following events over this summer and submitting them to your publication.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and the staff at Aussie Post all the best for Christmas and the new millennium.
Alastair Rosie
Freelance Writer
As you can see here in this courtesy letter to a publication I've told them how much I love their magazine and pointed out a certain article. It may be sucking up but editors like that, not because they're egomaniacs (most of us are!) but it tells the Deputy Editor you've been paying attention.
In the second paragraph you've told her what you're doing. Notice how short it is?
The events are covered in point form.
The next paragraph reiterates your intentions just in case she was daydreaming and closes with best wishes for Christmas. The best wishes are often missed out but we editors are human beings after all.