Chapter I: Front Matter

THE PURPOSE OF THE LETTER 6

CHAPTER III
THE PARTS OF A LETTER
1. THE HEADING 10
2. THE INSIDE ADDRESS 12
3. THE SALUTATION 16
4. THE BODY OF THE LETTER 22
5. THE COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE 26
6. THE SIGNATURE 29
7. THE SUPERSCRIPTION 33

CHAPTER IV
BEING APPROPRIATE--WHAT TO AVOID
COMMON OFFENSES 36
STOCK PHRASES IN BUSINESS LETTERS 38

CHAPTER V
PERSONAL LETTERS--SOCIAL AND FRIENDLY
INVITATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 44
THE LETTER OF CONDOLENCE 91
LETTERS OF SYMPATHY IN CASE OF ILLNESS 95
LETTERS OF CONGRATULATION 101
LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION 107
LETTERS OF THANKS 110
LETTERS BETWEEN FRIENDS 118

CHAPTER VI
PERSONAL BUSINESS LETTERS 124

CHAPTER VII
THE BUSINESS LETTER 135
SALES AND ANNOUNCEMENT LETTERS 146
KEEPING THE CUSTOMER 160
SELLING REAL ESTATE 163
BANK LETTERS 173
LETTERS OF ORDER AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 182
LETTERS OF COMPLAINT AND ADJUSTMENT 186
CREDIT AND COLLECTION LETTERS 193
LETTERS OF APPLICATION 211
LETTERS OF REFERENCE 217
LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION 220
LETTERS OF INQUIRY 223

CHAPTER VIII
THE USE OF FORM PARAGRAPHS 227

CHAPTER IX
CHILDREN'S LETTERS 230

CHAPTER X
TELEGRAMS 236

CHAPTER XI
THE LAW OF LETTERS 247

CHAPTER XII
THE COST OF A LETTER 252