Compliment or Praise the Media, an Author, or an Editor • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
A complimentary letter shows support for the issue at hand and encourages more of the same. Your letter should be direct and sincere, without being self-serving.
How to write this compliment letter:
- Tell the reader that you enjoyed or appreciated his or her work.
- State specifically what you liked about the reader's work.
- Close by thanking the writer for his or her work.
Example Letter #1
I recently had the good fortune of reading your article regarding investment strategies. It was well-written and contained sound, practical advice. In fact, I have already benefited from your discussion on risk versus return. You pointed out several things that I will remember for years to come. I look forward to reading your next informative work. Thank you.
Example Letter #2
Please accept our thanks and congratulations on the success of your recent series on young scholars in our community. We see so much of the negative side of life in the media that it is refreshing to have a positive, upbeat report on the good things that are happening. I think the report was a great motivator for many students who need a little extra push. Our schools are doing a good job with limited resources, and they appreciate all the help we can give them. Thanks again for such uplifting coverage.
Example Letter #3
I always enjoy your column in our local newsletter. You have a gift for discussing family interactions in truthful yet amusing ways. It seems I can always identify experiences in my own family with those you describe. Your articles help us realize that our problems are typical, and we can solve them in constructive ways.
Thank you and keep these good articles coming.
Example Letter #4
I have just finished reading the article you wrote on recycling published in the June issue of Springfield Journal. I want to tell you how much I appreciated your clearly written and thought-provoking article.
While much has been written on this topic, your article expresses both the positive and negative aspects of this important topic, without taking an emotional stance on either side of the issue.
Thank you for your thorough research and clear writing.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Tell the reader that you enjoyed or appreciated his or her work.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- I read your recent article about unemployment in our community and sincerely appreciated its message.
- Your article on business expansion in our area was very enlightening.
- I just finished reading your book Doe's Ways and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it.
- I compliment you on the way you handled that difficult interview with John Doe.
- Thank you for the update on white collar crime. It was a sobering report.
- I appreciate your covering the Doe merger in your recent telecasts.
- I commend you for your excellent report on the homeless in our city.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- add my praise to
- admired the way you dealt with
- appreciate your coverage
- are to be commended for
- commend you for
- congratulate you on
- excellent series of
- for the update on
- have long admired your
- how disturbed I was
- how much I enjoyed
- just finished reading
- read your recent
- sincerely appreciated the message
- such an outstanding
- want you to know
- was a first-rate
- was most enlightening
2 State specifically what you liked about the reader's work.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- The article clearly showed each side of the issue and raised many questions that most voters have not considered.
- The report was well documented, so no one can claim that it was just one person's opinion.
- The timing for the article was perfect, and your arguments were compelling.
- Your piece was very revealing. I had never heard the issue presented in that light.
- Your topics are always interesting and educational. We have especially enjoyed the nature programs. Our entire family sits down each Monday evening to watch them.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- clear, incisive analysis of
- clearly showed both sides
- complete and accurate
- easy to understand
- excellent background information
- expertly researched and written
- explained so clearly
- helped me to see more clearly
- intelligent and articulate
- most refreshing
- raised some important questions
- seeing different points of view
- seem to have a gift for
- such a clear depiction of
- such a concise explanation
- the skill with which you
- this vitally important topic
- was well documented
- was most thought-provoking
- will surely be of great value
3 Close by thanking the writer for his or her work.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Thank you for making me aware of such an important issue.
- I appreciate your insights.
- Thank you for adding local interest stories to the evening news.
- I am grateful that we have such a strong voice in the media, someone who does not hesitate to speak her mind on the importance of the family.
- Reports like yours help support the efforts of small businesses like mine. Thank you.
- Thank you for your weekly column. I look forward to it every Sunday.
- You deserve thanks for your commitment to bringing the public such vital information.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- am grateful for
- best wishes for
- congratulations
- for a job well done
- for speaking your mind
- for having the courage
- for making me aware
- for your insights
- hope you will continue to
- how much I appreciate
- keep up the good work
- keeping us informed
- look forward to
- raising public awareness
- seeing more of your work
- thank you for
- your skill and effort
- your professional approach
- your further success
