Letter-Writing Topics:

Business Announcement Letters
Announce a bad weather or civil emergency policy Announce a budget surplus Announce a business anniversary Announce a change in policy or fee amount Announce a company savings plan Announce actions to be taken during a strike (management's announcement) Announce a change in your company's name Announce a change of business address Announce a contest winner Announce a drug testing program Announce a hiring freeze Announce a holiday closing Announce a holiday work schedule Announce a job-related party or retreat Announce a job opening Announce a layoff Announce a new business location Announce a new business, store, or branch office Announce a new partner Announce a routine meeting Announce a special meeting Announce an employee training session Announce an employee's achievement Announce an employee's retirement Announce an imminent strike (labor's announcement) Announce an office or store closing to employees Announce bad news to employees Inform employees of another's illness Introduce a business or professional contact Introduce someone to an organization or the community Notify employees of a new policy or a change in an existing one Welcome a new employee Write a news release Announce a broken engagement Announce a change of address Announce a class reunion Announce a divorce Announce an engagement in a newspaper Announce an engagement in a personal letter Announce an engagement with an invitation Announce the birth or adoption of a baby (personal letter) Announce the birth or adoption of a baby (public announcement) Announce the death of a family member to other family members, close friends, and acquaintances Announce the death of a family member, or write the obituary Announce the death of an employee or an employee's relative Announce the graduation of a son or daughter Announce your own retirement Announce a new product or service Announce a price decrease Announce a price increase Announce a sales contest Announce or introduce a new salesperson Promote a product by announcing a special sale or complimentary gift

Accept an Honor/Suggestion
Accept an honor Accept and express appreciation for a suggestion
Business/Work
Accept a job offer Accept an invitation to a business appointment Acknowledge the receipt of a report, letter or other Acknowledge the receipt of a resume Congratulate someone on his or her retirement Encourage/motivate your reader to increase sales Relieve someone from delegated responsibilities because someone else will assume them Thank a business for good service, low prices, or professional courtesies Thank someone for an appointment, interview, or meeting Thank someone for an award, bonus, or raise Write a farewell letter to a person who is leaving employment Write a farewell letter to a person who is retiring Write a farewell letter to management, co-workers or clients
Civic Service
Thank a doctor or health care facility Thank a religious leader
Customers
Express appreciation to long-term customers and those who pay their bills promptly Follow up after a sale to thank the customer and offer service Note the anniversary of a customer's company Thank a customer for a payment Thank a customer for purchasing a product or service Thank a customer or client
Employee
Acknowledge the receipt of a suggestion from an employee Announce the appointment of an employee to a committee or position Congratulate an employee on the anniversary of his or her service Compliment or praise an employee's family for their contribution to the employee's success Compliment or praise an employee's work performance Express appreciation to an employee Note the anniversary of an employee's service Thank a retiree for his or her service
Government/Political
Congratulate a politician on an election or on the passage of legislation Express regret on the defeat of legislation or the loss of an election Praise government officials or employees
Media
Compliment or praise the media, an author, or an editor Thank someone for media exposure
Personal
Give personal compliments or praise
Positive Feedback
Reply positively to a suggestion Respond positively to negative feedback Respond to a complaint and treat it as valuable feedback
Praise
Compliment or praise a product or service supplier Compliment or praise a program chairperson or planner Compliment or praise a salesperson or a sales staff Compliment or praise a speaker Compliment or praise someone for an achievement Compliment or praise the work of an employee from another firm Congratulate someone on a speech or presentation
Service
Accept a request to serve in an honorary position Thank someone for a favor Thank someone for a gift Thank someone for volunteer work Thank someone for help or support Thank someone for helping in your absence Thank someone for hospitality Thank someone for a philanthropic contribution Write a letter to accompany a contribution to a good cause
Social Event
Accept a formal invitation to a social event Accept an informal invitation to a social event Thank someone for a pleasant occasion Thank someone for visiting a place or attending an event
Sympathy
Send a gift with a sympathy letter Thank someone for expressions of sympathy
Thank You
Thank someone for a compliment or praise Thank someone for a job well done Thank someone for a referral or recommendation Thank someone for a reply or response Thank someone for a speech or presentation Thank someone for accepting your advice or recommendation Thank someone for advice or a suggestion Thank someone for an inquiry Thank someone for information

Appeal to higher authorities when complaint letters don't work Complain about a faulty delivery or a shipping error Complain about receiving damaged goods Complain about poor facilities or equipment Complain about harassment Complain to a neighbor or a landlord Complain about an unfair insurance payment or settlement Complain about community problems Complain about a billing error Complain about overdue work or poor workmanship Complain about laws, policies, or inefficiencies Complain about poor service or a faulty product Complain about a delay in an order Complain about a radio or television broadcast Complain about an employee who has given poor or offensive service Complain to a club or organization Correct an official's mistake on your taxes Delegate follow-up on a complaint from a customer Demand satisfaction on a mail order transaction gone bad (suspected mail fraud) Disagree about benefits (social security, retirement, insurance, etc.) Disagree with a bill, rent payment, or other financial issue Disagree with a subordinate, a superior, or a person in authority Dismiss an employee for poor performance or unacceptable behavior Document employee reprimands File a warranty claim Make an insurance claim Reprimand an employee for poor attendance or tardiness Reprimand an employee for a breach of policy Reprimand an employee for poor performance Request correction of an error in a check Request a retraction or correction from the media Request correction of an error in a credit report Request correction of a billing error Request a refund or reimbursement Respond to a complaint and treat it as valuable feedback Respond to a complaint Respond to a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment Respond to a complaint while admitting fault and making an adjustment Respond to a false accusation from a government agency Respond to a complaint while avoiding agreement or denying liability, and refusing to make an adjustment Respond to a complaint while avoiding or denying liability, but making an adjustment Respond to a complaint, but needing more information Warn a distributor under your supervision Write a disagreement letter Write a complaint letter to a superior Write a complaint letter to a subordinate Write a letter reprimanding tenants

Agreements/Authorizations
Confirm an oral agreement Confirm that you have given authorization to someone Request confirmation of an authorization to take action
Business/Work
Acknowledge the receipt of a report, letter or other Confirm a directive or decision Confirm a transfer, promotion, or relocation assignment Confirm an appointment, meeting, or interview Confirm miscellaneous business agreements Confirm an order you have made Confirm receipt of an order from a customer Confirm the receipt of a resume, contract bid, or application (receiver's letter) Follow up after a meeting to review decisions and assignments Request confirmation of the receipt of a resume, contract bid, application, etc. (sender's letter) Schedule an appointment to interview a potential employee
Miscellaneous
Confirm a telephone request to transfer money, cancel and replace a stolen credit card, or stop payment on a check Request confirmation of receipt of earlier mailings Confirm an error correction or revision Confirm the receipt of a package or other item(s) Confirm the sending of a package or other item(s)
Social or Business Events
Confirm a guest's attendance at a conference or symposium (organizer's letter) Confirm a speaker's or special guest's attendance Confirm your own attendance as a speaker or special guest
Travel/Accommodations
Confirm a reservation or registration (organizer's or accommodation provider's letter) Confirm a reservation or registration (traveler's letter) Confirm travel arrangements (arranger's letter) Confirm travel arrangements (traveler's letter)

Cancel, Suspend, or Restrict a Credit Account
Announce punitive measures against a client's account Cancel or withdraw a customer's credit account Warn a customer about credit suspension or penalization
Miscellaneous
Confirm a telephone request to transfer money, cancel and replace a stolen credit card, or stop payment on a check Write a credit reference
Open a Credit Account
Extend an invitation to open an account Offer the use of a charge account
Request a Loan or Credit
Approve a loan Ask an applicant for credit to submit more information Decline a request for credit Grant approval for credit Investigate an applicant's credit reference Request an explanation for a denial of credit Request an increased credit line Request or apply for a credit account Welcome a new account or an account reactivation
Request or Make Payment
Acknowledge payment of an overdue balance Inform a customer of an incorrect payment amount and ask for the balance Inform a customer of an overpayment Inform a customer that the check you received was not signed or the payment was not in the envelope Notify a creditor that you have stopped payment on a check Notify a debtor of a returned check Offer a discount for early payment on products or services Promise a delayed payment to a creditor Remind an organization member to pay a fee, duty, or pledge Request payment of a personal loan Send a late payment after a mutual agreement to do so Suggest an alternative plan or schedule for payments Transmit a payment

If you have made an error:
Apologize for a defective, damaged, or incomplete product Apologize for a missed deadline Apologize for a shipping delay or error Apologize for an invoice or billing error Apologize for betrayed trust Apologize for damaged property Apologize for hurt feelings Apologize for missing an appointment Apologize for missing an event or for overlooking or forgetting someone Apologize for missing or being late to a meeting or appointment Apologize for offensive behavior Apologize for poor or inadequate service Apologize for providing incorrect or incomplete information Apologize for sending a collection letter by mistake Apologize for someone else (business) Apologize for someone else (personal) Apologize to an employee or employees Correct your own error in a transaction Explain an error you have made Write a business apology Write a personal apology
If someone else has made an error:
Complain about a billing error Complain about a faulty delivery or a shipping error Complain about an unfair insurance payment or settlement Complain about poor facilities or equipment Complain about poor service or a faulty product Complain about receiving damaged goods Confirm an error correction or revision Correct a customer's error or assertion Correct an error in a payment made or received Correct an official's mistake on your taxes Disagree about benefits (social security, retirement, insurance, etc.) Disagree with a bill, rent payment, or other financial issue Disagree with a subordinate, a superior, or a person in authority Inform a customer that the check you received was not signed or the payment was not in the envelope Inform customers of a misprint Request correction of a billing error Request correction of an error in a check Request correction of an error in a credit report Request correction of an insurance company's error Write a disagreement letter

Announcement
Announce a company savings plan Announce an employee's achievement Keep a customer up to date on progress Write a letter on the anniversary of your company
Apology
Apologize for a defective, damaged, or incomplete product Apologize for a late payment Apologize for a missed deadline Apologize for a shipping delay or error Apologize for an invoice or billing error Apologize for betrayed trust Apologize for hurt feelings Apologize for missing an appointment Apologize for missing an event or for overlooking or forgetting someone Apologize for missing or being late to a meeting or appointment Apologize for offensive behavior Apologize for poor or inadequate service Apologize for providing incorrect or incomplete information Apologize for someone else (business) Apologize for someone else (personal) Apologize to an employee or employees Write a business apology Write a personal apology
Appreciation
Express appreciation to an employee Express appreciation to long-term customers and those who pay their bills promptly Grant a promotion or raise Write a letter acknowledging achievements
Congratulations
Congratulate an employee on the anniversary of his or her service Congratulate an employee, friend, or associate on an advancement or promotion Congratulate an official on an appointment or on winning an election Congratulate someone on a religious occasion Congratulate someone on a speech or presentation Congratulate someone on an achievement, an accomplishment, or on a job well done Congratulate someone on his or her birthday Congratulate someone on his or her engagement Congratulate someone on his or her graduation Congratulate someone on his or her retirement Congratulate someone on his or her wedding or marriage Congratulate someone on publishing a book or article Congratulate someone on the anniversary of their marriage Congratulate someone on the birth or adoption of a child Congratulate someone on the opening of a new business, store, or office Congratulate someone on winning a contract Congratulate someone on winning an award or receiving a scholarship or other honor
Farewells
Write a farewell letter to a person who is leaving employment Write a farewell letter to a person who is retiring Write a farewell letter to management, co-workers or clients
Sympathy/Get Well
Offer sympathy for a marriage separation or divorce Offer sympathy for loss or damage caused by a theft, vandalism, or natural disaster Offer sympathy for the death of a business associate Offer sympathy for the death of a business associate's family member Offer sympathy for the death of a child Offer sympathy for the death of a friend or relative Offer sympathy for the death of a person who has been ill Offer sympathy for the loss of a job Offer sympathy for the loss or death of a pet Offer sympathy in a case of serious or terminal illness Send a gift with a sympathy letter Write a get-well message regarding an employee's or business associate's family member who is suffering from illness or injury Write a get-well message to a child suffering from illness or injury Write a get-well message to a friend or relative suffering from an illness or injury Write a get-well message to a teacher suffering from illness or injury Write a get-well message to an employee or business associate suffering from illness or injury
Thank You
Thank a business for good service, low prices, or professional courtesies Thank a customer for purchasing a product or service Thank a doctor or health care facility Thank a religious leader Thank a retiree for his or her service Thank someone for a favor Thank someone for a pleasant occasion Thank someone for helping in your absence Thank someone for hospitality Thank someone for visiting a place or attending an event Thank someone for volunteer work
Welcome
Welcome a new business to town Welcome a new customer or client Welcome a new employee Welcome a new resident to the neighborhood Welcome a new shareholder Welcome a new student to school, class, or a training seminar Welcome a potential customer or client to the area Welcome a son-in-law or daughter-in-law into the family Welcome someone into a group, association, religion, or club
Miscellaneous
Explain an error you have made Extend holiday or winter season's greetings to employees, customers, and business associates Extend holiday or winter season's greetings to friends Extend Labor Day greetings to employees Extend Mother's Day or Father's Day greetings (personal) Extend Mother's Day or Father's Day greetings and/or announce sales or promotions for these days Introduce gifts to customers and prospective customers Invite or request suggestions from employees and customers Note the anniversary of a customer's company Note the anniversary of an employee's service Offer voluntary services Respond positively to negative feedback Send a late payment after a mutual agreement to do so Strengthen relationships with customers Write a letter to accompany a contribution to a good cause Write a letter to accompany a gift

Business/Work
Announce a budget surplus Announce a business anniversary Announce a change in your company's name Announce a change of business address Announce a company savings plan Announce a hiring freeze Announce a holiday closing Announce a holiday work schedule Announce a job opening Announce a job-related party or retreat Announce a layoff Announce a new business, store, or branch office Announce a new partner Announce a new product or service Announce a routine meeting Announce a special meeting Announce actions to be taken during a strike (management's announcement) Announce an imminent strike (labor's announcement) Announce punitive measures against a client's account Approve a proposal Approve a vacation or leave of absence Approve attendance at a conference or seminar Approve payment or funding for expenses incurred Authorize work to be done Cancel or decline to schedule an appointment Cancel or postpone an appointment Complain about poor service or a faulty product Confirm a transfer, promotion, or relocation assignment Confirm that you have given authorization to someone Confirm the receipt of a resume, contract bid, or application (receiver's letter) Confirm miscellaneous business agreements Delegate a special project Delegate new or additional duties Delegate responsibilities for the period of your absence Give advice to subordinates Grant a promotion or raise Introduce a product or service Issue directives concerning specific tasks Issue directives concerning studies and investigations Issue directives concerning reports and paperwork Issue directives to adjust territories or structures Issue directives to establish, change or reaffirm policies Issue directives to establish, change, or reaffirm procedures Notify a shipper that an order is incomplete, incorrect or damaged; also, return unwanted or incorrect merchandise Request confirmation of an authorization to take action Request confirmation of the receipt of a resume, contract bid, application, etc. (sender's letter) Respond to a complaint Respond to a request for your resume Take the minutes of a meeting Transmit informational or sales literature Write a complaint letter to a subordinate Write a complaint letter to a superior Write a cover letter to introduce a resume
Civic/Government
Announce a bad weather or civil emergency policy Complain about community problems Correct an official's mistake on your taxes Report required information to a government agency
Credit/Loan
Approve a loan Cancel or withdraw a customer's credit account Cancel your own credit account Grant approval for credit Notify a creditor that you have stopped payment on a check Notify a debtor of a returned check Write a credit reference
Customers
Correct a customer's error or assertion Delegate follow-up on a complaint from a customer Inform a customer of an incorrect payment amount and ask for the balance Inform a customer of an overpayment Inform customers of a misprint Keep a customer up to date on progress Notify a customer that a shipment has been delayed or that merchandise ordered is not available Notify a customer that you have shipped an order
Employees
Announce an employee's achievement Announce an employee training session Announce an office or store closing to employees Announce bad news to employees Announce the appointment of an employee to a committee or position Announce the death of an employee or an employee's relative Complain about an employee who has given poor or offensive service Dismiss an employee for poor performance or unacceptable behavior Inform employees of another's illness Introduce a new employee Notify employees of a new policy or a change in an existing one
Miscellaneous
Announce a contest winner Announce a drug testing program Authorize a study or report Authorize legal representation Authorize medical treatment Cancel a membership or subscription Cancel a rental contract Cancel a service contract Complain about harassment Complain to a club or organization Complain about an unfair insurance payment or settlement Confirm a guest's attendance at a conference or symposium (organizer's letter) Confirm a directive or decision Confirm an error correction or revision Confirm the receipt of a package or other item(s) Confirm the sending of a package or other item(s) Correct an error in a payment made or received Endorse a proposal or report Explain an error you have made File a warranty claim Grant permission to use or publish materials Make an insurance claim Network by discussing publications or speeches Offer voluntary services Relieve someone from delegated responsibilities because someone else will assume them Write a letter to persuade an editor or the public on an issue Write a news release
Personal
Announce a broken engagement Announce a change of address Announce a class reunion Announce a divorce Announce an engagement in a newspaper Announce an engagement in a personal letter Announce an engagement with an invitation Announce the birth or adoption of a baby (personal letter) Announce the birth or adoption of a baby (public announcement) Announce the death of a family member, or write the obituary Announce the death of a family member to other family members, close friends, and acquaintances Announce the graduation of a son or daughter Announce your own retirement Cancel a reservation Cancel or postpone an invitation Cancel a wedding Confirm your own attendance as a speaker or special guest Correct your own error in a transaction Introduce a friend, an acquaintance, a relative, or yourself to someone in anticipation of a future meeting
Sales
Announce a price decrease Announce a price increase Announce a sales contest Announce or introduce a new salesperson
Social Events/Travel
Confirm a reservation or registration (organizer's or accommodation provider's letter) Confirm a reservation or registration (traveler's letter) Confirm a speaker's or special guest's attendance Confirm travel arrangements (arranger's letter) Confirm travel arrangements (traveler's letter)

Extend an invitation
Extend a formal invitation Extend an invitation for a job interview Extend an invitation to a business social event Extend an invitation to a personal social event Extend an invitation to attend a trade show, seminar, or conference Extend an invitation to join an organization Extend an invitation to open an account Extend an invitation to participate in or attend a fundraising event Extend an invitation to speak or perform Extend invitations to seasonal parties: Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. (business and personal) Extend invitations to winter holiday parties (business and personal) Invite a customer to request a sample product or more information Invite a prospective customer to a sales appointment, presentation, or demonstration
Accept an invitation
Accept a formal invitation to a social event Accept a request to serve in an honorary position Accept an informal invitation to a social event Accept an invitation to a business appointment Accept an invitation to an event Accept an invitation to join an organization Accept an invitation to speak or perform
Announce or cancel an invitation
Announce a broken engagement Announce a business anniversary Announce a class reunion Announce a job-related party or retreat Announce a routine meeting Announce a special meeting Announce an engagement in a personal letter Announce an engagement with an invitation Announce the graduation of a son or daughter Cancel a wedding Cancel or postpone an invitation
Confirm or decline an invitation
Confirm a guest's attendance at a conference or symposium (organizer's letter) Confirm a speaker's or special guest's attendance Confirm your own attendance as a speaker or special guest Decline an invitation to an event Decline an invitation to join an organization Decline an invitation to speak or perform

Confessions of Love I Love You Lost Love Miss You Second Chances Sorry Thinking of You Can we start over? (Let's see if the magic is still there.) Dear Ex: Things turned out okay for everyone. (We're older now, but wiser.) Goodbye forever (It's time to go our separate ways.) Happy Anniversary! (Thanks for always being there!) Has someone come between us? (I see the telltale signs.) I love you. (Last night was unforgettable!) I really miss you. (Please come home soon.) I'd like to get to know you better. (Do you remember me?) I'll do whatever it takes. (Just please come back.) I'm falling for you. (We're made for each other!) I'm glad we went out together. (I want to see you again.) Let's part on good terms while we can. (It's time to go our separate ways.) Please forgive me. (This relationship is worth saving!) Sorry we didn't agree. (But can we kiss and make up?) Sorry, this isn't working for me anymore. (We need to separate for a while.) Tell me what I did wrong. (I know I can make it up to you.) That was a stupid thing I said/did. (But I don't usually behave this way.) Too many things have come between us. (Let's go back to the way we were.) I want to spend the rest of my life with you. (My love is real and so is my commitment!) We need to see a marriage counselor. (It's time we let someone come between us!) We need to slow down. (I'm feeling a little crowded!) We never really talk. (Tell me what you're thinking.) We've come to a standstill. (Let's reconsider our goals.) You mean everything to me. (You're my better half; we make each other whole!) You really hurt me. (But tell me your side of it -- I'm listening!)

Accept a formal invitation to a social event Accept an invitation to a business appointment Accept an invitation to an event Accept an invitation to join an organization Accept an invitation to speak or perform Accept an informal invitation to a social event Announce a broken engagement Announce a class reunion Announce a job-related party or retreat Announce an engagement in a newspaper Announce an engagement in a personal letter Announce an engagement with an invitation Announce the graduation of a son or daughter Apologize for missing an appointment Apologize for missing an event or for overlooking or forgetting someone Cancel a wedding Cancel or postpone an invitation Confirm a guest's attendance at a conference or symposium (organizer's letter) Confirm a speaker's or special guest's attendance Confirm your own attendance as a speaker or special guest Congratulate someone on a religious occasion Congratulate someone on his or her engagement Congratulate someone on his or her graduation Congratulate someone on his or her wedding or marriage Decline an invitation to an event Decline an invitation to join an organization Decline an invitation to speak or perform Extend an invitation to participate in or attend a fund-raising event Extend an invitation to a business social event Extend an invitation to a personal social event Extend an invitation to join an organization Extend invitations to winter holiday parties (business and personal) Extend an invitation to speak or perform Extend invitations to seasonal parties: Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. (business and personal) Extend a formal invitation Introduce someone to an organization or the community Thank someone for hospitality Thank someone for visiting a place or attending an event Welcome a new resident to the neighborhood Welcome someone into a group, association, religion, or club