The stenographer then copies the paragraphs, inserts the necessary dates and amount in Paragraph 6, and the following letter is the result:

Dear Sir:

On February 23, we wrote you endeavoring to give you a complete explanation of the charge of $27.60 covering some letters which we made up for your company.

We are wondering whether our letter did not explain this charge satisfactorily.

We notice that you have not yet sent in your check covering this charge, so if there is anything we can do to make this charge clear to you we shall be glad to have you write us, as we feel sure we can give you the proper information.

The adjuster's paragraph book begins as follows:

Openings Consumer-Abused Tire.

(1) Thank you for returning your

for we are sure we can

help you to solve the tire-trouble problem.

(2) It was only necessary to examine your—
did not get the best service from it.

to see that you

(3) After examining your we can appreciate that (it) (they) (was) (were) a disappointment to you.

(4) To have a tire give way as your did is as annoying as tearing a new suit on a barb-wire fence the first day you wear it.

(5) Our interest in your satisfaction lasts till your tire is worn out and we are therefore glad you returned your

(6) After examining your mentioned in your letter, we know it was a disappointment to you. In order that you may get better results in the future, we are going to explain briefly what caused the trouble.

Openings-Consumer-Defective Tire.

(1) We feel we should thank you especially for returning your—. (2) Thank you for returning your-.

etc., etc., etc.

CHAPTER XXXII

THE MAKE-UP OF THE LETTER

THE

THE MAKE-UP OF THE LETTER

HE first impression your letter makes upon the prospect likely will be a lasting one. It is, therefore, essential that the letter be neat and attractive in appearance. To this end, you must:

(1) Select a paper of good weight that will not easily crumple.
(2) Employ a well balanced and neatly executed letter-head.
(3) See that the letter is attractively placed on the sheet; that
the margins are wide and consistently adhered to; that the
letter is centered on the page.

(4) Write on one side of the sheet only.

(5) Avoid sending out letters that are blurred or that are marred by frequent erasures.

(6) See that sentences are properly punctuated and that words are correctly spelled.

(7) Adhere to the principles of good usage that custom has established for the letter form.

The parts of the letter are:

(1) Heading

(a) Address of writer (generally contained in the letterhead).

(b) Date when letter is written.

(2) Introductory address (name, title, and address of person to whom the letter is written).

(3) Salutation.

(4) Body of the letter.

(5) Complimentary close.

(6) Signature of the writer.

Note how these parts are placed in the letter on page 467.