Business letter writing checklist

When you write a business letter, use this checklist to remind you of the key principles of effective letter writing.

Keep it Short 
• Cut needless words and needless information. 
• Cut stale phrases and redundant statements. 
• Cut the first paragraph if it refers to previous correspondence. 
• Cut the last paragraph if it asks for future correspondence. 

Keep it Simple
• Use familiar words, short sentences and short paragraphs. 
• Keep your subject matter as simple as possible. 
• Keep related information together. 
• Use a conversational style. 

Keep it Strong
• Answer the reader’s question in the first paragraph. 
• Give your answer and then explain why. 
• Use concrete words and examples. 
• Keep to the subject. 

Keep it Sincere
• Answer promptly. 
• Be human and as friendly as possible. 
• Write as if you were talking to your reader.