{"product_id":"how-to-write-it-third-edition-isbn-9781607740322","title":"How to Write It, Third Edition","description":"\u003cb\u003eWrite personal and professional communications with clarity, confidence, and style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e How to Write It\u003c\/i\u003e is the essential resource for eloquent personal and professional self-expression. Award-winning journalist Sandra E. Lamb transforms even reluctant scribblers into articulate wordsmiths by providing compelling examples of nearly every type and form of written communication. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCompletely updated and expanded, the new third edition offers hundreds of handy word, phrase, and sentence lists, precisely crafted sample paragraphs, and professionally designed document layouts. \u003ci\u003eHow to Write It\u003c\/i\u003e is a must-own for students, teachers, authors, journalists, bloggers, managers, and anyone who doesn’t have time to wade through a massive style guide but needs a friendly desk reference.\u003cb\u003eI. \u003cbr\u003ePrinciples\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Getting Started 2\u003cbr\u003e Graphic Design \u0026amp; Layout 14\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e II. \u003cbr\u003eSocial\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Announcement 18\u003cbr\u003e Congratulations 28\u003cbr\u003e Celebration of Life Events 33\u003cbr\u003e Holiday Greetings 37\u003cbr\u003e Sympathy \u0026amp; Condolence 44\u003cbr\u003e Get Well 52\u003cbr\u003e Welcome 57\u003cbr\u003e Invitation 63\u003cbr\u003e Appreciation 71\u003cbr\u003e Thank-You 75\u003cbr\u003e Wedding \u0026amp; Engagement Correspondence 82\u003cbr\u003e Personal Letter 93\u003cbr\u003e Love Letter  100\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e III. \u003cbr\u003eJob Search\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Networking Communications 107\u003cbr\u003e Resume Cover Letter 116\u003cbr\u003e Resume 126\u003cbr\u003e Online \u0026amp; Email Applications 143\u003cbr\u003e Letter of Recommendation 146\u003cbr\u003e Refusing an Applicant 154\u003cbr\u003e Declining a Position 157\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e IV.\u003cbr\u003e Employment \u0026amp; Employee Communications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Employee Correspondence 161\u003cbr\u003e Introduction 165\u003cbr\u003e Memo 170\u003cbr\u003e Meeting Notices, Agendas \u0026amp; Minutes 179\u003cbr\u003e Reprimand 184\u003cbr\u003e Letter of Resignation 188\u003cbr\u003e Employee Termination 192\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e V. \u003cbr\u003e Proposals \u0026amp; Reports\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Proposal 197\u003cbr\u003e Contract (Letter of Agreement) 203\u003cbr\u003e Business Plan 209\u003cbr\u003e Formal Report 212\u003cbr\u003e Informal Report 220\u003cbr\u003e Feasibility Report 223\u003cbr\u003e Technical Report \u0026amp; Technical Writing 225\u003cbr\u003e Book Proposal 229\u003cbr\u003e Research 237\u003cbr\u003e Questionnaire \u0026amp; Survey 242\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e VI. \u003cbr\u003e Inquiries, Requests \u0026amp; Response Communications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Request \u0026amp; Inquiry 246\u003cbr\u003e Cover Letter 253\u003cbr\u003e Response 257\u003cbr\u003e Acknowledgment \u0026amp; Confirmation 264\u003cbr\u003e Acceptance 269\u003cbr\u003e Refusal 274\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e VII. \u003cbr\u003e Problems, Sensitive Matters \u0026amp; Resolutions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Complaint \u0026amp; Protest 282\u003cbr\u003e Disagreement \u0026amp; Dispute 291\u003cbr\u003e Negotiation 298\u003cbr\u003e Settlement 303\u003cbr\u003e Apology 306\u003cbr\u003e Forgiveness 317\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e VIII. \u003cbr\u003e Orders, Credit \u0026amp; Collections\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Order 326\u003cbr\u003e Credit Inquiry \u0026amp; Providing Credit Information 331\u003cbr\u003e Credit Approval 337\u003cbr\u003e Credit Denial 340\u003cbr\u003e Request for Payment Adjustment 345\u003cbr\u003e Offering an Adjustment 350\u003cbr\u003e Collection Letter 354\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e IX. \u003cbr\u003e Marketing, Public Relations \u0026amp; Sales Communication\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Direct Mail 361\u003cbr\u003e Sales Follow-Up 368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e X. \u003cbr\u003e Media Relations, Publicity \u0026amp; Publication\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pitch Letter 373\u003cbr\u003e Fundraising 376\u003cbr\u003e Media Kit 384\u003cbr\u003e Press Release 385\u003cbr\u003e Questions \u0026amp; Answers (Q\u0026amp;A) \u0026amp; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 391\u003cbr\u003e Biography (Bio) 394\u003cbr\u003e Bibliography 396\u003cbr\u003e Speech 397\u003cbr\u003e Public Service Announcement (PSA) 400\u003cbr\u003e Opinion Editorial (Op-Ed) \u0026amp; Letter to the Editor 402\u003cbr\u003e Newsletter 404\u003cbr\u003e Brochure 406\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e XI. \u003cbr\u003e Electronic Communication\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Email 408\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Appendix 416\u003cbr\u003e Index 420“This is an extraordinary book. A reference so comprehensive, yet so simple. . . . Every person who isn’t living in a cave should have this by their elbow on a daily basis.” \u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—Richard Nelson Bolles, author of \u003ci\u003eWhat Color Is Your Parachute?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e “To express the principles of etiquette—respect, consideration, and honesty—is to apply sincerity and tact as naturally and spontaneously as possible. \u003ci\u003eHow to Write It\u003c\/i\u003e shows exactly how to do just that.” \u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—Peggy Post, author of \u003ci\u003eEmily Post’s Etiquette\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eSandra E. Lamb\u003c\/b\u003e was a technical writer, editor, and ghost writer before launching her career as a writing teacher. She has guided many diverse groups to greater eloquence, from the American National Cattlewomen’s Association to the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Lamb is the author of \u003ci\u003ePersonal Notes\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eWrite the Right Words\u003c\/i\u003e. For more information, visit www.sandralamb.com.\u003cb\u003e3: ANNOUNCEMENT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e An announcement may be good news or bad news, but the form itself is consistent: Get the reader’s attention, then give him or her the single message you want to communicate. Be direct, focused, brief, and timely.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e ETIQUETTE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Give very careful consideration to the reader when the announcement contains emotional or very personal content. Sometimes your announcement may be of a delicate nature, and in that case require the civility of a human moment—a face-to-face delivery. Use great discretion when this is the case.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e DECIDE TO WRITE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Announcements are suitable for many of the events and changes in our lives:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Change of address\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Anniversary: wedding or business\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Birth or adoption\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Personal life event: graduation, wedding, marital separation, divorce, retirement, or death\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Employee change: resignation, firing, promotion, transfer, special achievement, new employees, job opening\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Opening a business, branch office, or store\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Business changes: new business name, price changes, product recall, new programs, products, policies, hours, practices, contracts, organization buyout, merger, bankruptcy, expansion, acquisition, company layoff, downsizing, closing, or record sales\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Seminars, workshops, or conferences\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Open house for home, business, or school\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Bad news of some sort\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e THINK ABOUT CONTENT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Ask yourself\u003ci\u003e who, what, when, where, why,\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003ehow\u003c\/i\u003e to help focus the information you want to communicate and to ensure you make it complete. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   State the information in order of importance.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Be direct, brief, and concise.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Check the prescribed format of different kinds of announcements.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Emphasize the goodwill aspects of your news. If your company is changing working hours, for example, emphasize the greater convenience for employees and customers.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Use the “need-to-know” guideline in making your announcement. Who needs to know your news?\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   When it’s appropriate, emphasize the reasons for your news to promote understanding and goodwill.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e ELIMINATE WRONG MESSAGES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   An announcement should supply complete, basic information. Leave out lengthy explanations or extraneous facts. Even when the announcement is a hybrid—combined with a sales message, for example—the format and style should strengthen the single message.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Don’t let employees hear or read your organizational information from an outside source first.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Don’t put off a bad news announcement. It is usually best that your bad news be received directly from you rather than from another source. If nothing else, announce the basic news and state that full information will follow.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e CONSIDER ANNOUNCEMENT TYPES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   A personal name change is announced by stating that, as of (date) the person formerly known as (name) will be known as (name). No explanation is needed, but written notes to friends and colleagues are desirable.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Graduation announcements are usually formal and printed but certainly may be handwritten. This announcement has evolved because space at graduation ceremonies is now restricted to only a few invitations per graduate. Send only to close family members and friends. This announcement may be sent with an invitation to a graduation party. “No gifts, please” may be written in the lower left-hand corner.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Engagement announcements can be handwritten or printed and should be sent to relatives and friends. Because of the rich tradition of this announcement in our culture, a special section has been devoted to it (see page 26; also see Wedding \u0026amp; Engagement Correspondence, page 82).\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Wedding announcements are often printed in a prescribed format. They may also be personal letters or notes (see Wedding \u0026amp; Engagement Correspondence, page 82).\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Birth or adoption announcements are usually made by both parents to friends and relatives. The announcements may be selected either before the birth, and then the final information phoned in after the birth, or commercial cards with blanks may be purchased and then filled in and sent out. Include the infant’s sex; birth date (and time, if you wish) or age (if adopted); parents’ full names; siblings’ names (if you like); and an expression of happiness. Parents may also send an announcement to newspapers and other publications that print this information. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Example: \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Roger and Brenda Dell of 344 South Parker Road, Littleton, are delighted to announce the birth of a son, Jared, on August 12, 2007, at Littleton Hospital. They have one daughter, Meredith, four. Mrs. Dell is the former Miss Brenda Sales.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e When the couple has been divorced before the birth, the announcement is made by the mother, in the name she now uses. Widowed women may use “Sally and the late Paul Davidson.” A single mother should use her chosen title and name. In all cases, personal announcements are in the best taste. Personal birth and adoption announcements should also be sent to close colleagues and work associates.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Retirement announcements are especially important when the retiree is a doctor, dentist, or other professional. These announcements are usually combined with the announcement of the person taking over the practice or any other changing business information. Printed announcements with a good-news emphasis are important here.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   A death in the family is difficult at best. The immediate family must notify other relatives and friends by telephone and ask that they notify others. If funeral arrangements have been made, this information can be given, eliminating the need for another round of calls. The next step is notifying the attorney of the deceased. Written announcements generally take a number of forms:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e \u0026gt; \u003ci\u003e An announcement may be arranged by the funeral home, or a paid newspaper notice may be placed.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e \u0026gt; \u003ci\u003e An obituary may be written by newspaper staff. Usually the information is verified by a close family member. Information generally included is the complete name of the deceased (including the original family name), date of death, date of birth or age at the time of death, address at the time of death, names of immediate family members and place of residence, hours and location where friends may call on the family, place and time of the funeral, whether the funeral is private, and frequently a request that any contributions be given to a charity (often designated) instead of flowers being sent to the funeral home.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e \u0026gt;  \u003ci\u003eA news article describing the achievements and contributions of the deceased may be written by newspaper staff and\/or a family representative.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e \u0026gt;  \u003ci\u003ePrinted announcements may be sent to colleagues and\/or out-of-town acquaintances.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u0026gt;  \u003ci\u003eHandwritten notes may be sent to out-of-town relatives, friends, and acquaintances.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Legal announcements or announcements with legal implications should be made in conjunction with the proper attorney. Plans to remarry where there are legal agreements in place, adoption of children, and change in payment of debts incurred all come under this category.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Annulments are very private matters and should be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Generally, only immediate family and close friends are told, and then only on a need-to-know basis. They may be told informally and verbally, or in a personal note.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Divorce is also the private business of the two people involved and a printed announcement is in very poor taste. Informal notes may be sent as necessary to those who have a need to know. A statement and no explanation is best.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Good business news is best announced by using a press release. Sending the release to newspapers and other media is a good way to get the word out. Be sure to include a contact person and complete contact information: telephone and fax numbers and an email address (see “Press Release,” page 385).\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Business announcements (opening a branch, moving to a new location, introducing a new product, and the like) offer the opportunity to stage an open house. Printed announcements or invitations, a newspaper announcement, and perhaps announcements by other media are the best ways to get the word out.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Bad business news—if the news is of major public concern—may best be handled by calling a press conference to make a statement. Letting people hear directly from you first gives the organization points for being forthright, open, and honest. This approach also preempts cover-up rumors and\/or an unfavorable spin, which can follow when a story originates from the media.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Board of directors’ meeting announcements should follow corporate bylaws, state requirements, and federal laws. Include the date, time, place, reason for the meeting, and who is invited. A waiver of notice or proxy card is enclosed with a postage-paid, addressed return envelope.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   A change of address, status, or mode of doing business should be sent, with only the pertinent information, to the businesses or people who need to know. If this change has legal ramifications, check the particular requirements for making such an announcement or notification.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   A business change should put the information in its best light. State the change; why it’s being made; the benefits for employees, customers, clients, and others affected by the change; and any expressions of appreciation to those involved.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e SELECT A FORMAT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Formal personal announcements for an engagement (see page 26; also see Wedding \u0026amp; Engagement Correspondence, page 82), open house, new business, and the like are often printed and mailed directly to the recipients.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Birth or adoption announcements may be hand-designed, printed, or the blanks of commercially available cards filled in and sent to friends and relatives.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Inter-office announcements are usually best done in memo format, and may be emailed.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Changes of address, sales, and new business openings are often emailed, or printed on postcards and mailed.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e •   Newspaper announcements are best completed after contacting the correct editor and learning exactly how he or she wants the announcement submitted. Most will be by email.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e SELECT STRONG WORDS\u003cbr\u003e  \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e announce\u003cbr\u003e appointed\u003cbr\u003e call\u003cbr\u003e celebrate\u003cbr\u003e change\u003cbr\u003e delighted\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e happy\u003cbr\u003e honor\u003cbr\u003e immediate\u003cbr\u003e inform\u003cbr\u003e introduce\u003cbr\u003e notice\u003cbr\u003e open\u003cbr\u003e pleased\u003cbr\u003e promoted\u003cbr\u003e report\u003cbr\u003e start\u003cbr\u003e welcome\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e CONSTRUCT EFFECTIVE PHRASES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e change in hours\u003cbr\u003e effective immediately\u003cbr\u003e give notice that\u003cbr\u003e located at a new address\u003cbr\u003e open for business\u003cbr\u003e please join us\u003cbr\u003e pleased to announce\u003cbr\u003e to inform you\u003cbr\u003e will open soon\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e WRITE STRONG SENTENCES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Start with a key verb. Then construct information in concise order of importance:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e We welcome Brian Lee Turner, born August 20, 2011, at 3:36 p.m., weighing seven pounds and six ounces, measuring twenty-two inches, to the family of James and Janice Turner.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Greg and Alice Albright are proud to announce the adoption of a baby boy, Alexander Lee, age seven months, on September 15, 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Our new sales policy will allow you to extend the billing period fifteen additional days for new orders.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e We are pleased to announce that Mr. George F. Frommer has accepted the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors at Chances effective June 1, 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e We must increase the price of the Model A-455 Diluter from $566 to $625 effective July 1, 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Robert R. O’Malley of Pittsburgh, formerly of Denver, died of leukemia September 12, 2011.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e John H. Hadley, formerly of Danbury, a physician and program director at St. Mary’s Hospital, died August 30, 2011, in St. Louis.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e The “Race for the Cure” breast cancer benefit 5K run will take place at Washington Park’s Pavilion on September 29, at 8:00 a.m.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e BUILD EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Focus on an action verb and the essential facts to build strong and effective paragraphs. For example:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e We rejoice at the birth of our beautiful new daughter, Kathleen Kate McNeilly, born at 2:34 a.m., Thursday, May 10, 2006, measuring twenty-one inches and weighing eight pounds, four ounces. Her parents, Ben and Mary McNeilly, and sister, Jennifer, two, welcome her into their hearts and home.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Baby Boom will open its doors in the Tamarac Square Center (next to Lloyd’s Jewelry, main floor) Friday, July 15. Bring in this card for your free T-shirt. Store hours will be 10:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Open noon till 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sign up to win our $500 shopping spree!\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Cooper’s sales grew 33 percent this quarter over last quarter. The growth, said CEO Bradley Sandler, was due to the introduction of the new Model Z-560, which sold over 3,000 units.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Quick Lube offers you a full oil change—including filters—for just $24.95 at our new full-service garage on Evans and Orchard. We’ll do it in just 20 minutes, while you wait. Bring in this card to receive your free sun visor.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Davis and Company Manufacturing announces the recall of their Model A-7655 Air Conditioner due to defective gaskets found in some units. Leaks from these units may cause nausea due to gases that are not properly sealed in the compressor. Please return all Model A-7655 Air Conditioner units to the place of purchase for a replacement.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Barker, Taylor, and McKenzie are pleased to announce that Harold P. Garon has joined the law firm as a partner. Mr. Garon, who has spent the past five years at Yale and Gates, will head the firm’s corporate practice.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Jake Walker Pierce, formerly of Denver, a physician and program director at St. Mary’s Hospital, died August 23 in St. Louis. He was 35.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e The opening of the Burn Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital will take place Thursday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. The dedication ceremony will include a speech by the governor and music by the Utah Children’s Choir.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Sandra F. Frank, formerly of Schenley Advertising, has joined Marks, Inc. as creative vice president. She will handle all the conceptional aspects of the new Brewer campaign.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Dr. Richard Lewin announces his retirement, effective April 30. His practice will be taken over by his associate, Dr. Stanley Dever.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e EDIT, EDIT, EDIT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Pay attention to precise details to insure that your reader gets the message you want to send.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Over the past several decades, many factors have influenced the traditional practices of announcing an engagement to be married: the changed role of women in our society; the high rate of divorce and remarriage; same-sex relationships; and the dramatic changes in the ages, career status, mobility, and financial resources of those who are becoming engaged. Although we still cling to some of the traditional, time-honored elements of announcing a couple’s engagement, many of the old items of protocol are falling away in favor of announcements that more accurately reflect our changed roles. However, the most important element in the engagement announcement should remain the sharing of the joyous news.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e To make the announcement public, it may be printed in newspapers and other publications. Contact the social editor and ask for the desired format. A black-and-white glossy photograph of the engaged couple or just the future bride may appear with the announcement.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Here are some guidelines that are still generally accepted. If a young woman has not been married, her parents usually make the announcement:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Jack and Julie Bremmer of Cottonwood Manor, Texas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Anne Bremmer, to Alex James Smerthington, son of John Z. and Lucy Smerthington of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A June wedding is planned.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Ms. Bremmer graduated from Texas A and M and is a communications consultant for Beams and Motes Advertising Agency. Mr. Smerthington graduated from Texas A and M. He is associated with Mickey Advertising Agency in New York City.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If one of the future bride’s parents is deceased, the announcement is made by the other:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Mrs. Barbara Gates announces the engagement of her daughter, Ms. Sandra E. Gates, to Dr. David R. Cole. . . . Ms. Gates is also the daughter of the late Robert Gates.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If a parent of the future groom is deceased:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e . . . son of Mrs. Abigail R. Wright and the late Mr. George B. Wright.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e When the engaged woman is divorced or widowed, her parents may make the announcement, using her current name.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e A mature woman, single, divorced, or widowed, may make her own announcement:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e The engagement of Miss [Ms. or Mrs.] Deana Turner to Mr. Jacob Die has been announced . . .\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e When the future bride’s parents are divorced, the announcement is usually made by the mother:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Mrs. Susan Raines announces . . . Ms. Raines is also the daughter of Mr. Julius B. Raines of Boston, Massachusetts.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e When the divorced parents are cordial, they may announce the engagement together:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Mr. John Kelly of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Mrs. Margaret B. Waters of Indianapolis, Indiana, announce . . .\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If a remarried mother makes the announcement, it may read:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Mr. Richard R. and Glenda F. Gaines announce the engagement of Mrs. Gaines’s daughter, Ellen Sue Bates. . . . Ms. Bates is also the daughter of Mr. Robert G. Bates of Riverside, New York.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If the engaged woman is adopted, the family that raised her from infancy has no reason to mention this fact. If she joined the family later and has retained her original surname, the announcement should read:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Mr. Roy and Mrs. Rose Weinstein announce the engagement of their adopted daughter, Ms. Carla Reid, daughter of the late Mr. Carl and Mrs. Trudy Reid.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If the engaged woman is an orphan, the nearest relative, godparent, or dearest friend may make the announcement as may the woman herself:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e The engagement of Daisey Marlys Gibson (daughter of the late Mr. Darrel and Mrs. Alta Gibson) is announced . . . \u003cbr\u003e  \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The parents of the engaged man may make the announcement when the woman is from another country, has no living relatives, or for some other reason has no contact with her family. The man’s parents should not make it in their own names, but in the woman’s parents’ names:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e The engagement of Miss Sutra Batra of Bombay, India, to Dr. Walker Dennis Tabor, son of Dr. Walter and Gloria Tabor of Kentilworth, Illinois, is announced.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e The couple may elect to announce their own engagement, either alone or in concert with their parents:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e Louise Albright and Steven Barr join with their parents, Mark and Helen Albright, and Albert and Joan Barr, in announcing the couple’s engagement.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e If an engagement is canceled, the same persons who received an announcement should also be notified, simply, of this change.","brand":"Ten Speed Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46303506006245,"sku":"NP9781607740322","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781607740322.jpg?v=1767729492","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/how-to-write-it-third-edition-isbn-9781607740322","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}