Letter Format

Although no formal graphic standards have existed for printing letters on CU letterhead, we recommend adopting the style illustrated in the following example.

LETTERHEAD HERE

July 14, 2002

Joe Doe
1234 Main Street
Hometown, CO 80000

Dear Mr. Doe:

When typing formal letters on CU letterhead, leave at least one inch of white space below the letterhead and use one-inch margins on the left, right, and bottom sides. Align all type flush left with no paragraph indentations. Double space between paragraphs.

As for other spacing, it's traditional to triple space between the date and the address block, double space between the address block and the salutation, double space after the salutation, and leave four lines for the signature. However, it's fine to only double space after the date, especially if doing so will save the letter from running on to a second page.

This block style is the current business letter writing style standard and has been approved by efficiency experts because it saves keystrokes. To readers, this flush left style looks more contemporary than the indented paragraph style. Finally, adopting this style will help convey a consistent image for all CU correspondence.

Sincerely,

Ann Wright
Style Guide Editor