142 / PART TWO: ENGLISH IN ACTION This could be a personal letter to someone you know well or it could be that someone you know only slightly has been bereaved. (See Figure 18.) Writing a letter of sympathy Requesting information Sending letters to newspapers and magazines Writing letters of complaint These are the most difficult letters to write. You must make sure you get your facts right. It is a good idea not to write the letter when you are angry. You may say things you will regret later. You should draft and redraft your letter until Don’t make your letter too long as editors have little space and a short letter is more likely to be published. (See Figure 20.) These should be addressed to the editor. Unless it is a very small publication or a local one, you can find out the name of the editor by looking in the latest edition of The Writers’ & Artists’ Year Book in your local library. If you wish to write to your local paper, phone to find out the name of the editor. Whether you are asking for information about a place, a person or transport times, keep to the point. Don’t include unnecessary details. List your requirements and do remem- ber to enclose an SAE. (See Figure 19.) ◆ Be sympathetic but not sentimental. ◆ Don’t patronise. ◆ Don’t overdo flattery of the deceased.