The title for a letter is the brief line at the top that tells the reader what the letter is about. A good title is specific, concise, and sets the right tone for the content that follows.
Why a Letter Title Matters
A title is the first thing a reader sees after the salutation. It acts as a signpost, giving the reader a clear idea of the letter’s purpose before they read the body. This is especially important for formal or business letters, where a title helps the recipient prioritize and file the correspondence. In personal letters, a title can add a warm or playful touch, but it is not always necessary. The title also helps the writer stay on topic, providing a constant reminder of the letter’s main point.
Where Does the Title Go?
In a formal letter, the title (often called a subject line) is placed one line below the salutation and one line above the body. It is usually bolded or underlined, and it may be preceded by the word “Re:” (meaning “regarding”). For example:
- Re: Proposal for Q3 Marketing Budget
- Re: Application for Senior Accountant Position
- Re: Notice of Rent Increase
In an email, the title is essentially the subject line. In a personal letter, you might place a title after the date and before the salutation, or you can skip it entirely. The key is to make it clear and purposeful.
How to Write a Good Title
Follow these steps to craft an effective title for your letter:
- Identify the core purpose. Ask yourself: What is the single most important thing the reader should know? For example, “Request for Time Off” or “Complaint About Defective Product.”
- Be specific. Instead of “Meeting,” write “Meeting Rescheduled to Friday at 10 AM.” Specificity helps the reader know exactly what to expect.
- Keep it short. Aim for 5–10 words. A title that is too long loses impact and may be cut off in an email preview.
- Use keywords. Think about what the reader would search for later. If they are looking for “invoice,” put that word in the title.
- Match the tone. For formal letters, use formal language (“Request for Extension”). For informal letters, you can be casual (“Catching Up After the Holidays”).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-intentioned title can miss the mark. Here are frequent pitfalls:
- Being too vague: “Update” or “Info” tells the reader nothing. Always add a descriptor.
- Being too long: A title that runs over two lines defeats its purpose. Trim it to the essentials.
- Using all caps: THIS LOOKS LIKE SHOUTING AND IS HARD TO READ. Use standard capitalization.
- Including unnecessary words: “Regarding the matter of the proposed meeting” can be shortened to “Proposed Meeting.”
- Forgetting the reader: The title should be useful to the reader, not just to you. Think about what they need to know.
Examples of Effective Titles
Here are some examples for different types of letters:
- Business letter: “Re: Invoice #2345 – Past Due”
- Cover letter: “Application for Marketing Manager Position”
- Letter of recommendation: “Recommendation for Jane Doe”
- Personal letter: “Thank You for the Graduation Gift”
- Resignation letter: “Resignation – Effective March 15”
Template for a Letter Title
Formal Letter Title Template:
Re: [Purpose of the letter] – [Specific detail, if needed]
Example: Re: Request for Remote Work – Two Days per Week
Personal Letter Title Template:
[Short, clear phrase that captures the essence]
Example: Thinking of You After the Move
Blank Template:
Re: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a title for every letter?
No. Titles are most useful in formal or business letters where the recipient may receive many letters daily. In personal letters, a title is optional and often omitted for a more natural feel. If you are writing a short email to a friend, a subject line is usually enough.
Should I use “Re:” or “Subject:”?
Both are acceptable. “Re:” is traditional and more common in printed letters. “Subject:” is more common in emails. Choose one and be consistent. In a formal letter, “Re:” is often preferred.
Can I use a question as a title?
Yes, a question can be effective if it directly addresses the reader’s concern. For example, “Can We Reschedule Our Meeting?” is clear and actionable. However, avoid questions that are too broad or that might sound confrontational.
What if I can’t think of a good title?
Start with the main verb and object. For instance, “Requesting a Refund” or “Confirming Our Appointment.” If you’re stuck, write the body first, then read it and ask yourself what the one-sentence summary is. That summary is often your title.
Does the title go before or after the salutation?
In a formal letter, the title goes after the salutation (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith:”) and before the body. In an email, the subject line is the title and appears before the salutation. In a personal letter, you can place it after the date and before the salutation, but it’s not required.