Bernard Said:

what is the right etiquette while writing this letter?

We Answered:

According to proper etiquette...since they put the eq...put
Dear M. Bradshaw

Peace, Love & Happiness

Dean Said:

Letter writing etiquette?

We Answered:

Dear Sir John is fine, it isn't too personal and you have correctly included his title.
If you know the person's name you can use the word sincerely - so in this case Yours sincerely would be fine.
If you don't know the person's name and had to address the letter to Dear Sir, then you would use the term Yours faithfully.

Elsie Said:

What is the traditional/proper etiquette of letter writing?

We Answered:

You first date in the upper right hand corner, avoiding abbreviating.

If you wish to be formal, your greeting is:

Dear Sir/Madame/Mr.-Mrs.-Dr. First-Name Last Name,

If you don't know, you simply address it:

To whom is may concern:

Notice the comma at the end of the first salutation and the colon at the end of the second. These are correct.

The body of your letter needs to be in proper paragraph structure, indented at the beginning of each. Avoid abbreviating in the body.

Your closing it toward the right hand side at the bottom, usually:

Sincerely,
Your name

You can sign your name is your handwriting is neat, or you can type your name, and sign below it.

The most formal of letters are entirely hand-written on good paper stock rather than regular printer paper or anything lined. I have a large stash of various stationery for this. I suggest you invest in a box or two of nice stationery with matching envelopes for this purpose. This stationery is also wonderful to use for thank-you letters.

Jack Said:

Letter-writing etiquette....?

We Answered:

I don't see the point in writing the letter if you're not willing to open the lines of communication.

Alex Said:

Etiquette for writing a letter to the pope?

We Answered:

First, if you use that opening Papa might be better if it is "Pa Pa" or "Pop Pop."

Seriously though, I recall from my old religion days at Catholic High School, that "Your Eminence" would be proper.

eminence
noun

1. Honour, distinction or prestige.

Thesaurus: importance, greatness, standing, prestige, preeminence, distinction, illustriousness, esteem, rank, celebrity, fame.
2. An area of high ground.

Thesaurus: hill, rise, peak, ridge, summit, elevation, height, knoll, highland, projection.
Derivative: Your Eminence
noun

A title of honour used in speaking to or about a cardinal.
Etymology: 17c: from Latin eminere to stand out.