Congratulate Someone on Publishing a Book or Article • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
In many professions, publishing books and articles is an important means of advancing in one's career. The endeavor is usually a time-consuming, difficult task. You can enhance the sincerity of the letter by actually reading the publication, so you can show firsthand knowledge of it. If you can't do that, at least express some interest in looking at it.
How to write this congratulation letter:
- Start with a direct statement of congratulations.
- Comment on why you think the article or book is significant or important.
- Acknowledge the effort, dedication, energy, sacrifice, or skill necessary for the achievement.
- Express good wishes for the future.
Example Letter #1
I applaud the publication of your wonderful book on rearing children. It's a good reminder to look on the humorous side of our daily challenges.
I have shared some of your stories with my own children and we have all found delight in them. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have worked so hard to refine. I trust your book will soon be on the best seller list.
Example Letter #2
I read your latest article entitled "Creative Writing at Three: Early Childhood Education in the Home" in The Doe Journal and was so impressed that I wanted to thank you personally for your thought-provoking, yet practical, insights. I hadn't considered that by asking our children to tell us stories we were helping them grasp basic literary concepts such as plot, setting, and character.
I have read articles on similar subjects, but none were as clear or as relevant as yours.
I look forward to reading your next book. Best wishes in your work to improve early childhood education.
Example Letter #3
Congratulations on the upcoming publication of your book of stories. The few that you let me read were so good it's a wonder they weren't snatched up sooner. Your voice is bright and new in a way that is not self-conscious. After all the work you put in on this volume, it looks like you will finally be recognized. If there is any justice, the success of your first book will keep you going well beyond the second, and third...
Example Letter #4
Congratulations on getting your article published! Precious few have had the courage to write on the challenges of environmental compliance for small businesses. You have written an excellent article that should raise lots of eyebrows. Of course much of your subject was your own hard-won experience in the matter. Nevertheless, you must have done a wheelbarrow-full of research. I admire you. I guess this means we will be seeing more of you in the print media from now on. I say more power to you!
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Start with a direct statement of congratulations.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- Congratulations on the recent publication of your book.
- I saw your article about seismic retrofitting in last month's issue of Engineering News, and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I didn't know you were researching that subject, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw your name on that excellent piece.
- Congratulations on your recent publication. You are a great example to the rest of the faculty.
- I saw your article last week, and I thought it was right on the mark.
- Congratulations! I see you finally finished the book you were working on and now have had it published. I am envious.
- I read a copy of your article in the BCD Newsletter, and I was thoroughly impressed.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- are to be commended for
- congratulations on
- copy of your new book
- delighted to receive
- have set a new standard
- how much I enjoyed
- in such a prestigious
- in last month's issue of
- of your article in
- of that excellent piece
- on the publication of
- read with interest
- right on the mark
- saw your article
- the article you published
- the book that you
- the recent publication of
- want you to know
- was thoroughly impressed
- was most impressed by
- was with pleasure that I
- your writing ability
- your article was
- your recent publication
2 Comment on why you think the article or book is significant or important.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- You did an excellent job of explaining a difficult concept clearly and accurately.
- I appreciated the thoroughness of your research.
- I particularly enjoyed your innovative approach to the problem.
- Your publication reflects well on the company and brings us some much deserved recognition.
- I have been waiting a long time for someone to write an article on this topic, so I was very pleased to learn that someone was you.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- an excellent explanation of
- appreciated the thoroughness with which
- certainly have a gift for
- clearly and accurately
- explained some difficult concepts
- found it highly entertaining
- has added prestige to
- has been a long time since
- interesting insights to
- is rare and admirable
- much deserved recognition
- one of the world's experts
- set a new standard
- the clarity with which you
- the layout and photographs were
- was very informative
- was so impressed with
- you did an excellent job of
- your point about
- your writing ability
- your research on this topic
- your ideas on this topic
3 Acknowledge the effort, dedication, energy, sacrifice, or skill necessary for the achievement.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- I have nothing but admiration and respect for anyone who can put pen to paper and succeed.
- Having published a few articles myself, I know from my own experience how difficult it is.
- I have kept pace with your work in the progress reports, so I know how much has gone into this publication. I take my hat off to you.
- I commend you for having the discipline and energy necessary to frame and finish your writing project.
- I have always admired your work, and I am very happy that you were able to complete your project in spite of all the other demands on your time.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- able to complete your project
- are to be commended for
- brought it to completion
- certainly have a flair for
- commend you for
- despite all the other demands on
- for the discipline and energy
- had the discipline to see it through
- have kept pace with
- have nothing but admiration for
- kept going in spite of
- know how much time it takes
- know how difficult it is to
- know from my own experience
- respect anyone who can
- so well prepared for
- take my hat off to you
- that have gone into this publication
- your sound approach to
- your other demanding duties
- your ability to
4 Express good wishes for the future.
Sample Sentences for Step 4
- I look forward to your next article. Please share it with me when it comes out.
- Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you with future articles of interest to our company.
- Keep up the good work.
- Best wishes in your future endeavors.
- I hope to see more of your work in the future.
Sample Phrases for Step 4
- best wishes for
- certain that you will
- in the next few years
- in your future endeavors
- keep writing
- keep up the good work
- look forward to
- may be able to collaborate
- receive the recognition you deserve
- to seeing the responses to
- to follow up on
- to learning more about
- will pay rich dividends
- will watch your progress
- with future articles
- with great interest
- would like to discuss
- your future publications
- your next article
