”I am writing to ask if you could help me with…” ”I would appreciate if you could give me some advice about…” ”I am writing to ask for your advice. ” ”I wonder if you could help me with a problem. ”

This can help the advice giver know that you really need their help and that you’re not being lazy. It can also save time and effort because they won’t suggest something you’ve already tried. For example, if you’d like advice on how to deal with bullying at school, you could say, “There’s a big problem with bullies at my school. How can I deal with them? How can I help stand up for someone who’s being bullied? What can I do to make bullying happen less often?”

Try to keep your letter between 300 and 400 words. This length will give you enough words to introduce yourself and your questions without over doing it.

Remember: this person does not have to help you, and if they take time to read your letter, you owe them a thank you. For example, you could say, “Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I understand that you’re a busy person, and any advice you offer would be greatly appreciated. If it’s helpful, I’d be more than happy to discuss my questions over the phone or coffee. My contact details can be found at the end of this letter. ”

When writing to someone you don’t know, you should say: “Dear Mr. /Ms. [the last name of the person your are writing to]. ” In a less formal letter, you could say, “Dear [the first name of the person]. ” Regardless of whom you’re writing to, always begin with “Dear. ”

If you’re handwriting the letter, print your name carefully a few lines below the valediction, then sign your name in between these spaces. If you’re typing the letter, enter a few spaces between the valediction and your name, then print the letter out. Sign it by hand before sending it out.

If you’re hoping for a written response through the mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter. This way, the advice giver will only have to write their response and place it in the envelope provided before sending it back to you.

If you want to work as a nonfiction writer, write the names of accomplished writers, agents, or publishers that you could write to. Include the names of people you know personally and the names of people you don’t know as well, such as past teachers, former bosses or colleagues, well-known people from the area in which you are seeking advice, or even advice columnists. Don’t forget family members. People, such as your grandparents, have had many experiences in life. This makes them well-qualified to give advice. If you’re having trouble thinking of someone, go through your family members. You can write to famous people, but your chances of getting a response are small. If you get a response, it might be written by an intern or PR employee. The response may be generic and not address your needs specifically.

For example, an advice giver may be able to connect you with specific resources or people, teach you how to do something, or provide a written response. Some people may have more connections and ways of getting you started on something than others. If you just want advice and nothing else, write to someone you know personally or to an advice column.

For example, if you’re looking for relationship advice, see if the person you want to write to has had education or experience working with couples before. Research can save you from wasting time. For example, different columnists often specialize in certain topics. Some focus on relationship advice while others might focus on practical life advice.

For example, if you know the person you could say, “I know it’s not your job to answer requests for advice; however, I believe you’re the best person to help me. I’d be happy to offer you a home cooked meal in return for your time. ” If you don’t know the person, you might offer to compensate them for their time, if you can afford to do so.