Obituary and Memorial Tribute Submission Letter

What a good one includes

• Clearly state your name, contact information, and your relationship to the deceased so the publisher knows who is authorized to make the request.
• Include the full legal name of your loved one, along with their dates of birth and passing, to prevent any identity confusion in the publication database.
• Specify the exact publication dates and the specific sections of the newspaper or website where you want the tribute to appear.
• Provide a numbered list of all attached files, noting the exact file names of the written text and any high-resolution photos included.
• Outline clear instructions regarding photo cropping, captioning, or color preferences to ensure the image prints beautifully.
• Note the preferred billing method or request a pre-publication proof and price quote before the final printing is authorized.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to specify the desired publication dates, which can lead to the obituary running after the memorial service has already taken place.
• Failing to provide high-resolution images or clear cropping instructions, resulting in a blurry, pixelated, or poorly framed photograph in print.
• Omitting a request for a final proof sheet, leaving you without a chance to catch spelling errors or formatting glitches before it goes to press.
• Neglecting to confirm the publication's word limit and deadlines, which can result in unexpected editing cuts or delayed releases.

Frequently asked questions