When writing a handwritten thank you note for a recipe book, the formatting of the book title is an important detail that may vary slightly based on your preference and the context. Traditional rules of book title formatting suggest underlining or italicizing the title, but this can be adjusted based on your handwriting and the available tools. The most important aspect of your thank you note is to convey your gratitude sincerely, and this can be achieved by simply writing the title clearly and legibly. If you choose to underline the title for emphasis, that is acceptable and often seen as a personal touch.

Book Title Formatting in Handwritten Notes

In handwritten notes, you have the option to underline the title of the book without using fancy or special formatting tools. Underlining is a common practice when handwriting because italicized handwriting is not a viable option. Alternatively, you can write the title in a clear and legible manner. The choice is yours, but the key is to ensure your note is easily readable and conveys your sincere gratitude.

For those using devices capable of italics, the American English rule of thumb is to italicize the book title if possible. If not, underlining is the next best option. However, in the absence of both, it is acceptable to use quotation marks to indicate the book title, though this is less commonly seen in formal contexts. If you decide to use quotation marks, make sure the sentence reads clearly to avoid any misunderstandings. For example, including 'book' before the title can help make the context clear: 'Thank you for the book Canning and Preserving.'

Contextual Considerations

When writing your thank you note, keep in mind the context in which you are communicating. If you are writing a casual note, there is no need to overemphasize the book title through underlining or italics. Instead, focus on conveying your genuine appreciation. If you wish to include the title clearly in your note, you can do so in a way that is easy to read and understand. For instance, you can write 'Thank you for the book Canning and Preserving that you sent me for my birthday.' This way, the recipient can easily identify the book if they are keeping notes for future reference.

Remember, the goal is to make your gratitude known while ensuring the note is well-organized and easy to comprehend. By focusing on clear and legible writing, you can create a heartfelt and effective thank you note that appreciates the recipient’s gift and effort.