NEW YORK — Some of the country’s top writers are protesting Donald Trump’s way with words.

Stephen King, Junot Diaz and Jennifer Egan are among more than 450 authors who added their names this week to an online letter that condemns the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for his “appeals to the basest and most violent elements in society.”

The petition “unequivocally” opposes Trump’s election. Others supporting it include Anita Shreve, Amy Tan, Cheryl Strayed, Michael Chabon, “Lemony Snicket” author Daniel Handler and Maine writers Richard Russo, Lily King and Kate Christensen.

The letter does not include an endorsement of either of the two Democratic candidates, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.