| Writing Letters to the Editor
The letter to the editor is one of the best tools for the grassroots activist to use in order to get his or her message out to the public. They are easy to write and every community has at least one newspaper in which you can submit your letters. Sending letters to the editor can help you achieve your goals because they:
• Reach a very large audience.
• Can be used to rebut information not accurately addressed in a news article or editorial.
• Create an impression of widespread support or opposition to an issue.
• Are widely read by community leaders and opinion-makers to gauge public sentiment about current issues in the news.
• Can be used to support positive columns and editorials
The letters to the editor section of the newspaper is one of the most popular features in many newspapers. In fact, most newspapers receive many more letters than they can print. Even though they are not published, all letters are read by the editors, and may influence them in determining which topics should receive further attention or follow-up articles.
Don't hesitate to send letters to weekly, on-line, or community newspapers. By submitting your letter to a newspaper with a smaller circulation, it is often easier to get your letter published.
The following techniques should help you when writing your letter to the editor:
Be timely - Capitalize on recent news and events, within 24 hrs of a story if possible.
Write to the Publication in which you Read of the Issue - If you read an article in newspaper X, write to newspaper X. Chances are the newspaper Y will not be interested in printing your opinion on an item, which they did not carry.
Type or Write Clearly - Make them legible. Your letter doesn't have to be professionally written or fancy, but you should use a typewriter or computer/word processor if your handwriting is hard to read or messy. Hand sign your letter, whenever possible.
Addressing Your Letter Correctly - If you are mailing or delivering your letter, you should address your letter "To the Editor" or "Dear Editor." If you are sending your letter via email or fax, type "Letters to the Editor" in the topic or subject heading.
Keep Your Letter Short and on One Subject - Many newspapers will edit your letter before publishing it; in order to ensure a minimum amount of editing, always try to keep your letter smaller than 150 words in length. Keeping your letter brief will help assure that the newspaper does not edit out your important points. Make sure to follow the paper's letter submission guidelines, which are usually found on the editorial page of the paper.
Be Specific - If you are responding to a previous letter or article, include the title, author, and date (and possibly page number). If you are mentioning a specific bill or law, include the appropriate number or title.
Include Your Daytime Contact Information - Most newspapers will not print a letter until they verify its authenticity. Therefore, they require that your letters be signed, addressed, and daytime phone number be included for verification.
Follow-up - If the newspaper doesn’t call you, call the newspaper. Ask to speak to the person in charge of letters to the editor. Ask if they plan on printing your letter, and if not, see if they have any feedback for you.
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