Letters to the editor are one of the most read sections of newspapers. They are a great opportunity to get your message across. Most publications have guidelines for letters to the editor. Find out what they are and stay within them to maximize your chance of being published. Usually these guidelines will set a number of words and require you to provide your name address and phone number so that newspaper can verify the letter prior to publication. Also remember that ALL politicians read the letters page and give letters more credence than ordinary citizens. If you are lobbying for something a large number of letters on the one issue can be a useful tool to influence a politician.
Timing is very important with letters to the editor. If your letter supports, refutes or corrects recently published pieces in the newspaper it has more chance of being published. If your letter coincides with national, regional or local events such as festivals, recognition days or weeks or anniversaries of big news events it also increases the prospects for publication.
Make sure that your letter makes proper reference to the article it refers to. This reference should include the article headline and the date of publication and be near the beginning of the letter.
Start the letter with your main point. Use the middle of the letter to support your contention ( statistics , quotes from other sources etc) and then conclude the letter with a statement that calls for action and returns to your main message.
Be concise. Most letters published are quite short, about 100 words. Does it further your message on the issue?. It is often a mistake to respond to other letters as you risk allowing them to set the agenda.
Get your facts straight. You need to be able to provide their sources if the newspaper requires it. Also having incorrect claims in your letter is a surefire way to get slam dunked in the next issue.
You may be outraged by the topic but avoid words showing extreme emotion. It may make your letter less comprehensible and lose your credibility.
You can be positive too. Write when there is something good that supports your view or message as well as when you are in disagreement.
Write more than one letter. Many newspapers will only publish a letter if it was sent exclusively to them . Keep the same core content but approach the issue from a number of angles..
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