Letter-To-The-Editor Tips

Letter-to-the-Editor Tips Get a Letter Published in Your Local Paper

Letters to the editor are a simple, effective way to communicate your message to thousands of citizens, as well as key decision makers. Follow these simple steps and you can make a huge impact on the campaign.

Writing tips 1. Be timely. As a general rule, it’s best to reference a recent article or letter. It also helps if you can use a local example to help make your point. 2. Open your letter with a strong statement. The statement might point out an error or misrepresentation in an article, disagree with an editorial position, or add to the discussion by pointing out something readers need to know. 3. Avoid personal attacks. 4. Be personal. The reader should know why and how the issue affects you, your family and your community. Try to use example from your personal experiences. 5. Be accurate. Support your letter with facts, statistics, citations or other evidence. 6. Keep it simple. You should choose one issue or argument and stick to it. 7. Keep it short. Most papers have very limited space available, so short letters are more likely to be printed. It will also ensure that your most important point isn’t cut to save room. Try to keep it under 200 words. 8. Be positive where possible. Think about solutions to the problem you care about and include those in your letter.

Additional tips to get your letter printed 9. Follow the rules. Most papers have guidelines to follow when submitting your letter. Follow those guidelines closely or your letter may be tossed before it is read.

Sample Letter

Dear Editor,

I am writing to urge you to throw the full support of the Seattle Times behind the new Clean Air/Clean Fuels package before the Washington State Legislature this year. Your recent article “2007 could be the world’s hottest year on record”, demonstrates the dramatic effects that are coming our way if we do not take action to fight global warming. As a parent, I am committed to leave my children with solutions to this problem we’ve created. The Clean Air/Clean Fuels package delivers practical solutions to global warming. In addition, this legislation will protect our children now by providing grants to schools for clean diesel school buses that will reduce our kids’ exposure to toxic air pollution. For my children and all our children, we must act now. Support Clean Air/Clean Fuels!