You Can
Help: 10 Things
You Can Do: Sample Letter to Senator or Congressman
How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Adapted from Salzman's "Making the News"
and SPIN Project Materials
What is a Letter to the Editor?
Letters to the editor (LTE's) most often discuss a recent
event/issue covered by a publication, radio station, or TV
program. They are your chance to "sound-off" to
your community about issues in the news. They are widely read-so
make them an important part of your media strategy.
Elements/Hints
- It is much easier to publish a letter to the editor than
it is to place an op-ed.
- Your letter has the best chance of being published if
it is a reaction to a story in the paper.
- Respond as quickly as you can.
- Read the letters page -- you will learn how to develop
an effective letter-writing style, and you will see if someone
has already responded with your idea.
- Keep it short and concise: 150-200 words. The paper will
take the liberty to shorten your letter to suit its format;
the more it has to cut, the less control you have of what
gets printed.
- Lead with your most important information.
- Focus on one main point and make a compelling case.
- Write in short paragraphs, with no more than three sentences
per paragraph.
- Don't write too often. Once every three months is about
as often as you should write.
- Avoid personal attacks.
- Put your full name, address and phone number at the top
of the page and sign the letter at the bottom. You must
include a phone number for verification purposes.
- Submit LTE's to the "Letters Editor."
- Follow up to see if the letter was received
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