No matter what your position or station in life, it's likely that you start your day with a morning newspaper. It's also likely that the coverage of certain topics may ignite your empathy, stir your anger or even move you to tears. If it does, you should take action. It should inspire you to dash off a letter to the editor. Others can be educated and enlightened by your words when you choose to do so. Here are ways to increase your chances of getting your comments into print.
Instructions
1. Assess your motivations for writing a letter. Because of the high volume of letters that newspapers receive, not every submission will be accepted and published. The decision to share reader feedback is predicated on the quality of the writing, the timeliness, the relevance to the source article (including the correction of content errors), and an ethical standard that prohibits profanity, slander, and commentary that could be construed as self-promotion. Make sure that your reasons for writing are clear, and keep those reasons in mind as you compose your letter.
2. Study the submission guidelines carefully. These are located on the editorial page of the newspaper, and the guidelines will specify where the letter should be sent. A word limit may be listed as well. It's imperative you treat the editor with respect. Adhere to whatever rules have been set forth if you want to see your words in print.
3. Reference the general topic or specific news article (plus date) in your email subject line. The editor will appreciate easy reference. Refrain from labeling your letter as "Expedite", "Urgent" or "Rush". (You'd be surprised how many people do this in the mistaken belief it will get them faster attention.)
4. Declare your position or opinion in the first sentence of your letter. This is important as it lets the editor know a lot about your letter from the first sentence, and it can be a great hook to gain the interest of the editor.
5. Support your opening statement with facts that are accurate to the best of your knowledge. A writer can often spend all of his words reiterating his emotions. It is a better approach to offer new information that could potentially educate, influence or inspire your fellow readers.
6. Recap your opinion, observation or concern in your final sentence. This ties everything neatly together from start to finish.
7. Share your letter with several friends before you hit the send button. Extra pairs of eyes will help catch mistakes that you may have missed. Double-check your word count, too!
8. Include your complete contact information. This means that you should include your name, street address, phone number, and email so that an editor can follow up with you if necessary. It's the policy of many newspapers not to accept pseudonyms or publish letters as "Anonymous."
