A letter to the editor is a great way to make your voice heard. Your letter to the editor can:
Here’s easy ways to increase your letter’s effectiveness: Discuss only one topic. Your topic should be stated clearly in the first or second sentence. Avoid lengthy introductions. That reduces the chances of your letter being considered by the editor. Keep your focus. Wandering off topic lessens the reader’s interest, along with the editor. Try to keep it under 250 words. Follow the guidelines of the paper you’re writing. If you have personal experience with your topic, share it. This increases the reader’s and editor’s interest in your letter. Timing is everything. The media is all about what is current. Your letter should reflect this. Address a specific article that was printed recently in that newspaper, or write about a recent event. If you are referring to an article, here are some examples on how to do it: "I was impressed by the renewable energy solutions in your August 5 article, 'A New View on Renewable Energy.'" "I strongly disagree with Senator Smith’s August 1 op-ed piece on educational testing in 'Educational Testing Doesn't Make the Grade." Provide facts to support your view. This is always helpful, even more so if you’re making very controversial points or disagreeing with views generally expressed by that newspaper due to their biases. It's even better if you can give a specific, reliable source for your facts. Be tactful. Avoid any personal attack on the paper or a particular columnist. That's unprofessional and reduces your chances of being printed. End with a bang. Try to end with a strong or witty statement. This has a greater effect on the reader, and the editor. Other helpful techniques: Your name, signature, address and phone number must be included. In general, papers only print your name and city. Write to more than one paper, but tailor your letter to each paper. Smaller papers are more likely to reprint your letter. But a big newspaper could give you a much larger audience. There’s strength in numbers.
Encourage members of your community to write on the same
topic. That way, if your letter isn’t selected, then there's a chance that someone
else’s will be. Getting more letters also influences how a paper covers a
topic. Please don't forget: You can help change the world!
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