Speak Out
Letters to the Editor
Writing a letter to the editor is easy. A lot of people do it. Most papers, however, are able to print only one out of every three letters received, so here are some ways to increase your chances of getting published.
- Provide three pieces of information at the top: your full name, your hometown (or township) and a telephone number at which an editor can reach you. Include your work phone number if you can take calls there. Usually, editors don't even read anonymous letters.
- Keep it short. Many news outlets suggest a maximum of 250 words, but shorter is better. Writers should keep in mind that all letters are edited for length, clarity, and taste.
- Newspapers do not print form letters, so don’t cut and paste. Instead of copying Democratic messages word-for-word, use the bullets and facts provided as a basis for creating your own personal message. Often a paper will print the first letter they see on a given subject, unless they suspect it is part of a campaign.
- Help editors verify factual information by providing sources.
- It's good to comment about news stories, editorials, columns, photographs found in the paper as well as about news decisions made by the editors. It helps if you give a publication date for the item that caught your eye. You can respond to other letters, but focus on the involved issues instead of mounting a personal attack on another letter writer.
- Editors usually don't consider more than one letter from a writer every 30 days.
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