Letters to the editor
Writing a 'Letter to the editor' is a quick and very
effective way to get your point across to thousands of your
fellow voters. Use the editorial page to educate voters and
counter the distortions that regularly appear in our papers.
- Write your letter immediately. Timeliness is
imperative.
- Make sure you have read the entire article before
writing your letter. Include the title, date and author
in your letter, preferably in the first sentence.
- Start strong by using the pyramid style: Your most
important fact/conclusion comes first, your least
important comes last.
- Stay focused on the issue. Don't go off on tangents.
- Do not confuse a letter to the editor with an op-ed
piece. Say it in 300 words or less.
- If you cite facts, always provide references. Do not
play with numbers; editors will often fact check letters
and any discrepancy will destroy your credibility.
- Avoid personal attacks. If you attack the writer,
you will only amuse. If you attack a third person, your
letter could be libelous. Either way, your letter may
not be published.
- Never end with directives like "Think about it!" or
"Shame on you!"
- Always include your name, even if you wish it
withheld for publication, your address and daytime and
evening phone numbers.
- Never proof your own copy; it's hard to catch your
own typos.
- Always follow the proper procedure for submitting
letters to the editor.
|
Local news editors (link opens email)
Need material for your letters to the editor? Sign up for the
Statehouse
news
|