Tips
for writing letters to editors
Be
sure to see contact information
for many of the Third Congressional District newspapers.
Keep these letter-writing tips in mind:
-
Use your real name. Newspapers do not accept anonymous
letters. Some papers will print your letter under a pseudonym,
if requested.
- Keep
it short. Letters that can make their point in 100
words or less have a better-than-average chance of getting printed.
Letters of up to 250 words are less likely to be published but,
if selected, will almost definitely be edited. Longer than 250?
Consider speech writing as a profession.
- Make
it timely. The sooner the better: the first letters
received on a topic are read first and are more likely to be
selected. Cite the article or opinion piece to which you are
responding, including the date.
- Address
the editors. Write as if you're talking to the editor
of the newspaper - not to readers, not to elected officials,
not to the world at large.
- Stay
on point. One topic per letter is best. Do not feel
that you have to cover all aspects of an issue in a few short
sentences. Instead, concentrate on a few powerful points and
bring in personal experiences when appropriate.
- Avoid
personal attacks. Jumping on the ideas expressed by
others can make for a lively letter; attacking the individuals
themselves is tempting, we know, but bad form.
- Proofread
and spell check. Typos can undermine your credibility.
- Include
contact information. Provide a phone number for confirmation
and a regular mailing address, even if you are submitting by
e-mail. Newspapers need this information to confirm that you
are the person who submitted the letter.
Learn
other ways you can help re-elect Sam Johnson to U.S. Congress:
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