The "Letters to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read
sections of the newspaper, and can help shape the opinions of both the
public and policy makers. We'd love to hear from you if you have suggestions on how to improve these tips, or if they have helped you get a letter published.Click here to send in your letter to the editor.
Four steps to a great letter
1. Sentence 1: What
was recently in the news that prompted you to write this letter, and
what about it moved you to take action? Say it in as few words as you
can.
I was dismayed to see today's editorial entitled, "Many nuclear weapons are necessary for America's long-term security."
2. Sentence 2: What is the single most important point you want to make?
Former statesmen like Henry Kissinger cite the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or accidental launches of nuclear weapons as a prime reason that reducing nuclear weapons in the US and around the world will make us safer.
3. Sentence 3: What is at least one fact, observation or personal statement that backs up your point? Personal anecdotes often work great here.
As a grandparent, I am dismayed to think of my granddaughter and future generations growing up in a world where nuclear attacks are still possible.
4. Sentence 4: In conclusion, make
your point again. It's often effective to call for specific change to
help drive your point home.
The US should take leadership and work to reduce its stockpile as a first step towards creating a safer, nuclear weapons free world.
Another example:
Dear Editor,
In Sen. John McCain's Denver speech on nuclear weapons, he was ambiguous about his position on new nuclear weapons like the Reliable Replacement Warhead. His statement that he would cancel further work on the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator because it "does not make strategic or political sense" sounds bold, yet funding for that new nuclear weapon was zeroed out several years ago.
Our current stockpile has been certified as meeting modern safety and reliability standards. Supporting the new nuclear weapons and risking the start of a new arms race makes no sense. Sen. McCain should stand up and oppose the idea of creating new nuclear weapons.
Sincerely,
Name, Address
More Tips:
*
Use legislators' names. If your printed letter mentions a
representative or senator by name, be sure to clip it out and send it
to them.
* Don't rant (not that you would). Hard hitting criticism is a big plus, but rants won't get published.
* Get to know the tone and style of letters selected by your paper.
* Check the length of the letters your paper publishes. As a rule, shorter is better.
* Use statistics and personal stories when you have them.
*
Your letter should be signed and must include your address and
telephone number or it won't be published. The paper may call to verify
that you wrote the letter.
* Be patient. It may take you several tries to get a letter published, but even unpublished letters have an impact.
*
Work with friends or groups. Letter writing is a great group or
volunteer activity, and the more letters on a given subject, the
greater the chance that one or more will be published.
