A letter to the editor is as great way to educate people in your community and region, get your opinion across to policymakers, or respond to a recent article or editorial. The following tips will help you write a more effective letter:
- Be certain that you know your newspaper’s, or the magazine’s, policy on writing letters to the editor. If uncertain, call the customer service desk and ask.
- Know the length requirements and what information must be included in your letter.
- Be timely and discuss recent information.
- Keep the letter short, simple, and to the point. Focus on one issue per letter. Write four or fewer paragraphs. If you are commenting on a certain piece of legislation or bill, include the number or name in your letter.
- Prove local relevance by using local statistics (such as the number of sporting good stores, places that sell hunting and fishing licenses, etc.), personal stories and specific names.
- Follow the letter with a phone call to the editor’s or publishing group’s headquarter office. You can resubmit a revised letter later if you discover more information that needs to be addressed.