ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Writing a Letter to the Editor

The Letters to the Editor (LTE) section is the most widely read section of the newspaper after the front page. The high readership offers you and your organization a cost-effective solution to spread your message and to reach your target audiences. LTEs are published at the discretion of the paper's editors. LTEs are usually written in response to a published article, an opinion piece, or current news. As a result, letters must be timely. Be sure to remember these “C's” when composing an LTE.

Always be:

• Current – Do not wait more than one day after the publication of the article to write a letter to the editor. Better still, e-mail or fax the letter the same day as the article appeared. (Call to find out whether the newspaper prefers e-mail or fax.)
• Concise – Make sure to keep the letter short (under 250 words) and to the point.
• Controversial – Question another's position but avoid personal attacks.
• Contagious – Send your letter to several newspapers, but be sure first to check their policies on multiple submissions. For example, if The New York Times agrees to publish your letter, make sure you haven't sent it to any other newspaper. In addition, encourage others to write letters to the editor.
• Finally, include Contact information. The newspaper may need verification or more information before it will publish your letter.

TIPS:

1. Outlet Policies
   Outlets have rules that are important to consider when writing a letter to the editor. Common length restrictions are 250 to 300 words. Most require you to provide your name, address, and telephone number so that you may be contacted to verify that you wrote the letter before it is printed. Check for each outlet's rules on it's Web site.
2. Timing
   The chances your letter will be published increases if you coordinate your letter to refute, contribute to, or correct recently published pieces from the outlet. You can also write your letter in conjunction with current anniversaries, events, and other news.
3. Proper Reference
   If your letter is a response to a piece or in relation to a specific event make note of this in your letter. Quote referenced headlines and date of publication near the beginning of your letter.
4. To the Point
   Be concise. Make sure the letter complements the broader strategy to move your target audience. How does the letter fit in your communications plan? Make your point.
5. Know Your Facts
   You need to be able to verify any statistics or other facts if the outlet inquires.
6. Control Outrage
   You may care to express outrage or dissatisfaction in your letter. This is acceptable as long as you maintain comprehensibility. If you are extreme, you will sacrifice credibility.
7. Write in Good Times and Bad
   You do not have to limit your letter writing to times of adversity. If an outlet or event positively covers your issue, write a letter praising or thanking this coverage or support.
8. Write More Than One Letter
   Don’t limit yourself to one outlet. Change the content of your letter to match the perceived audience of an outlet, the scope of the outlet, and the location or regional characteristics of the outlet.
9. Many Angles
   Try writing your letter from different angles. Different angles reach different audiences and strike different chords in the same people. Diversify your approach to get through barriers while maintaining your objectives.
10. Follow Up
    Clip published letters and send them to people who can pass them on to your target audience in case they missed them. Keep writing.

Please go here to see a sample Letter to the Editor.

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