Reach the Media
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How to Write a Letter to the Editor

A letter to the editor is a short letter from a reader printed on the editorial page that most often discusses a recent event/issue covered by the publication. Letters to the editor often rebut reporters' views in a recent article; however, they can also be supportive.

Having a letter to the editor appear in a local paper is an excellent way to raise awareness about your issue and reach people of varying interests. More people read letters to the editor than any other section of the paper so make them an important part of your local media strategy.

Tips for an Effective Letter to the Editor

• Make your response timely. Your letter has the best chance of being published if it is in reaction to a recent story in the paper.

• Read letters to the editor already in your local paper. Some newspapers may only accept letters with similar writing styles. Reading other letters may help you adjust your own writing style to fit this section. You can also determine whether someone else has already responded with your idea.

• Keep it short and concise - 150-200 words total, with paragraphs of no more than 2-3 sentences each. The paper will edit your letter to suit its format; the more a paper has to cut, the less control you'll have over what gets printed.

• Lead with your most important information.

• Focus on one main point and provide evidence for your argument.

• Include your full name, address and phone number at the top of the page and sign the letter at the bottom. Include a phone number for verification purposes.

• When you submit a letter to the editor, copy it to the foreign policy aides in your local congressional offices. Even if the letter isn't printed, congressional aides will see you're writing to local papers and will pay attention. When a letter to the editor does get printed, they know they'll need to be able to respond to subsequent calls from constituents concerned about what they read in your letter to the editor regarding U.S. foreign policy toward Guatemala.

• Unless the paper specifically says not to call, follow up to make sure the letter to the editor was received.