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Read
the paper’s submission instructions and guidelines.
Following them will increase the chances of your letter
making it to print.
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Keep
the letter short. Recommendations vary between 100-250 words.
If the letter is too long, the paper is able to edit
your comments. Most
readers tend to concentrate on the shorter more concise
letters.
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Be
clear on what you want to express.
Focus on one specific issue and don’t try to explain
everything.
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Tie
the first sentence of the letter to a recent news story, event
or other letter. Timeliness
is an important criterion in getting your letter selected for
print.
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The
letter should be logically organized.
Identify your issue, state your opinion, present any
evidence you have and then restate your opinion.
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Proofread
your letter carefully for spelling, punctuation and grammar
mistakes. The
less editing the paper has to do the more likely yours will
get published.
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Have
an objective friend read your letter or wait one day and read
it again prior to submitting to make sure you are conveying
the message you want. Don’t
be rude or threatening, it often overshadows your message.
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If
you are mailing a letter, make sure to have an original
signature. Any
fax transmissions should have a signature as well.
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On
all Letters to the Editor, make sure to include your name,
address and daytime telephone number. The paper may contact you to confirm that you wrote the
letter.
