Letters to the editor appear on the opinion page of the daily newspaper. You also will find letters in news magazines, online and other publications. Newspapers will not accept unsigned letters; magazines often do.
Letters to the editor are a form of audience feedback for newspapers, both in print and online, and magazines. Publications often print a portion of the letters received from readers even when the letters are not flattering to the publication. Letters usually agree or disagree with something printed earlier in the publication. Occasionally, letter writers point out additional information or direct readers to other sources of information. But MOST letters stem from something published previously in the publication. Try to cover new ground rather than rehashing old, tired rhetoric about over-covered topics. Most publications accept letters via snail mail, fax or e-mail
To increase the likelihood your letter will be published, follow these guidelines:
1. Write about a current topic. Base your letter on something published in the publication to which you are submitting a letter.
2. Reference the article you are writing about: Re: Dems turn out in big numbers, March 5
3. State the problem succinctly. Limit yourself. Be CONCISE.
4. Write simple, clear, short sentences with one sentence to a paragraph!
5. Give specific comments or suggestions. "Officials should put a light-rail system up for a vote" is better than "All politicians are money-grubbing worms."
6. Do research before you write. Give specifics. Avoid generalities. “Seventy-five percent of students entering college need a least one remedial course” is preferable to “High schools fail to prepare students for college.”
7. Write on a topic of interest to most readers. No “open letter to the woman who cut me off in traffic yesterday.” She likely won’t see your letter anyway.
Address the letter this way: Editor:
Give some credence to the opposing side in building your case. "While Mayor Casto's riding a bus to work on ozone action days illustrates a point, he should realize thousands of local residents don't have that option because VIA Metropolitan Transit doesn't serve their areas."
Remember, letters to the editor are subject to the same libel charges and invasion of privacy laws that apply to the rest of the publication. If you call someone "a crook," be sure to be able to prove it.
Opinions are one thing, but an inaccurate statement of fact or allegation of criminal behavior is entirely different.
Opinions are one thing, but an inaccurate statement of fact or allegation of criminal behavior is entirely different.
Read and follow the submission policies of the publication. Editorial staffers must have a way to verify the letter to avoid pranks and false submissions. If you write to The Ranger, you must include a phone number, printed name and email address. Check http://www.theranger.org/contact-us/submit-a-letter.
If you email the letter, you still must have a phone number. The editors check to make sure of the letter writer and call to get permission to print the letter.
If you go to the trouble of writing a letter, write one worthy of your name. A clever, well-written letter will often make the reader's day. Sign the letter and expect your name to be printed. Most publications do not run unsigned letters or use initials.
Don't confuse news tips with letters to the editor. Address news tips to the appropriate section or department.
So, good luck, and WRITE ON!
If you go to the trouble of writing a letter, write one worthy of your name. A clever, well-written letter will often make the reader's day. Sign the letter and expect your name to be printed. Most publications do not run unsigned letters or use initials.
Don't confuse news tips with letters to the editor. Address news tips to the appropriate section or department.
So, good luck, and WRITE ON!
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