How to write a letter to the editor
A Letter to the Editor (LTE) can reach large audiences. A LTE is often perceived as a credible display of mainstream community and public sentiment by legislators and other readers and decision makers. LTEs cost nothing except a small investment of time and thought, and they can provide:
An explanation of how this issue relates to other current news
A chance to raise local public awareness of an issue
A chance to give insight on issues not being adequately covered by your local newspaper.
Tips for Writing an Effective LTE
Find out the newspaper's policy for LTE's by looking on the editorial page of the printed paper or online.
Be concise. Even if the paper you are writing to does not explicitly limit the length of letters it publishes, it’s to your advantage to be as concise as possible (200-250 words is typical).
Stick to one subject. You are better off writing a widely read letter about one topic than one that covers many topics but is not read or, worse, not published, because it is too long or scattered.
Be timely. Newspapers will rarely print letters about subjects that are not in the news. Use a recent news event or recently published article as a link for making your letter timely.
Do not assume readers will know what you are writing about.
Use your credentials. If you have personal experience or expertise in the subject area, mention it.
Be consistent, but original. Stick to the facts mentioned in this handbook or other credible sources. We don’t want two letters, ostensibly on the same side of the issue, that contradict each other. At the same time, do not send in "form letters," or letters that are clearly part of a write-in campaign.
Concentrate on the local angle. Newspapers are community-based institutions and the LTE column is where they interact with the community most explicitly