Letter Writing

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper helps to alert and inform the general public to what's happening in our schools, cities, counties, state, and federally. 

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Although letters to the editor policies vary across publications, the advice below applies to most papers: 

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• Keep it brief. Many newspapers won't even consider letters longer than 200-300 words. (This is about 1 to 1-1/2 pages double-spaced.)
   

• Type your letter. Sometimes editors won't even read letters that are hand written. 
   

• Stick to your point. If you're responding to a news story or editorial, you don't need to give many background details. You may simply start your letter by saying, "In response to your {date} editorial regarding..."
   

• Use facts to support your points, to ensure that your letter is informative and useful to readers. 
   

• Be polite, even (maybe especially) when you disagree. 
   

• Include your full name, address, phone number.  Anonymous letters aren't generally published, though you may request that the editor withhold your name as the letterwriter. 
   

• Don't get discouraged if your letter isn't printed the first time. Often there simply isn't room to print all of the letters received. 
   

• Persistence will pay off! If your letter is published, consider sending the newspaper clipping to the relevant elected officials as a good way to show them that your views are getting public attention. 

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We've included some examples of letters to editors written by our club members as examples and inspiration for your own letter writing. If your letter gets published, please share it with us!