These suggestions are from Sierra Club.  LTEs provide a great opportunity
for education about our issues.
Jane Clark

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Because many people read letters-to-the-editor (LTEs), they are a quick,
effective and continuing means of communicating your campaign message to a
wide audience. They can be used to correct and clarify facts in a news
story, editorial or op-ed piece, oppose or support actions of an official
agency, direct attention to a problem, spur news editors to cover an issue
that is being overlooked, and urge readers to support your cause.

PICK A TIMELY TOPIC - Newspapers rarely publish letters about topics that
are not being covered in the news. Referring to a previously published
article or column will increase your letter's chances of being published.

RESEARCH THE GUIDELINES - Most papers' length limit on LTEs is around 250
words. Stick to this so that an editor does not cut out the important points
of your letter. Some papers require a typed letter. Others may want it sent
via e-mail. Often newspapers want your address and phone number so they can
verify that you wrote the letter. You can usually find a paper's guidelines
on the letters page. If not, call the paper directly or visit its Web site.

ASSUME NOTHING - Do not assume that your readers are informed on your topic.
Give a concise but informative background before plunging into the main
issue. Refer to any newspaper article or editorial by date and title. Also
include any relevant credentials that prove you are informed about your
topic.

BE BRIEF - State your position as succinctly as possible without eliminating
necessary detail. Keep your paragraphs short. Long rambling sentences and
digressions will cause people to lose interest quickly. Stick to one
subject.

MAINTAIN COMPOSURE - It is okay to express outrage, but it should be kept
under control. Avoid personal attacks and focus instead on criticizing
specific policies or ideas

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