Thanks for posting these tips. I think, though, that
250 words is way too long. The DM Register rarely
prints letters longer than 150 words, and if your
letter is under 100 words it has a much better chance
of being published.

If you want to communicate a lot of ideas about a
particular issue, the best thing to do is write one
letter to the editor making one point in less than 100
words. Then have friends or family members write
individual letters making one point in each letter.
Probably not all of your letters will get in the
paper, but perhaps one or two will, whereas the
newspaper is extremely unlikely to print a long,
thorough letter to the editor.

If you have expertise in a particular area, then you
may be able to get a thorough essay published, but
only if you submit it as an op-ed piece rather than as
a letter to the editor. Keeping it under 800 words
will increase your chances for publication, and be
sure to tell the editor about your credentials when
you submit the piece.

Good luck,

Laurie Belin (freelance journalist)


--- Jane Clark <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Date:         Sun, 17 Aug 2003 11:27:01 -0500
> From:         Jane Clark <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: How to Write a Letter to the Editor
> To:           [log in to unmask]
>
> 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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> see:
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