Letter to the Editor - I want published!

In what little time I spent in a newspaper I began to notice a trend with the letters we received. They generally fell into one of two categories: attack or praise.

If the letter fell into the first category, the writer would verbally attack an article, issue or personal cause. Their letter, which I am sure started out meaningful, turned into a rambling tangent allowing them to vent their latest problems.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are praise letters. The writer would thank someone profusely and explain how they could not have done some event or activity without their help. Or they would write about an upcoming event or cause, where the public was of course invited to attend.

Which of these two types usually get printed? Neither.

So how does an average John or Jane get published? Let me give you a few tips.

1. Know the rules of the newspaper you want to send your letter to and FOLLOW them. This seems so simple and yet very few people bother to look up the word count or which editor to address their letter to.
2. Be timely. If you’re replying to an article from a month ago, there is a slim-to-none chance you will ever see your letter printed.
3. Please, please, please do not ramble. Get to the point and stick with your point. In fact only have one point. Quality over quantity, remember this.
4. Use spell-check.
5. Back up your opinion with facts.
6. Don’t just attack; suggest ways to solve the issue at hand. Be a problem solver not a problem maker.
7. If you want to thank those that helped you, write them a letter, not the editor.
8. If you want to promote an event, buy advertising space or make your event so news worthy that every reporter will be rushing to make your even their lead story.

Do you have any more tips? Feel free to leave a comment.


Inspiration: PR Information Methods