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Six Tips to Writing Successful Letters to the Editor
by Martin Cohn
Letters to the editor can be a great way to express your views on an issue that has importance to you. The letters to the editor page is one of the most popular and widely-read pages
of any newspaper. Often times, the letters influence editors decisions as to which topics to cover in future news stories or editorials. In addition, many politicians and other
decision-makers read the letters page to gauge public opinion. A well worded letter can bring up information not addressed in a news article or can create an impression of widespread
support (or opposition) to an issue.
You can utilize letters to correct or interpret facts in response to inaccuracies, statements made by corporations or government officials, to explain the connection between the news
story and your priority issues, or to praise or criticize an article.
There are four good reasons for you to consider a letter to the editor. First, you have a diverse audience within easy reach because of the popularity of the page. Second, letters to
the editor have credibility. Third, a letter offers you esay publicity for your cause. And, fourth, the more letters, the more influence.
Here are six tips to writing letters to the editor that can increase the likelihood of your letter being published:
1. Write about an issue which is current. Try to write within two days of when an article appears. Specify the item to which you are responding.
2. Send the letter to the publication in which the article appeared. Don't bother doing a mass mailing since only those publications that carried the article will be interested in your
opinion.
3. Be concise (usually no longer than 250 words) and keep to the point.
4. Type your letter and follow the guidelines in the publication (i.e. mail, email, or fax). Proofread your letter for typos before sending.
5. Do not be defamatory or obscene. Rather, be polite, even when you disagree.
6. Include your contact information (name, address, daytime phone number)
While it's very satisfying to have your letter appear in a large daily newspaper, don't overlook the weekly community newspapers. In general, the smaller the publication's circulation,
the more likely it is to have your letter printed.
And, be persistent. You shouldn't be discouraged if your letter is not printed. Editors receive many more letters than they have space to print. If your letter is published, consider
sending clippings to others in your organization. After all, this is a good way to demonstrate that your views are getting public attention.
Martin Cohn is president of Cohn Public Relations, a Brattleboro, VT based full service public relations firm. Martin and his 30+ years of public relations experience can
be reached by phone at
617-962-3136 or by e-mail at martin@cohnpr.com
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