Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor

• Read the instructions provided by the publication.  Most publications will give guidelines on their website or in the first few pages of the publication.  Follow them carefully.
• Include your name, email address, and phone number at the top of your letter.  Editors often want to verify that it is in fact your opinion that is being submitted under your name.  You can state explicitly that this contact information is not to be published.
• If you are responding to an article or letter or writing about a specific piece of legislation, be sure to name it in the first few sentences of your letter.
• Be as concise as possible.
• Proof-read carefully.  Even if the content is good, editors can choose to ignore letters with spelling or grammar errors.