Writing to the Editor of a Newspaper
Writing a letter to the editor of a
newspaper is one of the most cost-effective ways of getting a message to a
wide and diverse audience. It is also often the only way that certain
reports and opinions can be challenged.
An average newspaper may receive hundreds of letters every day on a range of
topics. The letters that get printed are generally the ones out of a flood
of similar letters that best express a point of view, or a single letter
that expresses a unique (and good) point. However, most letters are read,
and even if they're not published, they may influence the editorial policy -
newspapers play to reader opinion. So even if you doubt that your letter
will be published, its still worth writing in.
Follow these tips below to maximise the impact of your letter.
Respond quickly
News moves very quickly. Letters are more
likely to be printed if they relate to a current news event – always try to
link your point to one of these. Always respond within 24 hours if possible.
If you wait more than a day or two the issue is old news and it is unlikely
that your letter will be published.
Keep it short and simple
Letters to the editor are not feature
stories or editorials. Have a look at any newspaper's letters page and
you'll see how short letters are. If you make it too long, they will cut it
down without consulting you. Use plain language, short sentences and short
paragraphs - and get right to the point. Keep it between 150 and 180 words.
Stick to a single subject
Do not attempt to address several issues
in a single letter. The most effective letters make a single, solid point
that is easy to understand and to digest by the reader (and the editor).
Craft the first paragraph
In journalism they often use a structural
technique called the "inverted pyramid". This means that the hard hitting
part of the story (often containing the key points) comes first. This means
that if a reader stops reading halfway, they at least take away the most
important stuff. The first paragraph should be used to hook the reader's
attention so they're compelled to read on. Make your point in the first
paragraph and then present your argument in the paragraphs that follow. This
may seem counter-intuitive, but it works.
Think locally rather than globally
Effective letters are pitched at the
readership of that newspaper and should show how an issue effects them on as
immediate a level as possible. The more relevant you can make an issue to
both your own and the readers' circumstances, the more likely it is that
your letter will interest (and persuade) people. In other words, localise
and personalise the issue as far as possible.
Be specific
Never use vague references to people and
events. It may mean doing a little extra homework, but avoid using
expressions like "recently" or "a government minister" or "a new law" – say
when, where, who, what, why and how. In journalism this is called the "5 Ws
and an H", and effective letters follow the same rule. If you are replying
to a letter or article, state which one, but without wasting your space by
rehashing it.
Use facts and figures
Where possible, the use of relevant facts
and figures elevates your argument above the average "tit-for-tat" verbal
skirmishes on the letters pages. These are also more difficult to rebut or
to dismiss as mere "opinion".
Be polite and calm
No matter how outraged you are by an
issue, resist the temptation to be abusive and sarcastic or to use
profanity. These types of letters are often binned by the editor. Even if
they are printed, they are more likely to generate sympathy for you
opponents in the eyes of the average (and undecided) reader. Over-emotional
responses and rants are more easily dismissed than reasoned arguments. This
doesn't mean that you shouldn't write with passion and conviction, though.
And remember, attack issues, not people.
Sum up
Conclude your letter with a single
sentence that sums up your main point, argument or position so that readers
are not left hanging in the air.
Proof-read
While most newspapers will sub-edit your
letter before printing it, spelling and grammatical errors create a bad
impression and reduce the chances of your letter being published. If
possible get a friend to read and check it as well before you post it. Also,
don't post it immediately. Re-read it a few hours later to make sure it
still makes as much sense as it did in the heat of writing it.
Provide contact details
Newspapers won't print anonymous letters.
Provide your name, address and telephone number is case they need to contact
you. Don't worry, they will never print your telephone number or your street
address. If you're really concerned about being identified, you can request
that they use a pseudonym (pen name) that you provide them, but this does
tend to undermine the authority of the letter – so avoid doing this if you
can. (You will still have to provide the newspaper with your real name and
address.)
Sign your letter
Typed letters – especially word processed
and printed ones – feel very impersonal. Add a personal touch by signing
your letter in blue ink.
Follow up
Phone the newspaper, ask to speak to the
person in charge of "letters to the editor" and find out if they intend
printing your letter. If not, politely ask them for some feedback that would
improve your chances of having any subsequent letters published. Do not get
angry, demanding or abusive towards the person – in the long run, its more
effective to extract information you can use than to get in the last word.
Most importantly, write! Don't try to write "the perfect letter". Follow the
guidelines above as far as possible, but remember that at the end of the
day, they are just guidelines. It is much more important to express your
thoughts and to contribute to the debate. Don't be discouraged if your
letters aren't printed at first. Just keep hammering at it. | 
