Letters to the
Editor
Write a letter to the
editor. The following notes will help ensure your letter has the
best chance of being published. Keep it short, keep it focused
and keep it within the bounds of good taste.
The larger the circulation
of the publication, the more competition you face in having your
letter selected. Most publications though, look for great
writing with new thoughts when choosing a letter to print. The
letters editor may have hundreds of choices in each day's
mailbag, arriving by ordinary mail, e-mail or fax. To make sure
your letter is compelling enough that the editor will not toss
it in the reject pile:
1. Put your full first and last name, address, phone and/or fax
numbers (day and evening) and your e-mail address at the top of
the letter. Most publications will want to call the writer to
confirm authenticity: (i.e. that you are using your correct name
-- not a phony name -- and that you did in fact write the
letter).
2. If you are referring to
a previously published letter, a news story or column, identify
it by its headline and the date it was published. This enables
the editor to quickly check the original item to verify any
references you have made to it (i.e. quotes, statistics, etc.).
3. Write with direct
words. You don't need a long, rambling introduction to your
subject. Just focus on one or two key points that you want to
make and then finish it up.
4. Write short sentences,
grouped in two or three paragraphs. Don't go to the dictionary
to find flowery words rarely used. You won't impress the
editors!
5. Be witty. Let your
sense of humor and irony shine through. You can even be a little
wicked, as long as you don't cross the line of good taste.
6. Avoid clichés and weak
puns. Be careful with tongue-in-cheek writing.
7. If you are responding
to a columnist's views (or any other opinion piece), don't
launch a personal attack on the columnist -- attack his/her
views. Offer a countervailing opinion. Try to advance the debate
so that other readers might join in the discussion in subsequent
letters. Remember, there is a difference between opinion and
fact.
8. If you have read a news
story or feature article that relates to something you've
experienced, respond by putting your own personal twist on the
subject.
9. Don't send copies of
your letter to a whole host of publications. Make it an original
to the publication you really want to publish it. If you don't
get a confirmation call within a week to 10 days, then try
submitting it elsewhere.
10. Don't be greedy. If
your letter is published, wait at least a month before
submitting another one. Editors want to give as many people as
possible a chance to comment on the issues.
11. Got a letter
published? Send us a copy
info@savetexasparks.com
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